Views on Pakistani food

Ayyan Zubair, author of "Views from the Six"

Pakistan is a beautiful country. The clothes people wear are gorgeous. The nation’s general culture is vibrant. The mountains are among the greatest spectacles in the world, and the people are friendly.

However, one of the most endearing aspects of Pakistan to natives like my family members is, unquestionably, its cuisine. From biryani to gulab jamun, Pakistan is home to some of the world’s most delicious foods, and there are some dishes that you have to try.

My favorite food of all time — and a Pakistani staple — is biryani. Biryani is a rice dish filled with spices and meats, infused with centuries of Mogul culture. Every bite takes you back to a simpler time, providing the comfort of home no matter where you are. The aroma will make your mouth water; the tender meat will assure you that the wait was well worth it. Everyone believes that their mother makes the best biryani; the familial rivalries get quite intense.

In the United States, there are certain dishes that embody the holidays and symbolize happiness and joy: apple pie, gingerbread cookies, and of course, ice cream. In Pakistan, gulab jamun is such a staple, served at weddings and celebrations.

Gulab jamun are puffy balls of sheer milky goodness that simultaneously ease your soul and raise your blood pressure. Grandparents will pamper their grandkids with a huge box of these sweets. I have devoured an entire container in one sitting on multiple occasions.

There are certain foods associated with outdoor occasions in America, none more prevalent than the July 4 favorite: hot dogs. You would be hard-pressed to find a single barbecue in the U.S.A. that didn’t feature this iconic dish this weekend. In Pakistan, kebabs are analogous to this American favorite.

Kebabs are found at any and every social occasion, ranging from cricket matches to family functions; their absence would simply not be acceptable. They are the South Asian version of sausage, slow roasted on skewers to maximize juiciness and delectability.

There are few things as ubiquitous as food, as every culture has its unique dishes. Understanding the food scene of a particular region could go a long way in understanding the people who made it.

Ayyan Zubair is a student at Stony Brook University who graduated from East Meadow High School in 2015.