10/09/2024
Gilgit Baltistan Traditional Food: Consumption of traditional Hunza foods, such as the wheat bread known as “Phitti.During my last year's visit to the North, I fell in love with Tea(chai) and Phitti (Khamiri coarse-textured bread) because that’s what everyone has for breakfast every day. I preferred to go with the local diet and consume Phitti and chai. it is typically consumed with desi maltash (local butter) and chai (tea). Namkeen chai or salted tea is preferred over the sugary variety in Hunza.
Phitti is a leavened bread (Khmiri) baked by the People of Hunza, Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan. Preparation involves mixing flour, water, salt, butter, and yeast, with other ingredients such as milk being added depending on personal taste.
The texture of wheat Phitti is very rough but soft on the inside. I prefer the crispy side of it more than the smooth. “Phitti” is baked differently for breakfast in each household each day. If you ever visit Hunza, make sure to try the combination of “phitti” and “namkeen chai.”
This bread has been consumed for almost 2000 years and remains essential in every home’s breakfast. What is even more fascinating is that each household distinctly bakes Phitti, making it a unique experience.
