A delegation from Pakistan participated in the prestigious International Conference on the History of Pilaf, held in the culturally rich city of Samarkand, Uzbekistan. The conference, organized as part of the Samarkand Pilaf Festival 2025, brought together culinary historians, chefs, researchers, and food enthusiasts from around the world to explore the deep historical roots, regional variations, and cultural significance of Pilaf—a dish revered across Central and South Asia, the Middle East, and beyond.

Representing Pakistan at this academic and cultural gathering were culinary professionals and students who highlighted the rich legacy of Pilaf in Pakistani cuisine, including regional variants such as Sindhi Biryani, Yakhni Pulao, and Kabuli Pulao. The participants shed light on how Pilaf evolved within the Indian subcontinent, blending Mughal, Persian, and Central Asian influences into uniquely Pakistani expressions of the dish.

The conference sessions included presentations, food heritage discussions, and cross-cultural exchanges, offering a valuable platform for Pakistan to share its culinary narratives, historical depth, and regional diversity. It also provided opportunities for international collaboration in food research, preservation of culinary traditions, and the promotion of cultural diplomacy through cuisine.

The participation of the Pakistani delegation reflects the country’s growing presence in global culinary forums and the increasing recognition of Pakistan’s food heritage as a vital part of its cultural identity. It also demonstrates the important role of institutions such as the College of Tourism and Hotel Management (COTHM), which have been instrumental in training skilled culinary ambassadors and promoting Pakistan’s gastronomy on the world stage.