There’s a reason why the popular phrase “Lahore Lahore Aye” is associated with Lahore. The city is unique in many ways. Explore its history and you’ll find it dates back thousands of years; explore its culture and you’ll discover that there’s nothing equally vibrant and lively in the rest of the country. All in all, the metropolis is a fascinating mix of different eras, languages and religions. You’ll find nothing quite like it elsewhere in the world. One of the many things that make Lahore special is its culinary scene. The city’s ties with food run deep and go back centuries, which is why you will come across many historic food streets in Lahore.
4 Historic Food Streets in Lahore
Dotted with many worth-visiting urban open spaces, Lahore is often dubbed “the City of Gardens.” It’s also a citadel for foodies.
If you are a food connoisseur, who is also fond of history, then you must visit some of Lahore’s oldest and most iconic food streets.
- Gawal Mandi Food Street
- Lakshmi Chowk Food Street
- Lahore Fort Food Street
- Old Anarkali Food Street
Now, let’s find out why these historic food streets in old Lahore are worth your time and money.
Gawal Mandi Food Street
Credits: Facebook
If you want to experience the diversity of desi food culture in Lahore, then visiting Gawal Mandi Food Street is a must for you. This place has a rich history, the roots of which can be traced back to the time before the independence of Pakistan. Foodies in Lahore as well as tourists from other parts of the country love visiting this place.
Gawal Mandi Food Street is famous for offering a wide variety of food items. For instance, if you want to taste the most authentic serving of the desi ghee-drizzled hareesa, then it is the best place to be. Here you will also find the Lahore’s iconic Feeka Lassi. Your tour of the city of Lahore is incomplete without a visit to Gawal Mandi Food Street, so put it on your bucket list right away.
Restaurants Worth Trying at Gawal Mandi: Amritsari Hareesa, Yousaf Falooda, Haji Sardar Fish and Saadiq Murgh Cholay
Location: Chamberlain Road, Gawalmandi, Lahore.
Lakshmi Chowk Food Street
Lakshmi Chowk Food Street is one of the most famous historic food streets in Lahore. The area is best known for serving authentic Pakistani food. Late evening is the best time to visit this place because it is when the food scene is in full swing here. Every day, scores of foodies in Lahore flock into this place for two reasons: super-delicious food and ideal location as it is located in the heart of the city.
Whenever you visit Lakshmi Chowk Food Street, never forget to try the delicious serving of gol gappay as well as traditionally prepared karahi. Locals as well as tourists from all around the country come to this area in search of authentic taste. Food items like Lahori Chargha. Hareesa and Tawa Chicken are hard to resist, especially when you are at Lakhshmi Chowk Food Street.
Restaurants Worth Trying at Lakshmi Chowk: Nisbat Gol Gappey, Kashmiri Daal Chawal, Karachi Master Biryani and Butt Karahi.
Location: Nisbat Road, Montgomery Park, Qila Gujjar Singh, Lahore.
Lahore Fort Food Street
Credits: Facebook
Standing with all its magnificence is the antique structure of Lahore Fort. In proximity to this very famous historical site in Walled City Lahore lies a bustling food street known as Lahore Fort Food Street. This place features many old-school dhabbas and modern restaurants established inside repainted old structures. You can make your way to the Lahore Fort Food Street, also known as Fort Road Food Street, through the Taxali Gate of the Walled City.
The current Fort Road Food Street is not that old and mostly has new restaurant setups because it was reconstructed and opened in 2012. The two things that impressively highlights the element of history in this place are the presence of antique buildings and the majestic views of Badshahi Masjid from the rooftops of the restaurants. Lahore Fort Street is counted among the most popular food streets in old Lahore for its traditional cuisine and barbecue.
Restaurants Worth Trying at Lahore Fort Food Street: Andaaz Restaurant, Cooco’s Den, Riwaj Restaurant and Haveli Restaurant.
Location: Fort Road, Shahi Mohallah Walled City, Lahore.
Old Anarkali Food Street
Located on the Mall Road, Anarkali Bazaar is recognized among the oldest and most famous shopping destinations in Lahore. Moreover, it is home to one of the busiest food streets in the metropolis known as Old Anarkali Food Street. Foodies in Lahore visit this place every now and then because of the authentic flavours they get to enjoy here.
The place stays crowded all day long. Upon your visit to Old Anarkali Food Street, you should try barbecue items, different types of Karahis, milkshakes and doodh faluda. Due to its nearness to Lahore Museum and Walled City Lahore – two of the most popular tourist attractions in the city – Old Anarkali is often visited by tourists.
Restaurants Worth Trying at Old Anarkali Food Street: Bukhara Restaurant, Riaz Falooda, Yasir Broast and Quetta Namkeen Hotel.
Location: Anarkali Road, Civil Lines, Lahore.
If you are more into fine dining than street food, then these restaurants in DHA Lahore will offer you an exquisite food experience. Moreover, you can also make the most of your day in Lahore by heading over to these most visited family hangouts in the city.
Have you been to any of the aforementioned historic food street in Lahore? If yes, then do share your experience with us at blog@zameen.com.
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