Pakistani cuisine is a rich and diverse blend of regional flavors and culinary traditions, reflecting the country's cultural and ethnic diversity. It features a variety of dishes that are often spicy and aromatic, with staples like rice, wheat, and lentils. Popular dishes include biryani, a fragrant rice dish with meat and spices; nihari, a slow-cooked stew; and kebabs, which are grilled or skewered meats. The cuisine is heavily influenced by South Asian, Central Asian, and Middle Eastern flavors, with an emphasis on the use of spices such as cumin, coriander, turmeric, and garam masala. Bread, such as naan and roti, is commonly served alongside meals, and desserts like gulab jamun and jalebi are popular. Pakistani cuisine also varies by region, with distinct flavors and specialties in areas like Punjab, Sindh, Balochistan, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.