Pakistani cuisine is based on curry or masala (hot and spicy) sauces accompanying chicken, lamb, prawns and a wide choice of vegetables. Its flavours are drawn from its Afghani, Turkish and Iranian roots.

Things to know: Alcohol may be bought at major hotels by visitors who have been issued a Liquor Permit from the Excise and Taxation Office. Wine is expensive and only available in upscale restaurants. Pakistani-brewed beer is widely available, as are canned carbonated drinks. There are no bars since there are strict laws concerning alcohol, and it is illegal to drink in public. Waiter service is provided in the larger hotels and restaurants. Visitors should avoid drinking water from the tap; bottled water is available everywhere, but it is necessary to make sure it comes in properly sealed plastic bottles.

National specialities:
• Biryani (seasoned rice with mutton, chicken and yoghurt).
• Sag gosht (spinach and lamb curry).
• Dal chawal (brown lentils and rice).
• Shish kebabs (charcoal-grilled meat on skewers).
• Shami-kebabs (patties of chopped meat fried in ghee or butter).
• Halwa (sweetmeat made with eggs, carrots, maize cream, sooji and nuts).

National drinks:
• Tea (drunk strong with milk and often very sweet).

Legal drinking age: 21.

Tipping: Most high-class hotels and restaurants add a 10% service charge. Other tipping is discretionary.

Top hotels have bars and dancing but there is little Western-style nightlife. Cinemas in the large cities show international as well as Pakistani films. There are plenty of cultural events featuring traditional music and dance organised by the Pakistani Arts Academy throughout the year. Festivals and annual celebrations are colourful and lively. Lahore has the most bustling nightlife, including popular theatre and musical events.

Special purchases include carved wooden tables, trays, screens, silver trinkets, pottery, camel-skin lamps, bamboo decorations, woodwork, brassware, cane items, glass bangles, gold ornaments, hand-embroidered shawls, rugs and carpets, silk, cashmere shawls and saleem shahi shoes with upturned toes. While some of the major towns have craft centres where handicrafts from different regions are sold, bazaars often provide the most interesting shopping. It is expected that the customer should bargain for goods.

Shopping hours: Sat-Thurs 0930-1300 and 1500-1830. Bazaars stay open longer.