HP Newsroom
Pakistan has entered a vibrant week of culinary celebrations from November 17 to 20, marking a renewed national effort to reclaim, revive and promote the distinct identity of Pakistani cuisine on the global stage. The initiative, conceptualised and driven by Chefs Association of Pakistan (CAP) Founder and President Ahmad Shafiq, aims to reposition Pakistan’s food heritage as a powerful tool for cultural expression and tourism promotion.
Speaking about the idea, Ahmad Shafiq said that Pakistani cuisine has long deserved its own rightful place in the international culinary landscape. “Our flavours, our traditions, our food philosophy—these are unique, diverse and deeply rooted in history. It is time the world recognises Pakistani cuisine not as a subset of any other, but as a proud, independent culinary identity,” he emphasised.
To bring this vision to life, a week-long series of events and competitions is being held across the country. Categories include Classic Pakistani Cuisine, Modern Pakistani Cuisine, and Classic Pakistani Desserts, reflecting both the heritage and evolving creativity of the nation’s chefs. A special highlight of the celebrations is the Naani Daadi Heritage Cuisine Competition, where grandmothers from various regions are cooking their timeless family recipes, symbolising the passing down of Pakistan’s culinary heritage to younger generations.
Ahmad Shafiq noted that the revival and global positioning of Pakistani cuisine will significantly boost culinary tourism in the country. “Food is one of the strongest ambassadors of culture. When the world experiences the authentic flavours of Pakistan, they will be inspired to explore our landscapes, our people, and our traditions,” he added.
Under his leadership, the Chefs Association of Pakistan and the College of Tourism & Hotel Management (COTHM) have aligned their expertise and platforms to celebrate Pakistani Cuisine Week as a milestone step in elevating Pakistan’s culinary profile internationally.
With growing interest from chefs, food enthusiasts, and cultural institutions, the initiative marks a defining moment in shaping Pakistan’s gastronomic future—one where Pakistani cuisine stands tall with a renewed, unmistakable identity on the global culinary map.
