peshawari

Peshawari is an adjective and demonym referring to Peshawar, the capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province in Pakistan, and to its people, culture, and products. In English and several South Asian languages, the term denotes origin from Peshawar rather than a fixed ethnicity.

The inhabitants of Peshawar are predominantly Pakhtuns, and the city has historically been a cultural and commercial hub near the Khyber Pass. Peshawari culture includes Pashto-language traditions, music, crafts, and distinctive regional cuisine. The term Peshawari is used to describe people and things associated with the city or its region, and it is also used by the diaspora to denote origin from Peshawar.

Peshawari chappal refers to a traditional leather sandal associated with the area. Distinctive features often include an open-toe design with multiple straps and a toe loop, and the footwear is commonly made from leather with a stitched sole. Peshawari chappals are produced in Pakistan and are worn locally and in neighboring countries, as well as among South Asian communities abroad, where they are valued for comfort and craftsmanship.

Cuisine tied to Peshawar remains a defining aspect of the region’s identity. Dishes such as chapli kebab, various kebabs, and breads like Peshawari naan are widely associated with the city’s culinary traditions. Peshawari cuisine is known for robust spices and a blend of Persian, Central Asian, and South Asian influences, reflecting Peshawar’s historical role as a trade crossroads.