Pakistan The Jewel in Asia's Crown

Shezhad Hussain would like readers to enjoy the regions cuisine!

PAKISTAN IS A country that we all know of, but know relatively little about. The country is proud of its culinary heritage and the regional dishes that are becoming more and more popular around the world. In Urdu, the country is named ‘Land of the Pure’ and this is evident when taking a closer look at the fascinating cuisine, which has a lot more differences from Indian cooking than you would expect. Based on ancient Mughlai recipes, modern Pakistani cookery also takes inspiration the techniques and ingredients used by neighbouring countries to create richer, more elaborate food.

The area covered by modern day Pakistan is considered to be the cradle of civilization, with evidence dating back over 5000 years. Described by visitors as having some of the most picturesque scenery in the world, it has sadly been shrouded by political unrest. Visitor numbers have now slowed to a mere trickle in recent years, but those who do venture will discover a country full of contradictions, where simmering tensions exist alongside incredible friendliness and hospitality, all among an Arabian Nights backdrop. Pakistani food expert, Shehzad Husain, was born and brought up in Pakistan, and has a wide knowledge of the cuisines of the entire Indian subcontinent. She has acted as consultant on Indian food to clients as diverse as Marks & Spencer and British Airways. Shehzad has spoken with Chaat! Magazine about her most recent book The Food and Cooking of Pakistan: Traditional Dishes From The Home Kitchen, which explores this intriguing cuisine and opens up a whole new world of flavour.