Walk into any market before Ramadan and you will see heaps of khajoor in every colour and size. With so many choices, it is natural to ask which one is right for you. This guide to the types of dates in Pakistan explains the most popular Saudi varieties, how they taste, and which one suits iftar, daily snacking or gifting.
We cover Ajwa, Sukkari, Mabroom, Amber and Qalmi, the five varieties our customers ask about most. You will also find a comparison table with live prices and a few simple tips for storing dates so they stay soft.
Local dates and imported Saudi dates
Pakistan grows its own dates. Varieties such as Aseel from Khairpur in Sindh and Dhakki from Dera Ismail Khan are well known and widely eaten across the country. They are a big part of local markets, especially in the summer harvest season.
Many families, however, also look for dates from Saudi Arabia, particularly from Madina, for Ramadan and as gifts. These varieties have their own textures and flavours, and some, like Ajwa, carry special meaning for Muslims. All the dates in our Premium Dates (Khajoor) collection are imported from Saudi Arabia.
The five popular Saudi types of dates in Pakistan
Ajwa: the date of Madina
Ajwa is the most famous date from Madina. It is dark, soft in texture and has a mild sweetness rather than a sugary taste. Muslims value it because of the Sunnah: in a hadith reported in Sahih al-Bukhari, the Prophet ﷺ said that whoever eats seven Ajwa dates in the morning will not be harmed by poison or magic that day.
Our Ajwa Dates from Madina come in 450 gram, 1KG and 3KG packs. If you also want Zamzam, the Ajwa Dates 1KG with Free Zam Zam Water bundle includes jumbo Ajwa with a complimentary bottle of Zamzam.
Sukkari (Sukhri): soft and naturally sweet
Sukkari gets its name from the Arabic word for sugar, and it lives up to it. These dates are soft and naturally sweet, which makes them a favourite with children and anyone with a sweet tooth. Our Fresh Sukhri Dates are imported directly from Saudi Arabia and are great for iftar, suhoor and Eid trays.
Mabroom: firm outside, soft inside
Mabroom dates are long and slim, with a naturally firm exterior and a soft interior. Their sweetness is mild and less sugary, so many people who find other dates too sweet prefer Mabroom. Our Premium Mabroom Dates (Jumbo Quality) are imported from Madina and suit daily eating as well as gifting.
Amber (Anbara): large and fleshy
Amber, also called Anbara, is one of the finer varieties from Madinah Munawwarah. The dates are extra large, soft and fleshy, with a mild sweetness. Their size makes them look impressive on a dastarkhwan, so they are a popular choice for guests. See our Original Anbara (Amber) Dates.
Qalmi (Kalmi): rich taste, everyday value
Qalmi khajoor has a rich taste and soft texture. It is naturally sweet and preservative-free, and many families buy it in bulk for Ramadan because it works well for daily iftar. Our Saudi Fresh Qalmi Khajoor is imported from Saudi Arabia.
Types of dates compared: taste, texture and price
Every variety below is available in 450 gram, 1KG and 3KG packs. The price column shows the live price, so it is always current.
| Date type | Taste and texture | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ajwa (Madina) | Soft, mild sweetness | Sunnah, morning routine, gifting | from Rs 2,650 |
| Sukkari (Sukhri) | Soft, naturally sweet | Iftar, suhoor, kids | from Rs 1,799 |
| Mabroom (Jumbo) | Firm outside, soft inside, less sugary | Daily eating, those who like mild dates | from Rs 2,599 |
| Amber (Anbara) | Extra large, soft, fleshy, mildly sweet | Serving guests, gift boxes | from Rs 2,750 |
| Qalmi (Kalmi) | Rich taste, soft, naturally sweet | Daily Ramadan iftar, family use | from Rs 1,799 |
| Ajwa 1KG + Free Zam Zam | Jumbo Ajwa with Zamzam | Umrah-style gifts, Ramadan | Rs 4,950 |
Which type of date should you choose?
- For the Sunnah of seven dates in the morning: choose Ajwa.
- For a sweet treat that children love: Sukkari.
- If you prefer a less sugary date: Mabroom or Amber.
- For a full month of iftar on a budget: Qalmi in a 3KG pack.
- For gifting: Ajwa or Amber, or an Ajwa bundle with Zamzam.
Want to go deeper on Ajwa? Read our full guide to Ajwa dates price in Pakistan and how to spot real Ajwa. And if you are pairing dates with Zamzam, our Zamzam water price guide explains every bottle size.
Dates in daily life and Ramadan
Breaking the fast with dates is a beloved Sunnah. It is reported in Sunan Abu Dawud and Jami at-Tirmidhi that the Prophet ﷺ would break his fast with fresh dates; if there were none, then with dried dates; and if there were none, then with a few sips of water.
Beyond Ramadan, dates are a handy snack. They contain natural sugars and fibre, so many people like a few dates for quick energy, for example before a workout or on a long working day. Because they are naturally sweet, some families also use chopped dates in milkshakes, kheer or halwa in place of some of the sugar.
Dates are rich in natural sugar, so eat them in sensible amounts. Please consult your doctor if you are pregnant, diabetic, on medication, or have a health condition.
How to store dates so they stay soft
Pakistan’s heat and humidity can make dates sticky or dry. Keep them in an airtight container in a cool place. For a 3KG pack, keep a small portion out for daily use and store the rest in the fridge.
Before serving chilled dates, let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes so they soften again. Always pick dates with clean hands or a spoon to keep the pack fresh for longer.
How to order dates online
Choose your variety and pack size, add it to the cart and pay with Cash on Delivery anywhere in Pakistan. Orders usually arrive in 2–5 working days, and delivery is free on orders of Rs 700 or more. Pay by advance bank transfer and you get 4% off.
Unused items in their original packing can be returned within 7 days, with only the delivery charge deducted. For help choosing, message us on WhatsApp at +92 323 6066292 or use the Smart Assistant chat on our website, which can also place your order.
Frequently asked questions
What are the main types of dates in Pakistan?
Local varieties like Aseel and Dhakki are grown in Pakistan, while popular imported Saudi types include Ajwa, Sukkari, Mabroom, Amber and Qalmi.
Which date is the sweetest?
Of the five Saudi types in this guide, Sukkari is the one known for its natural sweetness. Mabroom, Amber and Ajwa have a milder sweetness.
Where do your dates come from?
All the dates in our collection are imported from Saudi Arabia. Our Ajwa, Mabroom and Amber dates are from Madina.
What pack sizes are available?
Ajwa, Sukkari, Mabroom, Amber and Qalmi are each available in 450 gram, 1KG and 3KG packs.
Which dates are best for Ramadan iftar?
Any of them work well. For a whole month, many families pick Qalmi or Sukkari in a 3KG pack, and keep Ajwa for the morning Sunnah.
