Pakistani keto guide
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162 dishes54 keto as served118 with a photo
Keto friendliness
Pakistani cuisine can be adapted to keto, but requires strict avoidance of traditional staples and careful menu navigation.
Top ingredients
Excellent traditional keto ingredients include various meats (chicken, lamb, beef, goat), ghee, full-fat dairy, and non-starchy vegetables often found in curries.
Danger zones
The biggest carb traps are ubiquitous naan, roti, paratha, rice dishes (biryani, pulao), lentils (daal), chickpeas, potatoes, and often sugar-laden marinades or gravies.
Best for
This cuisine works best for experienced keto dieters who are confident in requesting modifications, are comfortable focusing solely on protein and fat, and vigilant about hidden carbohydrates.
162 dishes · page 1 of 3
Chicken Sajji
Whole Roasted Chicken (Spit-Grilled)
A whole chicken marinated simply with salt and sometimes minimal spices (like cumin, chili flakes, vinegar) an…
2 net3 total1 fibre90 protein45 fat800 kcal
Balochi Sajji
Balochi Roast Lamb
A traditional Balochistani dish where a whole lamb (or large cuts like leg/shoulder) is marinated simply (ofte…
3 net4 total1 fibre95 protein80 fat1100 kcal
Grilled Lamb Chops
Grilled Lamb Chops with Keto Sides
Tender and succulent lamb chops marinated in a blend of traditional Pakistani spices (ginger, garlic, red chil…
3 net5 total2 fibre70 protein55 fat800 kcal
Murgh Roast
Spiced Whole Roast Chicken (Plain)
A whole chicken seasoned with a simple yet effective blend of dry Pakistani spices like salt, red chili powder…
3 net4 total1 fibre70 protein60 fat800 kcal
Charsi Tikka
Charsi Style Lamb Ribs/Chops
A minimalist yet incredibly flavorful dish originating from Peshawar. Lamb chops or ribs are cooked slowly in …
4 net6 total2 fibre85 protein110 fat1300 kcal
Lahori Fry Fish (No Coating)
Pan-Fried Snapper/Pomfret with Spices (No Flour)
A whole snapper or pomfret, marinated in a tangy and spicy blend of ginger, garlic, lemon juice, and tradition…
4 net5 total1 fibre65 protein70 fat900 kcal
Mutton Chanp
Grilled Lamb Chops/Ribs
Tender and flavorful lamb chops or ribs, marinated in a blend of yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, lemon juice, and…
4 net6 total2 fibre70 protein80 fat1000 kcal
Namkeen Gosht
Salted Lamb Roast/Curry
A traditional Pakistani dish featuring large cuts of lamb (often bone-in) slow-cooked with minimal spices, sal…
4 net5 total1 fibre75 protein65 fat900 kcal
Anda Bhurji
Masala Scrambled Eggs
A popular Pakistani breakfast or light meal dish made from scrambled eggs cooked with finely chopped onions, t…
5 net7 total2 fibre22 protein30 fat350 kcal
Chicken Reshmi Kebab
Creamy Minced Chicken Skewers
Tender skewers of finely minced chicken, marinated in a rich mixture of cream, yogurt, ginger-garlic, green ch…
5 net7 total2 fibre55 protein68 fat850 kcal
Chicken Shorba
Clear Chicken Broth
A light and clear broth made from slow-simmered chicken pieces and bones with ginger, garlic, and delicate spi…
5 net7 total2 fibre30 protein20 fat300 kcal
Hunter Beef
Spiced Cured Beef
A traditional Pakistani cured and spiced beef preparation, typically using brisket or silverside. The beef is …
5 net6 total1 fibre70 protein50 fat700 kcal
Boneless Chicken Tikka (Dry)
Grilled Boneless Spiced Chicken
Succulent boneless chicken pieces marinated in yogurt and traditional spices, then grilled in a tandoor or ove…
6 net8 total2 fibre70 protein45 fat700 kcal
Chicken Tikka Boti
Grilled Boneless Chicken Chunks
Succulent boneless chicken pieces marinated in yogurt and a blend of traditional Pakistani spices, then grille…
6 net7 total1 fibre50 protein40 fat580 kcal
Dam Pukht
Slow-Cooked Mutton (Dam Pukht Style) with Keto Sides
A traditional dish of slow-cooked mutton, steamed in its own juices and fat, often with minimal spices, produc…
6 net8 total2 fibre75 protein80 fat1000 kcal
Dhaga Kebab
Spiced Minced Beef Skewers (Grilled)
Finely minced beef or mutton, heavily spiced with ginger, garlic, green chilies, and a blend of garam masala, …
6 net8 total2 fibre55 protein45 fat650 kcal
Fish Tikka
Grilled Spiced Fish Cubes
Cubes of firm white fish (e.g., Rahu, Basa, or Snapper) marinated in a spicy yogurt and lemon mix, then grille…
6 net8 total2 fibre65 protein35 fat600 kcal
Grilled Fish Masala
Spiced Grilled Fish Fillet
Whole or filleted fish (e.g., Surmai, Rahu) marinated in a robust blend of ginger-garlic, chilies, cumin, cori…
6 net8 total2 fibre50 protein42 fat600 kcal
Lahori Chargha
Whole Roasted Spiced Chicken
A whole chicken marinated in a blend of Lahori spices, yogurt, and citrus, then roasted or steamed and fried u…
6 net8 total2 fibre80 protein55 fat850 kcal
Methi Bhujia
Spiced Fenugreek Greens Stir-fry
A rustic and flavorful vegetarian side dish prepared by stir-frying fresh fenugreek leaves (methi) with onions…
6 net12 total6 fibre7 protein20 fat250 kcal
Mutton Yakhni
Clear Mutton Broth
A clear, flavorful broth made by slow-simmering mutton bones and meat with whole spices, ginger, and garlic. I…
6 net8 total2 fibre35 protein35 fat400 kcal
Pakistani Omelette
Spiced Egg Omelette
A hearty omelette made with whisked eggs, finely chopped onions, tomatoes, green chilies, fresh coriander, and…
6 net8 total2 fibre28 protein25 fat350 kcal
Seekh Kebab
Minced Beef Skewers
Spiced minced beef, typically mixed with finely chopped onions, herbs, and aromatic spices, shaped onto skewer…
6 net8 total2 fibre45 protein50 fat650 kcal
Tawa Prawns (Dry Spiced)
Dry Spiced Prawn Stir-fry
Fresh prawns quickly cooked on a flat griddle (tawa) with a robust blend of dry spices, ginger, garlic, and gr…
6 net8 total2 fibre35 protein25 fat400 kcal
Beef Boti Kebab (Dry)
Grilled Spiced Beef Cubes
Small cubes of beef marinated in a tenderizing mix of spices, ginger-garlic paste, and yogurt, then grilled to…
7 net9 total2 fibre70 protein55 fat800 kcal
Chicken Hara Masala
Green Herb Chicken Curry
A vibrant and aromatic chicken curry characterized by its green color, derived from a generous paste of fresh …
7 net10 total3 fibre65 protein70 fat900 kcal
Gola Kebab
Spiced Minced Beef Balls
Small, ball-shaped kebabs made from finely minced beef, seasoned with a blend of rich spices, ginger, and garl…
7 net9 total2 fibre48 protein45 fat620 kcal
Keema Hari Mirch
Minced Meat with Green Chilies
Spicy ground meat (beef or chicken) stir-fried with a generous amount of green chilies, ginger, garlic, and a …
7 net10 total3 fibre58 protein46 fat660 kcal
Keto Chicken Chaat
Spiced Shredded Chicken Salad (Keto Modified)
A refreshing and tangy salad featuring shredded, cooked chicken mixed with finely diced keto-friendly vegetabl…
7 net12 total5 fibre45 protein25 fat450 kcal
Keto Shami Kebab (No Lentils)
Keto Ground Mutton Patties (No Lentils or Breadcrumbs)
Traditionally, Shami Kebabs are made from minced meat and chana dal (split chickpeas). This keto version remov…
7 net10 total3 fibre60 protein50 fat700 kcal
Mutton Raan
Roasted Lamb Leg (Keto, No Carb Sides)
A whole leg of lamb, slow-roasted or steamed until incredibly tender and falling off the bone, marinated with …
7 net10 total3 fibre100 protein90 fat1200 kcal
Prawn Masala
Spiced Prawn Curry
Succulent prawns cooked in a vibrant and aromatic masala (spice mix) gravy. This dish features a base of sauté…
7 net10 total3 fibre55 protein50 fat750 kcal
Pudina Raita
Mint Yogurt Dip
A refreshing yogurt-based dip seasoned with fresh mint, roasted cumin powder, and a touch of black salt. A coo…
7 net8 total1 fibre10 protein15 fat180 kcal
Sarson Saag (Keto Modified, No Corn Flour)
Mustard Greens (Keto Version)
A rustic dish made from puréed mustard greens, often cooked with other greens like spinach or bathua, and trad…
7 net15 total8 fibre8 protein30 fat350 kcal
Shinwari Mutton (Keto Modified)
Shinwari Mutton with Green Chilies and Tomatoes (Keto Modified)
A distinctive and rustic Karahi-style dish from the Shinwari tribe, known for its simplicity. Tender mutton is…
7 net10 total3 fibre45 protein70 fat800 kcal
Sukha Gosht
Dry Spiced Mutton Roast
A flavorful and rustic dish where tender mutton pieces are dry-roasted or stir-fried with a robust blend of wh…
7 net10 total3 fibre45 protein55 fat700 kcal
Baingan Bharta
Smoked Eggplant Mash (Keto Modified, No Peas/Potatoes)
A flavorful dish of roasted and mashed eggplant (baingan), typically cooked with tomatoes, onions, and spices.…
8 net15 total7 fibre6 protein40 fat450 kcal
Balochi Karahi (Mutton/Beef)
Simple Balochi Mutton/Beef Karahi (Dry-Style)
A very rustic and robust Karahi from Balochistan, known for its simple ingredients and intense flavor. Bone-in…
8 net12 total4 fibre65 protein65 fat850 kcal
Bater Masala
Spicy Quail Curry
Whole or half quails cooked in a robust and spicy gravy, featuring a blend of ginger, garlic, tomatoes, onions…
8 net12 total4 fibre65 protein75 fat900 kcal
Bihari Boti (Beef)
Spiced Grilled Beef Strips
Thin strips of beef marinated in a tenderizing mixture of raw papaya paste and intensely aromatic Bihari spice…
8 net10 total2 fibre55 protein48 fat680 kcal
Gurda Kapura Masala
Kidney and Testicles Masala
A robust and spicy stir-fry or curry featuring goat or lamb kidneys and testicles, cooked with onions, tomatoe…
8 net12 total4 fibre65 protein55 fat780 kcal
Karela Bhujia
Bitter Gourd Stir-fry (Keto Friendly)
A traditional Pakistani vegetarian side dish made from bitter gourd (karela) stir-fried with onions, tomatoes,…
8 net14 total6 fibre8 protein35 fat400 kcal
Mushroom Masala (Keto Modified)
Spiced Mushroom Curry (Keto Modified)
A savory dish featuring mushrooms cooked in a rich, spicy gravy. Modified for keto by significantly reducing o…
8 net12 total4 fibre10 protein30 fat350 kcal
Mutton Achari
Pickled Lamb/Goat Curry
A rich and tangy curry made with tender mutton (lamb or goat) cooked in a blend of traditional pickling spices…
8 net12 total4 fibre65 protein75 fat950 kcal
Mutton Pasli Roast
Slow-Roasted Spiced Lamb Ribs
Tender lamb ribs slow-roasted with a blend of aromatic Pakistani spices including ginger, garlic, red chili, a…
8 net10 total2 fibre65 protein90 fat1100 kcal
Mutton Seena Roast
Slow-Roasted Lamb Brisket with Spices
A succulent lamb brisket, slow-cooked for hours until incredibly tender, seasoned with a robust blend of tradi…
8 net11 total3 fibre75 protein100 fat1200 kcal
Paneer Tikka (Grilled Indian Cheese)
Spiced Grilled Indian Cheese Skewers
Cubes of firm Indian cottage cheese (paneer) marinated in a rich mixture of yogurt and a blend of dry spices l…
8 net10 total2 fibre35 protein45 fat550 kcal
Peshawari White Karahi (Keto Modified)
Creamy White Chicken/Mutton Karahi
A milder, creamier version of Karahi, typically made with chicken or mutton. It features meat cooked with yogu…
8 net10 total2 fibre70 protein70 fat950 kcal
Prawn Karahi
Shrimp Stir-fry with Spices
Succulent prawns cooked in a traditional Karahi (wok-style) with a fresh, spicy, and tangy masala made from to…
8 net12 total4 fibre60 protein70 fat850 kcal
Tandoori Chicken
Clay Oven Roasted Spiced Chicken
Whole or half chicken marinated in yogurt and robust spices, then slow-cooked to perfection in a traditional c…
8 net10 total2 fibre90 protein60 fat900 kcal
Brain Fry
Pan-Fried Goat Brain
Delicately prepared goat brain, pan-fried with onions, tomatoes, green chilies, ginger, garlic, and a blend of…
9 net12 total3 fibre25 protein85 fat900 kcal
Gobi Masala
Cauliflower Stir-fry (No Potato)
Flavorful cauliflower florets stir-fried with onions, tomatoes, ginger, garlic, and a blend of aromatic Pakist…
9 net18 total9 fibre8 protein32 fat380 kcal
Hari Mirch Gosht
Green Chili Meat Curry
A fiery and aromatic curry featuring succulent pieces of mutton or beef cooked primarily with green chilies, g…
9 net12 total3 fibre60 protein48 fat680 kcal
Kheera Raita
Cucumber Yogurt Dip
A refreshing side dish made from plain, unsweetened yogurt mixed with finely grated or diced cucumber, seasone…
9 net10 total1 fibre12 protein18 fat220 kcal
Mixed Sabzi (Keto Style)
Mixed Vegetable Stir-Fry (Keto Modified)
A vibrant stir-fry of carefully selected keto-friendly vegetables such as bell peppers, green beans, cabbage, …
9 net18 total9 fibre10 protein30 fat350 kcal
Pasanday (Keto Modified)
Thin-Cut Beef/Lamb in Rich Gravy (Keto)
Thin, flattened cuts of beef or lamb (often from the leg) slow-cooked in a rich, creamy, and aromatic gravy ma…
9 net12 total3 fibre65 protein55 fat800 kcal
Prawn Bhuna Masala
Dry Roasted Prawn Curry (Keto Modified)
Prawns cooked in a rich, dry, and intensely spiced 'bhuna' style gravy, where spices are roasted with onions a…
9 net12 total3 fibre55 protein40 fat600 kcal
Achari Baingan
Pickled Eggplant Curry
Tender eggplant pieces cooked in a rich, tangy, and spicy pickled masala, often featuring mustard seeds, fenug…
10 net18 total8 fibre6 protein40 fat450 kcal
Chicken Ginger (Murgh Adrak)
Chicken Curry with Abundant Ginger
Succulent chicken pieces cooked in a fragrant, rich gravy that prominently features fresh ginger, garlic, gree…
10 net14 total4 fibre70 protein80 fat950 kcal
Chicken Malai Boti
Creamy Grilled Chicken Chunks
Tender, boneless chicken chunks marinated in a creamy mixture of yogurt, heavy cream, cheese, ginger, garlic, …
10 net12 total2 fibre85 protein80 fat1000 kcal
Questions people ask
What can I eat at a Pakistani restaurant on keto?
Good orders that are keto as served include Chicken Sajji (2g net carbs), Grilled Lamb Chops (3g net carbs), Murgh Roast (3g net carbs), Charsi Tikka (4g net carbs), Mutton Chanp (4g net carbs) and Namkeen Gosht (4g net carbs). Of the 162 Pakistani dishes in this guide, 54 are keto as served.
Is Pakistani food keto-friendly?
Keto Atlas rates Pakistani food "Navigable" for keto. Pakistani cuisine can be adapted to keto, but requires strict avoidance of traditional staples and careful menu navigation.
What Pakistani dishes should I avoid on keto?
The biggest carb traps are ubiquitous naan, roti, paratha, rice dishes (biryani, pulao), lentils (daal), chickpeas, potatoes, and often sugar-laden marinades or gravies. Dishes to skip include Nihari (21g), Kaddu Gosht (17g), Aloo Bukhara Gosht (16g) and Kaleji Fry (16g).
How do I order Pakistani food keto-style?
Many dishes become keto with one small request. For Balochi Sajji: critical: Order 'Sajji without rice' or ensure the meat portion is served plain, without any stuffing or rice accompaniment. For Lahori Fry Fish: explicitly request no flour, cornflour, or chickpea flour coating. Ask for it to be pan-fried or shallow-fried instead of deep-fried if possible, and with only spices.