Full Day Street Food Tour of Karachi

A bustling melting pot of Western and Eastern culture, ethnicity, and influences, it's not surprising that Karachi captivates the heart of everyone who visits. This ever-growing metropolis is the largest city in Pakistan, and inarguably the most important as it is the commercial, transport and political hub of the country.

With its over 23 million inhabitants, Karachi is perhaps the most diverse and advanced cosmopolitan city in the country. It often blazes forward as an example of the Pakistan to come and its growth rate makes it an evolving hub where people from different backgrounds meet and shape the future of the city and the country.

Despite its progressive nature and fast-paced life, one thing that never changes in Karachi is its rich and aromatic culinary culture. And there is no better way to capture the flavor of a city than through its street food, right?

On this tour, we will learn more about Karachi's diverse culture, one street food stop at a time. 

Halwa Puri (breakfast)

Kick-off your day with a filling meal called halwa puri, a popular in Pakistani, Indian and Bangladeshi dish traditionally eaten for breakfast. This meal usually includes the piping hot, yet crispy puri used to scoop up the channay cholay (chickpeas), aaloo tarkari (potato vegetable), laced with a topping of that decadently sweet halwa. Dhamthal Sweets & Bakers is the perfect place to grab this local dish. Desi all the way, their puris, in particular, taste heavenly.

Arabian paratha (morning snack)

Continue your culinary adventure to Burns Road, one of the most well known Pakistani street food locations in Karachi. Here, you'll try Fresco Bakers' Arabian paratha, a thin piece of dough, filled with minced chicken and an egg mixture that's fried to perfection. This is an Arabian snack but is similar to Southeast Asia's mataba or martabak.

Matka Kulfi and Rabri (dessert)

This tour is aimed to satisfy your palate so why not enjoy yummy local dessert after a snack? While still on Burns Road, visit a hole in the wall shop that offers unforgettable matka kulfi or Indian sub-continent ice cream. This ice cream, frozen inside a small clay cup, is made from khoya which is a type of sweetened milk but has a thicker consistency. 

If, understandably, one dessert is not enough, try the famous rabri. Satisfy your sweet tooth and enjoy the sweet, condensed milk-based pudding which is unlike any pudding you've tasted before.

While on Burns Road, take this chance to explore the traditional Empress Market of Karachi. Here, you'll find some fresh produce, herbs and spices, and utensils from different parts of the world. You can also stop by the nearby Jahangir Park before heading for lunch.

Nihari (lunch)

Nihari is a rich meat stew, and while the dish is all over Pakistan, many hardcore foodies say Karachi still reigns supreme in the nihari department. Perhaps the king of all nihari combos is the nalli nihari or bone marrow beef stew - rich beyond belief and could be seasoned with ginger, chilis, and lime. Zahid Nihari offers one of the best, if not the best, nihari in the city. The resto's bone marrow recipe that melts in your mouth is a dish you won't soon forget.

Kebab Roll (afternoon snack)

Chicken rolls, beef rolls, or any kebab rolls in Karachi has been the go-to snacks of locals and visitors alike. These mouthwatering easy to prepare snacks are all over the city, but one place that serves them best is Shaikh Abdul Ghaffar, a decades-old family-run restaurant.

After a roll of kebab or two, it's time for some R&R at Clifton Beach, a popular place for hawa-khori or the munching of air. You can even go for a camel or horse-riding or take it to the next level and try buggy riding.

Kata-kat and Brain Masala (dinner)

An onomatopoeia for the sound it makes during cooking, kata-kat is a popular Pakistani street food made of pig or cow's internal organs (usually brain). The fillets are deep-fried and then mixed with onions and other spices on a hotplate. This delectable dish is often served with chapati and a side of herb-filled chutney. Of course, we'll have this dinner at only the best in town, Noorani Kabab House.

Gola Ganda (dessert)

Seal off your culinary tour at Dhoraji with gola ganda, a must-try dessert when in Karachi. This simple ice cone dessert is taken to the next level by the locals as it is served with colorful sugar syrups and condensed milk. This dessert is perfect for summer but with its sugary goodness, don't be surprised if you'll crave it all year round.

Includes

• Pick up/drop off from hotel or any location in Karachi
• Food and drinks mentioned in the itinerary
• 1.5 liters of mineral water bottle for each participant
• Transport in airconditioned vehicle (Toyota Corolla or similar) with driver and fuel
• Driver's meals

Excludes

• Travel/medical insurance
• Tips and gratuities
• Personal expenses
• Food and drinks NOT mentioned in the itinerary

Please Note

• Notify upon booking if you have any allergies or require special dietary requirements.
• Restaurant may change depending on availability. In this case, your guide will take you to a similar food stop/restaurant.