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Pakistan is renowned for its rich and aromatic cuisine, offering a variety of dishes like Nihari, Gol Gappe, Halwa Puri, and Chapli Kebab. However, the country’s culinary delights are not limited to these traditional meals.

Pakistan also boasts a diverse range of packaged snacks, each bursting with unique flavors and spices. These snacks, found in street stalls and supermarkets, provide a delicious glimpse into Pakistani food culture. Here, we 8 Pakistani packaged snacks worth buying and trying that will tantalize your taste buds.

1. Lays

Lays, known as Walkers in the UK, is a globally recognized brand under PepsiCo. In Pakistan, Lays offers flavors that cater specifically to local tastes. Beyond the classic Ready Salted, you can find varieties such as Masala, Yoghurt & Herb, Mexican Chilli, French Cheese, Paprika, and Texas BBQ.

The Masala flavor, a favorite among locals, is packed with a blend of spices including onion powder, garlic powder, chili powder, coriander powder, cumin powder, black pepper, tomato powder, parsley, and paprika. These crisps are available in various sizes, with prices ranging from Rs. 20 (9p) for a small pack to Rs. 30 (14p) for a large one.

2. Pop Nosh Popcorn

Pop Nosh is Pakistan’s first handcrafted gourmet popcorn brand, offering a range of innovative flavors that go beyond the usual sweet and salted options.

Flavors include Caramel Crunch, Cheddar Cheese, Cashew Crunch, French Butter, English Toffee, Choco Loco, Lotus Biscoff, Movie Theatre, Peri-Peri, Spicy Jalapeno, and Pink Himalayan Salted Caramel. A large packet of this delightful popcorn retails for Rs. 58 (26p), making it a perfect snack for sharing during movie nights.

3. Pringles Desi Masala Tadka

Pringles, the iconic American brand, is popular worldwide. In Pakistan, Pringles offers unique flavors such as Paprika, Peri-Peri, Pizza, Chutney, and Desi Masala Tadka.

The Desi Masala Tadka flavor is particularly beloved for its intense Desi spices. A tube of Pringles in Pakistan costs around Rs. 290 (£1.30), making it a bit pricier than other local snacks but well worth it for the flavor explosion.

4. Kurkure Chutney Chaska

Kurkure’s Chutney Chaska crisps, made from 100% natural corn, offer a distinctive sweet and savory combination. These crisps have a subtle tomato flavor, complemented by the sweetness of oranges. A pack of Chutney Chaska retails for Rs. 20 (9p), providing a delightful flavor punch for snack lovers.

5. Slanty

Slanty, produced by Pakistani snack company Kolson, are penne pasta-shaped crisps with a softer bite that melts in your mouth. Available in flavors like Jalapeno, Salted, and Vegetable, Slanty offers a pleasant change from traditional crisps. The Jalapeno flavor, with its mild spiciness, is particularly popular. A packet of Slanty costs Rs. 30 (14p).

6. Candeez

Candeez, by Hila Foods, caters to those with a sweet tooth. These hard-boiled sweets come with flavored centers and are available in a variety of flavors such as Amras (mango filling), Pan Pasand (mint and paan), Khopra (coconut center), Choran Chatni (tangy oriental spices), Hajmola (sweet and sour tamarind), Strawberry Masti (strawberry center), Amrood Chaat (spicy guava chaat), and Rasila Orange (tangy orange center). A pack of 25 Candeez sweets costs Rs. 45 (20p).

7. Nimko

Nimko, by Kurkure, is an addictive snack mix of potato sticks, peanuts, and chickpeas, seasoned with a blend of spices. Similar to the UK’s Cofresh Bombay Mix but spicier, Nimko is perfect for snacking during work, movies, or travel. A large pack costs Rs. 30 (14p).

8. Chili Mili

Chili Mili, by Candyland, are jelly sweets with a unique hot chili twist. These sweets balance spiciness with sweetness, making them a popular choice among Pakistanis of all ages. Shaped like chili peppers, Chili Mili offers a distinct and enjoyable snacking experience. A party pack costs Rs. 50 (20p).

Wrap Up

These 8 Pakistani packaged snacks offer a flavorful journey through the country’s rich culinary landscape. While some brands are internationally recognized, the flavors are unique to Pakistan, reflecting local tastes and traditions. Next time you find yourself in Pakistan, be sure to try these snacks and savor the delightful blend of spices and flavors that make Pakistani cuisine so special.