Quetta is not just another city on the map. It’s a place that speaks through its food. The cold air here isn’t empty, it’s full of smoky kebab smells, the sound of tea boiling in metal kettles, and the quiet charm of life happening slowly. Walk through the streets, and you’ll see something special everywhere – a man making sajji over hot coals, fresh naan coming out of a tandoor, or friends sitting at roadside dhabas sharing hot tea and stories.

For people who live here, food is more than just eating; it’s part of daily life, part of family, part of culture. And if you’re visiting for the first time, you’re lucky. This city has a way of making you feel welcome, especially through its food.

In this Quetta Food Guide, we’ll take you through the local dishes that Quetta is proud of. We’ll talk about famous food spots, street-side gems, and what you should try if you want to eat like a local. No fancy words, no confusing details — just real, honest food talk that helps you find the best bites in Quetta.

So come hungry, and let’s explore.

What Makes Quetta’s Food So Special

Quetta’s food tastes different, in a good way. The city is cold most of the year, so people here love hot and heavy meals like grilled meat, spicy stews, and fresh naan. These warm dishes feel even better in the chilly weather.

But it’s not just the weather. Quetta is close to Afghanistan and Iran, so the food here has a mix of their flavors too. You’ll find Afghan-style kebabs, Iranian desserts, and many dishes with dried fruits and nuts.

Quetta is also famous for its fresh fruits. That’s why people call it the “Fruit Garden of Pakistan.” From sweet cherries to crunchy almonds and pistachios, local food often comes with a tasty twist.

One of the popular places that brings all these flavors together is Quetta Food Club, known for its rich taste and variety. It’s a favorite spot for both locals and visitors looking to enjoy traditional food in a clean, welcoming setting.

No matter if you live here or are just visiting, Quetta’s food is simple, tasty, and easy on the pocket. Try it once, and you’ll keep coming back.

Famous Restaurants in Quetta to Visit

Here are some well-known restaurants in Quetta. Each one has its special food. I’ve added their location, best dishes, and prices (if known) to help you enjoy your food trip.

1. Jaan Broast

• Where: Prince Road Food Street, Quetta, a lively spot for morning meals.
• What to Expect: This restaurant is a favorite for breakfast, open until 2 PM, because Quetta’s sunrise is late (around 7:30 AM). It has a big dining area and a rooftop hall, perfect for families.
• Must-Try Dishes:
  • Mutton Paaya: A warm, rich stew made from lamb trotters, perfect for cold mornings. Costs 450 rupees per bowl (serves two).
  • Halwa Puri: Fluffy fried bread (60 rupees each) with sweet halwa and potato curry (100 rupees). A full plate with sides is 250 rupees.
  • Nihari: A spicy beef stew with tender meat, great for breakfast. Costs 300 rupees per bowl.
• Why Visit: Jaan Broast brings Lahori-style breakfasts to Quetta, making it a great place to start your day with hearty, affordable food.

2. Bismillah Hotel

• Where: Prince Road, Quetta, right in the heart of the food street.
• What to Expect: A cozy spot known for classic Pakistani breakfasts, loved by locals for its warm dishes in Quetta’s chilly weather.
• Must-Try Dishes:
  • Goat Paye: A thick, flavorful stew of goat trotters, ideal for winter. Costs 450 rupees per plate.
  • Halwa Puri: Sweet halwa with crispy puris, estimated at 200–250 rupees per plate.
  • Lahori Chanay: Spiced chickpeas with a rich, broth-like texture, estimated at 200–300 rupees.
• Why Visit: Bismillah Hotel is perfect for a quick, filling breakfast that warms you up before exploring Quetta.

3. Gulab Hotel

• Where: Saranan, a 1.5-hour drive from Quetta (no branches elsewhere).
• What to Expect: This 100-year-old restaurant is world-famous, serving 22–23 lambs and 2,000 parathas daily. It’s open from 8 AM to 2 AM and draws food lovers from across Pakistan and beyond.
• Must-Try Dish:
  • Mutton Rosh: Tender lamb cooked in its fat with just salt, served with broth, naan, and salad. Costs 1,300 rupees per plate.
• Why Visit: Gulab Hotel is a must for foodies willing to travel for a melt-in-your-mouth Baloch dish that’s unlike anything else.

To eat is a necessity, but to eat intelligently is an art.François de la Rochefoucauld

4. Kabul Jaan Restaurant

• Where: Near Jinnah Road, Quetta, open until 12:15 AM.
• What to Expect: A great spot for late-night dining, with open-air grills and rooftop cooking. It’s perfect for groups enjoying Quetta’s cool evenings.
• Must-Try Dishes:
  • Beef Tikka (Khurak): Juicy beef skewers with crispy fat, estimated at 400–600 rupees per serving.
  • Kabuli Pulao: Fragrant rice with mutton, carrots, and raisins, estimated at 800–1,000 rupees.
  • Mutton Rosh: Tender lamb with creamy gravy, estimated at 1,300 rupees per plate.
• Why Visit: Kabul Jaan offers Afghan-inspired flavors, making it a top choice for barbecue and rice lovers.

5. Quetta Food Club

• Where: Near DHA, Quetta outskirts, the biggest restaurant in Balochistan with 2,000–3,000 seats.
• What to Expect: Open since October 2022, this massive restaurant has over 300 menu items, from Balochi classics to Chinese and fast food. It offers floor seating, modern tables, and an open kitchen.
• Must-Try Dishes:
  • Balochi Sajji: Slow-roasted lamb or chicken, served with chutney, costs 1,200–1,500 rupees per plate.
  • Mutton Ribs: Tender grilled ribs, estimated at 800–1,200 rupees.
  • Grilled Fish (Salmon): Crispy outside, juicy inside, topped with lamb fat, estimated at 800–1,200 rupees.
• Why Visit: Quetta Food Club is ideal for groups wanting a mix of traditional and modern dishes in a grand setting.

6. Usmania Restaurant

• Where: Baleli Road, Quetta (has many branches, including “Nosh by Usmania”).
• What to Expect: A 20-year-old chain known for mixing Pakistani, Afghan, Lebanese, and Turkish foods. It’s cozy and perfect for families or special meals.
• Must-Try Dishes:
  • Chapli Kebab: Spicy minced meat patties, estimated at 400–600 rupees per plate.
  • Namkeen Karahi: Salty lamb curry with naan, estimated at 800–1,200 rupees.
  • Mixed Platter: A variety of kebabs and tikka, estimated at 1,500–2,000 rupees.
• Why Visit: Usmania is a top pick for those wanting a taste of Quetta’s diverse food influences in one place.

7. Mehfil Restaurant

• Where: Airport Road, near Chiltan Housing Scheme, Quetta.
• What to Expect: A highly rated spot with a warm atmosphere, serving quality Pakistani and Balochi dishes, great for families or meetings.
• Must-Try Dishes:
  • Mutton Karahi: Spicy lamb curry, estimated at 800–1,200 rupees per plate.
  • Balochi Pulao: Rice with lamb or beef, estimated at 800–1,000 rupees.
• Why Visit: Good food, simple space, and true local flavor. Locals visit often.

8. Asia Dastarkhwan

• Where: Quetta, with family and upstairs dining halls (exact address not listed).
• What to Expect: A popular restaurant mixing Pakistani classics with fast food and continental dishes, known for unique steamed items and big barbecue platters.
• Must-Try Dishes:
  • Steam Chargha: Steamed and fried chicken with spices, estimated at 800–1,200 rupees.
  • Mutton Handi: Creamy lamb curry, estimated at 800–1,200 rupees.
• Why Visit: Asia Dastarkhwan is great for groups looking for variety and a modern twist on Quetta’s food.

9. Samsour

• Where: Quetta, a tea-focused spot (exact address not listed).
• What to Expect: Famous for 20–22 types of tea and a fun vibe with games like Ludo. It also serves rich parathas and lassi, perfect for relaxing in cold weather.
• Must-Try Dishes:
  • Kashmiri Chai: Creamy tea with almonds, costs 220 rupees per cup.
  • Special Piyala Chai: Tea with cream, chocolate, and nuts, costs 280 rupees.
  • Aloo Paratha: Potato-filled bread with cream and almonds, costs 400 rupees.
• Why Visit: Samsour is the place to unwind with warm tea and tasty snacks after a day of exploring.

Street Food and Markets to Explore

Quetta’s street food and markets are just as exciting as its restaurants. Here are two top spots to try local bites and sweets.

1. Kandhari Bazaar (Street Food Stall)

• Where: A small alley in Kandhari Bazaar, Quetta’s main market.
• What to Expect: A 64-year-old stall, run by the same family since 1960, serving fresh liver dishes cooked on an open grill.
• Must-Try Dish:
  • Kaleji: Lamb liver with onions and spices, served with naan. Costs 390 rupees per plate.
• Why Visit: This stall offers a true taste of Quetta’s street food, with a side of history.

2. Dry Fruit Market

• Where: Near Baraich Market, Quetta, a 25-year-old food hub.
• What to Expect: A clean market with shops like Al-Naseeb, selling top-quality dry fruits and Iranian sweets, perfect for snacks or gifts.
• Must-Try Items:
  • Dried Cherries: Sweet and aromatic, they cost 880 rupees per kilogram.
  • Irani Chocolates: Candy-like sweets cost 500 rupees per kilogram.
  • Sugarcane Juice: Cold, sweet, and fresh. Just 50 rupees for a glass.
• Why Visit: The market is a great place to grab unique treats and experience Quetta’s trade with Iran.

Final Thoughts About Quetta’s Food

So, guys, we have covered the Quetta Food Guide in detail. Quetta’s food is not just something to eat,  it’s a big part of the city’s life and culture. From the smoky kebabs at Kabul Jaan to the sweet jalebis at Mazai Adah, every bite has a taste of Baloch and Afghan tradition.

The cold weather makes hot meals feel even better, and the best part? Most of the food is cheap, so you can enjoy a lot without spending too much. The food in Quetta is full of taste, easy to enjoy, and as kind as the locals.

So, are you ready to try it all? If you have a favorite dish or need more tips, feel free to ask. Safe travels and happy eating!

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