NineFoods technique guide · Meat
Halal Meat Cuts Guide: What to Ask the Butcher for Pakistani Dishes
Bone-in for curry. Fat for kebabs. Shank for nihari.
Written by Farwa ZeeshanRecipe developer, NineFoodsPakistani recipes depend on the right cut: bone-in mutton for karahi, shank for nihari, fatty mince for seekh kebab. Halal butchers in the UK, US and Gulf use different names. This guide matches each dish to the cut and gives the words to ask for.
15Dishes matched
3Meats
UK and USNames
Cuts by dish
Tap a dish to see the right cut
Mutton, beef and chicken.
Names
Butcher names
| Urdu | UK | US |
|---|---|---|
| Raan | Leg of lamb | Leg of lamb |
| Dasti | Shoulder | Shoulder |
| Chaanp | Lamb chops | Rib chops |
| Nalli | Shank / shin | Shank |
| Puth | Topside | Top round |
| Paya | Trotters | Feet |
| Kaleji | Liver | Liver |
| Qeema | Mince | Ground meat |
Tips
Buying tips
- Bone-in gives better flavour for curries.
- Ask the butcher to cut pieces evenly so they cook together.
- Mutton should be pink with white fat; beef deep red.
- Freeze in meal-sized bags flat for fast thawing.
Halal
Finding halal meat abroad
Look for HMC or HFA certification in the UK and HFSAA or IFANCA in the US. In the Gulf, all fresh meat is halal. Many South Asian butchers will cut to order if you name the dish.
Keep cooking
Related recipes and guides
Quick answers
Halal Meat Cuts Guide FAQ
What cut is best for mutton karahi?
Bone-in leg and shoulder in small pieces.
What meat is used for nihari?
Beef shank or shin on the bone.
What is dasti?
Shoulder.
What fat ratio for seekh kebab mince?
About 20 percent.