Islamabad: A recent survey by Gallup & Gilani Pakistan has revealed that 38% of adult Pakistanis would opt for vegetables if compelled to consume only one type of food daily. This preference is followed by daal, or lentils, at 21%, and meat at 13%. Biryani, a popular rice dish, is favored by 12% of the respondents, with a notable inclination among younger Pakistanis under 30, where 20% chose it, compared to just 2% among those aged 50 and above.

According to Gilani Research Foundation, the survey asked a nationally representative sample of 859 adult Pakistanis from urban and rural areas across the country’s four provinces: “Suppose you had to eat just one food every day. Which food would you choose?” The results indicate that vegetables are the most popular choice, with daal following. Meat and biryani are also preferred by significant portions of the population, with 3% choosing pizza and 2% opting for burgers. The survey found that 11% of respondents were undecided or did not provide a response.

The findings underscore a clear preference for vegetables as the single food of choice among Pakistanis, with nearly 4 in 10 individuals selecting them. The data also highlights a notable age-based variation in preferences, particularly regarding the popularity of biryani among younger individuals. The survey, conducted via telephonic interviews between October 15 and October 22, 2026, has a margin of error estimated at ±2-3 percent at a 95% confidence level.