Skardu's Balti food culture shares Hunza's mountain adapted, apricot and walnut foundation while carrying its own distinct Balti character, shaped by the region's Tibetan influenced history and Baltistan's specific terrain and growing conditions.
Skardu Bazaar food stalls: Local Balti dishes, fresh apricots and walnut specialities form the everyday food scene in Skardu city, distinct from the more resort style dining at Shangrila.
Butter tea: A traditional Balti drink with Tibetan roots, worth trying at least once for the cultural experience even if the flavour (salty, buttery, quite different from sweet chai) surprises first time visitors.
Shangrila Airplane Restaurant: A retired PIA aircraft converted into a lakeside dining room, one of Skardu's most memorable dining experiences, blending novelty with a solid Balti and Pakistani menu.
What to actually order: Butter tea for the experience, dried apricots and walnuts from Skardu Bazaar to take home, and any hotel's Balti specific menu items over generic Pakistani options where available.
See our Skardu travel guide for the full destination overview.
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