There is a reason why Lahore is regarded as the citadel for food lovers in Pakistan. If you’ve ever visited this historic city that was once at the centre of the Mughal Empire, you would know that food is a huge part of life here. While you can find great multi-cuisine restaurants across the city, it’s the food streets in Lahore that perfectly celebrate the city’s diverse food culture.
Most Popular Food Streets in Lahore
Looking for good food in Lahore?
You can head over to one (or all) of these iconic food streets in Lahore for an authentic food experience that you will never forget.
- Gawalmandi Food Street
- Lakshmi Chowk
- M.M. Alam Road
- Lahore Fort Food Street
- Old Anarkali Food Street
Here are some more details about the famous Lahore food streets that you must know.
Gawalmandi Food Street
If you want to experience the diverse food culture of Lahore, the food street in Gawalmandi is your best option.
Considered the oldest food street in Lahore, the history of Gawalmandi dates back to the pre-partition era as it was one of the first settlements outside the Walled City. Following the creation of Pakistan, a number of families who migrated from Amritsar and other parts of Indian Punjab settled in this area and brought with them their own traditional dishes. These generations-old recipes have since become the highlight of Gawalmandi Food Street in Lahore.
Some of the most popular food items available in the area include fried fish, hareesa, barbecue and classic nankhatai. All of these are considered traditional specialities of Lahore. Moreover, the iconic Feeka Lassi is also located on the decades-old Gawalmandi food street.
Given its long history and high-quality food, this food street has always been particularly famous among locals and tourists alike. Although the newer food streets in the city have gained immense popularity in the last couple of years, the vibrant Gawalmandi is still one of the most crowded places in Lahore.
Even if you’re visiting the imperial city for a short while, make sure to try out some of the mouth-watering street food items available in the area.
Places to try on Gawalmandi Food Street in Lahore
These are some of the famous places you must try at Gawalmandi.
- Saadiq Murgh Cholay
- Amritsari Hareesa
- Haaji Sardar Fish
- Yousaf Falooda
Location: Chamberlain Road, Gawalmandi, Lahore.
Lakshmi Chowk
When it comes to authentic Pakistani food, the Lakshmi Chowk food street in Lahore is considered a haven for food lovers. If you want to explore the food culture of Lahore, simply head over to this lively food street in the heart of the city for some delicious karahi and barbecue.
Lakshmi Chowk also offers some of the best street food in Lahore. For instance, if you want to enjoy some crispy golden gol gappey filled with spicy chickpeas and chilled yoghurt served alongside sweet and sour water, you can’t find a tastier plate than the one available at Nisbat Gol Gappey. The famous Butt Sweets and Butt Karahi, two of the most well-known establishments in the entire city, also originated on this thriving food street.
Much like Gawalmandi, Lakshmi Chowk Food Street is also a popular tourist attraction in Lahore, with travellers from across the world visiting the place. Some of the other must-try items available in the area include hareesa, Lahori chargha, halwa puri and tawa chicken.
Moreover, Lakshmi Chowk houses some of the most popular desi restaurants in Lahore known for serving a delectable range of traditional Pakistani food items.
Places to try on Lakshmi Chowk Food Street Lahore
Don’t forget to try out these eateries on Lakshmi Chowk.
- Nishat Café
- Butt Karahi
- Nisbat Gol Gappey
- Kashmiri Daal Chawal
Location: Nisbat Road, Montgomery Park, Qila Gujjar Singh, Lahore.
M.M. Alam Road
Unlike the traditional food streets, like Gawalmandi and Lakshmi Chowk, M.M. Alam Road is more of an urban food street housing some of the best restaurants in Lahore.
From Pakistani cuisine to western food, you can easily find an eatery for every palate on this major road in Gulberg.
Some of the most popular restaurants near M.M. Alam Road include Café Aylanto, Café Zouk, Spice Bazaar and Tuscany Courtyard among many others. In fact, some of the most famous restaurants in Gulberg Lahore are located on this modern food street.
For those who prefer Thai, Chinese, Continental and Mediterranean food along with traditional dishes, this is perhaps the perfect place to spend some quality time with friends and family in Lahore.
Places to try on M. M. Alam Road in Lahore
In addition to the ones mentioned above, these are some of the most widely-recommended eateries in the area.
- The Salt ‘n Pepper Village
- Ziafat
- HOWDY Burgers
- Veranda Bistro
Location: It extends from Gulberg Main Market and ends at Firdous Market. Furthermore, the road runs parallel to Gulberg Boulevard.
Lahore Fort Food Street
This food street in Lahore near Badshahi Mosque has become one of the most famous tourist destinations in the city, as travellers from all across the world flock to this place to feast on some of the most delicious desi food while enjoying stunning views of the city.
Although it is considered a new food street in Lahore, the history of Fort Road Food Street dates back to the Mughal era. This food street near Shahi Qila is set inside the famous Taxali Gate of the Walled City. It is the perfect representation of the city’s cultural heritage.
With modern restaurants set inside old re-painted buildings filled with almost a century-old artwork, statues and antiques, this unique food street offers visitors a truly exceptional experience. Customers can also take a look at the remains of old churches and temples in the area. It won’t be wrong to say that nothing represents the cultural diversity in Lahore better than this place.
At night, the rooftop restaurants on Fort Road Food Street offer enchanting views of the stunning Badshahi Mosque and Lahore Fort along with the city’s impressive skyline. The captivating environment along with delicious food is bound to make your visit to this food street quite unforgettable.
Places to try on Fort Road Food Street in Lahore
- Cooco’s Den
- Haveli Restaurant
- Andaaz Restaurant
- Riwaj Restaurant
Location: Fort Road, Shahi Mohallah Walled City, Lahore.
Old Anarkali Food Street
Anarkali Bazaar is undoubtedly one of the oldest and most popular shopping destinations in Lahore. Located on the famous Mall Road, this marketplace is divided into New Anarkali and Old Anarkali. While the new market is home to a number of top boutiques and handicraft shops, the old section houses one of the best food streets in Lahore.
Known locally as Old Anarkali Food Street, this is where you can find the best street food in Lahore. Although most of the eateries located here are quite old, it is still one of the most crowded food places in the city. Moreover, given its proximity to the Lahore Museum, Old Anarkali Food Street is often frequented by tourists looking for authentic desi food or refreshment.
This area is particularly famous for its barbecue items, karahi, milkshakes and doodh falooda, so don’t forget to try those on your next visit to this historic market.
Places to try on Old Anarkali Food Street
If you are looking for mouth-watering desi food in Lahore, here are some restaurants you should try.
- Riaz Falooda Shop
- Bukhara Restaurant
- Yasir Broast
- Quetta Namkeen Hotel
Location: Anarkali Road, Civil Lines, Lahore.
Meanwhile, for those who prefer western cuisine or enjoy fine dining, there are quite a lot of great restaurants in DHA Lahore. These eateries are not only popular for their delicious food but also for their pleasant ambience and well-trained staff.
For more information about restaurants and cafés in other major cities, head over to Zameen Blog, the top lifestyle blog in Pakistan.
