Best Breakfast in Islamabad and Rawalpindi: Halwa Puri to Cafes

For a desi breakfast in Islamabad, the easiest choice is Chattha's in Tariq Market, F-10/2, which opens early for halwa puri, nihari and paye. For a more traditional nashta, cross into Rawalpindi: Siddique Halwa Puri in Kashmiri Bazaar has been frying puris since the late 1940s, and Kartarpura food street serves nihari, chanay and siri paye from early morning. For eggs, coffee and pancakes, Islamabad's cafes in Kohsar Market and F-6 are the place.

This guide covers where to eat breakfast across the twin cities, what to order, when to go and which suits a family, a group of friends or a traveller about to set off north. For the rest of the day's eating, see our guides to food in Islamabad and food in Rawalpindi.

What do people eat for breakfast in the twin cities?

A traditional breakfast here means halwa puri: deep-fried puris with sooji halwa, spiced chickpeas and achaar. The other big dishes are nihari, slow-cooked beef in a thick gravy with naan; siri paye, trotters and head meat simmered overnight; and chanay, chickpeas with naan or kulcha. Lassi or doodh patti finishes the meal.

Islamabad has fewer old breakfast shops than Rawalpindi, because it is a much younger city. For an old-style nashta, Pindi is the better bet, and it is a short drive from most Islamabad sectors.

Where is the best desi breakfast in Islamabad?

Chattha's, F-10/2

Chattha's, at Street 14 in Tariq Market, F-10/2, is the best-known desi breakfast restaurant in Islamabad. It serves halwa puri, nihari and paye in a clean, family-friendly setting. Google lists it as open from about 7 am, and the restaurant has said it serves halwa puri until noon on weekdays and until 2 pm at weekends. It is busy on Sunday mornings, so arrive early or expect to wait.

Des Pardes, Saidpur Village

Des Pardes in Saidpur Village has run a weekend Lahori-style nashta, posted as 10 am to 3 pm on Saturdays and Sundays. It suits a slow family breakfast followed by a walk round the village. Check its page before you go, since the offer changes. Our Saidpur Village guide covers what to see.

G-9 Markaz and the local markets

The markaz of each Islamabad sector has its own halwa puri and samosa shops, and locals often send visitors to Punjab Samosa in G-9 Markaz. These are cheap, quick and busy, with basic seating.

Where is the best breakfast in Rawalpindi?

Siddique Halwa Puri, Kashmiri Bazaar

Siddique Halwa Puri is on Kashmiri Bazaar Road in Nanakpura, in the old city of Rawalpindi, and has been serving since around 1948 to 1950. It is the name that comes up first whenever Pindi residents argue about halwa puri. Listings give its hours as roughly 4 am to noon or 1 pm.

Kartarpura food street

Kartarpura is the old breakfast quarter of Rawalpindi, and the stalls along its food street are busy from early morning. Naeem Nihari and Channay is one of its best-known names. Hafiz Chanay, across from Sufi Naan Center, is praised for its chanay, and Akbar Jee Siri Paye serves siri paye. Gujranwala Sweet House on the same street is popular for halwa puri.

A plate of chanay here was about PKR 200 in 2026, and a breakfast for two costs very little. Go by car or ride-hailing; parking in the old city is tight.

Where can you get a cafe breakfast in Islamabad?

If you would rather have eggs and coffee, Islamabad's cafe scene is centred on Kohsar Market in F-6/3.

• Mocca, at Kohsar Market, is a long-running cafe known for breakfasts: waffles, pancakes, paninis and good coffee.
• Street 1 Cafe, also in Kohsar Market, serves Western breakfasts, and has also offered halwa puri and nihari.
• Chaaye Khana, which started in F-6, is a tea-focused cafe with stuffed parathas, French toast and a long list of teas.

Cafe breakfasts cost several times a halwa puri, and suit couples, working breakfasts and anyone wanting a quieter start. Our guide to cafes in Islamabad has more.

When should you go?

Desi breakfast is early. Halwa puri, nihari and siri paye are freshest from 7 to 9 am and often finished by 11 am, earlier on Sundays and public holidays. Cafes open later, usually around 8 am, and serve breakfast until noon or beyond.

If you are setting off north, to Murree, Naran or Gilgit, an early halwa puri in Rawalpindi on the way out is a good start, but keep it light before a long, winding drive. Our guide to day trips from Islamabad suggests where to go.

Which breakfast suits you?

• Family breakfast, comfortable seating: Chattha's in F-10, or Des Pardes at weekends.
• The real Pindi nashta: Siddique Halwa Puri or Kartarpura food street.
• Eggs, coffee and a quiet table: Mocca or Street 1 Cafe in Kohsar Market.
• Quick and cheap: a halwa puri shop in your sector's markaz.

The old-city shops of Rawalpindi are crowded and basic, and not ideal with small children or older parents in summer heat. For those groups, Islamabad's sit-down options are easier. For more ideas, see our experiences page.

Frequently asked questions