The diverse food culture of Lahore has made it a citadel for food lovers – and rightfully so. Informally known as the food capital of Pakistan, the restaurants here offer residents a unique variety of delectable dining options. In fact, one can easily find everything ranging from mouthwatering Western cuisine to incredible desi food in Lahore.
However, you can’t claim to have had an authentic food experience if you haven’t enjoyed the delicious street food sold in the old city. You also need to visit the renowned food streets to find signature dishes from all across the world.
Popular Desi Food Items in Lahore
Here are 17 delicious Lahori food items and dishes that define the culinary tradition of this historic city.
Halwa Puri
A breakfast staple in Lahore, halwa puri may not be the healthiest way to kick off a Sunday (or any other day of the week, really). However, that shouldn’t stop you from indulging in this delicacy every once in a while.
Where to find it
The most popular halwa puri restaurants in Lahore include Sadiq Halwa Puri, Taj Mehal Sweets and Butt Sweets on Lakshmi Chowk.
Nihari
Nihari is yet another traditional breakfast dish in the capital city of Punjab . Although this dish is popular all across the country, particularly in Karachi, let’s not forget it is considered a time-honoured desi food item in Lahore.
Where to find it
A number of restaurants in Lahore claim to offer their customers good nihari. However, if you are craving the best nihari, head over to Haji Nihari, Muhammadi Nihari or Waris Nihari for a scrumptious meal.
Paaye
Looking for the best desi food in Lahore? Well, it doesn’t get any more desi than a serving of paaye.
One simply cannot leave the city without having its famous paaye, which literally means feet of a goat or a cow. Perfect for both breakfast and dinner, it is considered a signature dish of Lahore. Pair this spicy broth with piping hot naan bread and chilled lassi for an unforgettable experience.
Where to find it
While paaye are widely available throughout the city, Phajjay Key Paaye and Mamoo Siri Paaye in Sultanpura are particularly famous among food lovers.
Karahi
Although karahi is easily available in all desi restaurants in Lahore, you need to visit the legendary Lakshmi Chowk for the authentic version. Considered the most popular desi food in Lahore, it will most likely knock your socks off.
Where to find it
If you prefer chicken over other types of meat, you need to give Butt Karahi a try. Just make sure you don’t get tricked by one of the many doppelgangers with similar names in the area. Ilyas Dumba Karahi is also a great option if you are in the mood for some succulent mutton karahi.
Kulfi Falooda
Forget pancakes and waffles. If you are in Lahore, don’t forget to enjoy kulfi falooda, one of the most famous desserts in the city. The frozen dairy sweet comes with a lot of condensed milk and clear vermicelli, which perfectly compliment and balance its sweetness.
Where to find it
Make sure to visit Riaz Falooda Shop in Anarkali or Baba Ji Kulfi Walay in Muslim Town for your sugar fix.
Lassi
You can’t have geniune food experience in Lahore without devouring a chilled glass of sweet or salty lassi. The best thing about lassi, which is extremely popular among tourists as well, is that you can have it any time of the day.
Where to find it
Every eatery, shop and kiosk has its own unique spin on the traditional dairy drink. However, Jeda Lassi in Gumti Bazaar and Feeka Lassi in Gawalmandi are definitely among the fan favourites.
Gol Gappey
One of the most sought after desi street foods in Lahore, gol gappey are relatively new to the city’s food culture. However, that doesn’t mean they are any less popular among the young residents of the metropolis.
Where to find it
If you want to feast on some crispy golden gol gappey filled with chilled yoghurt, chickpeas and an assortment of spices dipped in sweet and spicy water, head over to Nisbat Road near Lakshmi Chowk. To be honest, nothing can beat the taste of Nisbat Gol Gappey.
Taka Tak
This classic dish for a perfect night out in Lahore.
Taka tak can be defined as a spicy stir fry. Its unique name comes from the sound made on the hotplate during the cooking process. If you are not a fan of the traditional dish, which comprises brains and kidneys, you can always ask the chef to use anything from lamb chops to minced beef to prepare the dish.
Where to find it
There are several restaurants in Lahore that have Taka tak as their speciality. However, you can visit Café Riaz in Samanabad and Fort View Hotel on the Shahi Mohallah food street for a mouthwatering feast.
Lahori Chargha
As the name suggests, Lahori chargha is considered a speciality of Lahore. A trip to this multi-cultural city can’t be complete without a tender chicken roast with an exotic spice rub. It’s usually devoured with hot naan and yoghurt raita.
Where to find it
There are quite a few prominent eateries at Lakshmi Chowk famous for their drool-worthy Lahori chargha.
Samosa Chaat
You’ll forget plain old samosa once you try the samosa chaat in Lahore. Imagine a hot potato samosa paired with savoury chutney, chickpeas, sweet yoghurt and several other spices. Sounds mouth-watering, right? To avoid any confusion, please keep in mind this street food in Lahore is also referred to as samosa cholay by a lot of shop owners.
Where to find it
While you can easily find samosa chaat in every area, the one available at Best Samosa Shop in Ghalib Market is perhaps the best and the most delicious chaat the city has to offer.
Doodh Jalebi
If you have never had crispy, sweet jalebi dunked in warm milk, you have no idea what you’re missing out on. Considered a delicacy in Lahore, doodh jalebi is usually available at most sweets and dairy shops across the city.
Where to find it
If you are itching to try the authentic version of this famous dessert, visit Gawalmandi in Lahore for a lip-smacking experience. However, if you are only craving simple jalebi without milk, head over to the famous Grato Jalebi in Johar Town.
Hareesa
This is yet another example of popular desi food in Lahore. Hareesa is a delicious porridge-like mixture of wheat flour, meat and loads of desi ghee. It won’t be fair to compare it with haleem, but the two dishes are quite close in looks and texture.
Where to find it
Amritsari Hareesa located on Nisbat Road near Lakshmi Chowk is hands down the best hareesa place in the entire city. Although the eatery might not be fancy, its food will definitely leave you craving for more.
Sajji
Sajji may traditionally be a Balochi dish, but it has become an integral part of Lahore’s food culture. If you are planning to dine out with friends or family, sajji is the perfect food item to order. It consists of whole lamb or chicken, mostly marinated only in salt.
Where to find it
Balochi Sajji on Gaddafi Road and Khalifa Sajji in Garhi Shahu are perhaps two of the best sajji restaurants in Lahore.
Murgh Cholay
There is no shortage of restaurants in Lahore offering murgh cholay on their menu. A popular breakfast and lunch item, murgh cholay comprise of chicken and chickpeas in a spicy gravy. It is usually eaten with naan bread or parathey.
Where to find it
While different restaurants in Lahore have their own way of making this signature dish, Jeela Chanay Wala in Shadbagh is known for its unique taste and hearty portions. Just order a tall glass of lassi with your meal and you are good to go.
Daal Chawal
A plate of fried mash daal garnished with fresh coriander and a traditional tarka of exotic spices is probably as desi as it can get. Easily available at local dhabas, daal chawal captures the essence of Lahore’s culinary culture.
Where to find it
The Latif Hotel on Copper Road near Lakshmi Chowk is an ideal place to go if you want to enjoy some authentic daal chawal with all the required side dishes.
Nan Khatai
You can’t come back from a trip to Lahore without purchasing any nan khatai for your family members and friends. These sweet biscuits with almond on top are one of the most sought-after Lahori treats. You can serve these to guests, devour them with tea or have them on their own any time of the day.
Where to find it
The Khalifa Bakers in Lahore are definitely the most popular nan khatai makers in the entire city.
Mango Pista Badam Ice Cream
All desserts aside, the mango pistachio and almond ice cream available at Chaman Ice Cream is an absolute must-have.
Where to find it
Fortunately, the ice cream parlour in Lahore has a number of outlets located across the city. In fact, since it is present in almost all major areas, you won’t have to travel far to get a scoop.
