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    Qabail Tribes: The Most Authentic Pashtun Food in Town

    Qabail Tribes: Pashtun Food in Galib Road, Gulberg, Lahore

    Written by: Momina Mindeel
    Posted on: April 01, 2016 |

    Peshawari Chappal Kabab abd Kabuli Pulao

    Adorned with high wooden tables, stout chairs with intricate patterns, vibrant walls and embellished ceilings filled with quintessential qabaili patterns, Qabail Tribes is not just another eatery in Lahore. Located on Ghalib Road, 46-A Gulberg, the restaurant offers one of its kind Pashtun food, with Sajji (roasted chicken/lamb served with rice), Lamb Karahi, Kabuli Pulao, Chappali Kabab and Peshawari Naan as its main specialities.

    Qabail Tribes: Pashtun Food in Galib Road, Gulberg, Lahore

    Ataan, a traditional Pashtun dance

    The moment you step inside the restaurant, several distinct aromas of barbecue platters, roasted chicken and tea will come wafting through your nose. The entrance is almost always occupied by a group of Pathans – sometimes including the owner of the restaurant – performing Attan (a traditional Pashtun dance usually performed at weddings and other festive occasions) with utmost zeal. As the dhol beat gets louder, the Attan becomes more and more intense. The main hall inside has an LCD installed so that visitors can relish the food while enjoying Attan at the same time. Cherry on top: little lamps with small candles fixed inside them – one or two placed on each table – exude warmth and soft light, giving a cozy atmosphere.

    Qabail has the most deliciously authentic Pashtun food to offer. Most platters consist of Kabuli Pulao, Barbecue, Chicken Sajji (roasted to perfection, along with the skin), Chappal Kebab, Lamb Karahi, Chicken Karahi, Peshawari Naan and Roghni Naan in different combinations. The platters are enough to satisfy over 8 to 10 people. The price of these lavish food platters ranges from Rs. 6,000 to 7,000, making them relatively affordable, considering the generous quantities. The steaming Green Tea at the end of the meal is complimentary, adding to the delight of the already satisfied foodie.

    Qabail Tribes: Pashtun Food in Galib Road, Gulberg, Lahore

    Quintessential Pashtun food platter

    Qabail’s Chicken Sajji is a must-try. The light-brown crispy skin – with roasted juicy chicken underneath – is garnished with fresh tomatoes and lettuce leaves, while the rice is interspersed with sweet chunks of carrot, leaving a pleasant taste in the mouth.

    Behind the main hall is a shelf displaying tea samples from all over the world, in plastic containers, each labelled with the country name. The tea from Kenya consists of dried rose petals, while Afghani tea contains sandalwood. As soon as you open the container, you’ll get a whiff of the soft, woody, milky scent.

    Qabail Tribes: Pashtun Food in Galib Road, Gulberg, Lahore

    Cordial staff, cozy ambience and delightful food, Qabail is highly recommended for anyone who has even the slightest taste for Afghani or Qabali cuisine. As Faizaan Qayuum, one of the founders of Hum-Aahang, said and I quote, “I have travelled through all of Pakistan. This is, hands down, the most authentic Qabali food I have ever had in this part of the country.” It indeed is.


    All images have been taken from the ‘Qabail’ Facebook page.


    As the new year begins, let us also start anew. I’m delighted to extend, on behalf of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and in my own name, new year’s greeting and sincere wishes to YOULIN magazine’s staff and readers.

    Only in hard times can courage and perseverance be manifested. Only with courage can we live to the fullest. 2020 was an extraordinary year. Confronted by the COVID-19 pandemic, China and Pakistan supported each other and took on the challenge in solidarity. The ironclad China-Pakistan friendship grew stronger as time went by. The China Pakistan Economic Corridor projects advanced steadily in difficult times, become a standard-bearer project of the Belt and Road Initiative in balancing pandemic prevention and project achievement. The handling capacity of the Gwadar Port has continued to rise and Afghanistan transit trade through the port has officially been launched. The Karakoram Highway Phase II upgrade project is fully open to traffic. The Lahore Orange Line project has been put into operation. The construction of Matiari-Lahore HVDC project was fully completed. A batch of green and clean energy projects, such as the Kohala and Azad Pattan hydropower plants have been substantially promoted. Development agreement for the Rashakai SEZ has been signed. The China-Pakistan Community of Shared Future has become closer and closer.

    Reviewing the past and looking to the future, we are confident to write a brilliant new chapter. The year 2021 is the 100th birthday of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Pakistan. The 100-year journey of CPC surges forward with great momentum and China-Pakistan relationship has flourished in the past 70 years. Standing at a new historic point, China is willing to work together with Pakistan to further implement the consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, connect the CPEC cooperation with the vision of the “Naya Pakistan”, promote the long-term development of the China-Pakistan All-weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership with love, dedication and commitment. Mohammad Ali Jinnah, the founding father of Pakistan said, “We are going through fire. The sunshine has yet to come.” Yes, Pakistan’s best days are ahead, China will stand with Pakistan firmly all the way.

    YOULIN magazine is dedicated to promoting cultural exchanges between China and Pakistan and is a window for Pakistani friends to learn about China, especially the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. It is hoped that with the joint efforts of China and Pakistan, YOULIN can listen more to the voices of readers in China and Pakistan, better play its role as a bridge to promote more effectively people-to-people bond.

    Last but not least, I would like to wish all the staff and readers of YOULIN a warm and prosper year in 2021.

    Nong Rong Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of
    The People’s Republic of China to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan
    January 2021