Eid is a real treat for kids. New clothes, new shoes, eidee (money given as a gift). There is something about it that makes them happy.

I still remember the excitement when we were young and used to go to our grand parents house a night before eid. When we would wake up in the morning on Eid day, we would find a very simple but divine breakfast on the table. The typical Eid menu had Chanae with Imlee (Chick Peas with Tamarind Sauce), Dahi Bhalae, Egg Omelet with onions and tomatoes and the Sawaiyan (Sweet vermicelli with and without milk). This breakfast was cooked by my Dadi Jan (Grand Mother). This is the same  menu followed at my mom’s place now. An eid morning can’t be complete without these dishes on the table.

Eid is all about meeting relatives and eating food in Pakistan.

Let me introduce you to the top 5 most famous dishes for Eid in Pakistan.  You will find one of the following dishes, where ever you go. Every house will have its own taste of the following dishes. And if you end up visiting 4-5 relatives in a day, you will feel like you were part of a big Vermicelli party!

1. Chana Chaat (Chickpeas with tomatoes, onions and tamarind sauce)
2. Dahi Bhalay (Yogurt with white lentils dumpling)
3. Haleem (Mixed Lentils with  Shredded Meat)
4. Sawaeyan (Sweet Vermicelli)
5. Shami Kebab (Minced Meat Cutlets)

One of the reasons for making the top 4 dishes in the list is that they can be made in huge quantities and put aside in the dishes. They are very easy to serve on a busy Eid day.  All these dishes are set on a serving trolley, ready to be rolled out infront of guests. Since almost 5-6  guests/ families visit Pakistani  house in a particular Eid day, home chefs don’t like to wear their nice fancy clothes and fry food and stay in kitchen all day long. Its their Eid too after all!

I am thinking of making something new for this Eid or at least introducing some new recipes.  Share with me some new recipes. Are you ready to change your menu?