Sohbat

Sohbat (Urdu: صحبت), also known as Painda (Saraiki: پینڈا), is a traditional Saraiki dish originating in the Saraiki belt in Pakistan, particularly known in the city of Tonsa. Sohbat is a dish that is served to honor and show respect to guests in the area. It is a way of bringing people together and symbolising unity among those who enjoy it.

The dish comprises meat pieces, typically chicken or mutton, slow-cooked in a flavorful broth infused with ingredients like onions, tomatoes, garlic, ginger, and an assortment of spices. Afterward, the meat is extracted from the broth and deep fried until crisp. This meat-broth blend is then presented atop a torn flatbread known as paasti or maaney.^[1] The bread, akin to local chapati, is baked on stone slabs. The ensemble is served in a spacious vessel referred to as a "Thaal," facilitating communal enjoyment. Fresh salads, chutneys, and tea^[2] often accompany the dish to enhance the Sohbat experience.