Frequently Asked Questions

About Our Products

What makes Shahida's Kitchen different from other chutneys and spice blends?

Our recipes are built on 50 years of family tradition — not developed in a food lab. We make everything in small batches using real, natural ingredients with no artificial preservatives. Commercial chutneys typically use tamarind concentrate instead of real tamarind pulp, add stabilisers to extend shelf life, and simplify spice profiles to reduce cost. We don't do any of that. What you taste is exactly what Shahida's family has been making for over five decades.

Are your products halal?

Yes. All Shahida's Kitchen products are halal by nature. We use no alcohol, no non-halal animal derivatives, and no artificial additives. Every ingredient in our chutneys and spice blends is inherently halal — you can verify this from the ingredient list on each product label. We are a Muslim-owned family brand and this is a core part of how we operate.

Are your products preservative-free?

Yes. All Shahida's Kitchen products are made without artificial preservatives. We use natural ingredients only — the natural acidity of real tamarind and vinegar, together with salt and jaggery or sugar, acts as the preserving system in our chutneys. You can read every ingredient on the label.

Are your products suitable for vegetarians?

Yes. All our chutneys and spice blends are 100% vegetarian and vegan.

Are your products suitable for children?

Our Imli Chutney has a mild, sweet-tangy flavour with minimal heat — suitable for most children. Mint & Imli Chutney has a similar mild profile. Our Chaat Masala is a medium-spice blend; we recommend starting with a small pinch for younger children and adjusting to taste. None of our products contain artificial colours or flavours.

What is the shelf life of your products?

Our chutneys are made without artificial preservatives. Sealed and stored correctly (cool, dry, away from sunlight), they are best enjoyed within 6 months. Once opened, store in the refrigerator and use within 4–6 weeks. Our Chaat Masala keeps for about 1 year in a cool, dry place away from sunlight and moisture.

Do your products contain allergens?

Our chutneys and spice blends are manufactured in a facility that may process mustard, sesame, nuts, and spices. If you have specific allergies, please review the full ingredient list on each product label before consuming. If you have any questions, contact us directly — we're happy to provide detailed ingredient information.

Ordering & Delivery

Where do you deliver?

We deliver nationwide across Pakistan — from Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad to smaller cities and towns — through trusted courier partners.

Do you ship internationally?

We currently deliver within Pakistan only. International shipping — including to the UK, UAE, Canada, USA, and other countries with large Pakistani diaspora communities — is something we are actively working towards. If you're based outside Pakistan and would like to be notified when international shipping becomes available, please email us at hello@shahidaskitchen.com with your country and we will add you to our list.

How long does delivery take?

Orders are prepared and dispatched within 1–2 business days. Delivery typically takes 2–3 business days in major cities (Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, Rawalpindi) and 3–5 business days elsewhere in Pakistan.

Can I cancel my order?

Yes — if you contact us within 24 hours of placing your order and before it has been dispatched. Message us on WhatsApp at +92 333 3639869 or email hello@shahidaskitchen.com with your order number. Once your order has been prepared and handed to our courier partner, it can no longer be cancelled — because we make everything fresh for one customer and never resell a dispatched parcel.

What if my order arrives damaged or spoiled?

We take great care in packaging every order. If anything arrives damaged, spoiled or defective, please contact us within 48 hours of delivery with a photo and we'll make it right — either a free replacement or a full refund, whichever you prefer.

Do you offer wholesale or bulk ordering?

Yes. We welcome wholesale enquiries from retailers, restaurants, and caterers, as well as bulk orders for events and gifting. Please contact us via email at hello@shahidaskitchen.com or WhatsApp at +92 333 3639869 to discuss quantities and pricing.

Using Our Products

What can I use Imli Chutney with?

Samosa, pakora, dahi baray, chaat, roll paratha, BBQ meats, fruit chaat, and virtually any snack that needs a sweet-tangy kick. It's also excellent as a dipping sauce or marinade ingredient. Start with a generous drizzle and adjust to taste — it's bold enough to stand on its own and versatile enough to layer with other condiments.

What can I use Mint & Imli Chutney with?

Everything you'd use Imli Chutney with, plus anywhere you want a fresher, more aromatic profile — BBQ, tikka, dahi puri, and biryanis. It's particularly good as a spread inside roll parathas and wraps, where the mint freshness cuts through richer fillings.

How much Chaat Masala should I use?

Start with ½ teaspoon per serving and adjust to taste. A little goes a long way — it's a concentrated, freshly ground blend with no fillers or anti-caking agents. For fruit chaat, sprinkle liberally. For dahi baray, a light dusting is usually enough. For fries and snacks, season to preference.

Can I use the chutneys as a cooking ingredient or marinade?

Yes. Imli Chutney works particularly well as a marinade for BBQ meats — the acidity from the tamarind tenderises and the jaggery or sugar caramelises over heat. Mix with a little yogurt and ginger-garlic paste for a quick marinade. Mint & Imli Chutney is excellent in yogurt-based marinades for chicken tikka.

Contact & Support

How can I reach you?

You can contact us via our Contact page, by email at hello@shahidaskitchen.com, or on WhatsApp at +92 333 3639869. We typically respond within 24 hours on business days. For the fastest response, WhatsApp is best.