The Khyber Pass is a mountainous region peopled by hardy nomadic Pathans. In keeping with their nomadic lifestyle, simplicity is the essence of their cuisine. The secret of Pathan cooking lies in the excellent quality of the meat and the chicken, and just a light touch of spices. The food is cooked in a "tandoor," a hollow, barrel-shaped clay oven which is indispensible, and perfectly suited to nomadic needs. The kaboob is the epitome of the Pathan cuisine.