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Places to Visit >> Major Cities & Towns >> Lahore
Gwalmandi Food Street, LahoreLahore boasts a large number of eating places which offer diverse and mouth-watering cuisine,. There are restaurants and cafes, and sometimes whole districts, offering exclusively Pakistani cuisine, such as the Gwalmandi Food 'Street. Indeed, the array of mouthwatering dishes and variety of cuisine available in Lahore is so awesome that Lahore is being billed as the Food City of Pakistan!

To the uninitiated all Pakistani dishes might appear more of the same; however, once you have begun to taste the 'different kinds available you will begin to enjoy the subtle variations offered by different regional dishes. You will find that good Pakistani food does not necessarily mean too much masala (spices) or chilies, nor too muchghee or oil. Every dish is cooked in a different combination of spices to bring out the best flavor of the ingredients. Yoghurt is used not only in cooking but also as a side dish in the form of many variations of raita (yoghurt in a combination of onions, cucumber, brinjal etc.). There is a large variation of rice dishes, bread in the form of Chapati, Paratha, Poori or a variety of Kulchas & Nans. Fresh Chutneys are prepared for each meal and there is an array of Achar (pickles) which will be found accompanying the simplest of meals. Fresh herbs such as coriander and mint are used to garnish the dishes. Among the most popular are barbecued dishes using minimum of oil, such as Chicken Tikka, Boti Tikka, Seekh Kebab etc., which are cooked in front of you on glowing charcoals. As a nation Pakistanis have a sweet tooth, if anything Lahoris have a sweeter tooth that others; accordingly sticky sweetmeats are among the most popular food items in Lahore.

Pakistani Cuisine is by no means the only kind you will come across in Lahore. There are a host of restaurants offering Chinese, Continental, Italnian, French and Japenese dishes. Here, you will also find the outlets of the omnipresent international fast food chains: Kentucky Fried Chicken, McDonald's, and Pizza Hut are carrying out roaring business. Local fast food chains are also found all over town. In addition to the above, Lahore has its share of ice cream parlors, quite a few of which offer local concoctions as well (such as Falooda & tukhmalanga).

In this section you will find the names of more well-known restaurants and their specialty.

Chinese Cuisine

Cathay Chinese Restaurant. 60, Shahrah-e-Quaid-e-Azam (The Mall), (tel. 630-2393).

Chinese FoodKirn Mun Chinese Restaurant. 54, Shahrah-e-Quaid-e-Azam (The Mall), (tel. 630-1182).

Hong Kong Chinese Restaurant. Main Boulevard, Gulberg, (tel. 575-9362).

Hsin Kung Chinese Restaurant. 9-C-N, Gulberg II, (tel. 575-6088).

Mandarin. Gulberg Centre, Gulberg, (tel. 575-9148).

Mei Kong, House of Chinese Food. 9, Peshawar Block, Fortress Stadium, Cantt., (tel. 665-2069, 666-1443, 373-081). also at 21, Civic Centre (Barkat Market), New Garden Town, (tel. 583-7486, 583-2060). Open: Lunch 12:00 noon-3:00 pm; Dinner 6:30 pm-12:00 midnight.

Shanghai. 19-A, Main Boulevard, Gulberg, (tel. 575-3917).

Tai Wan Chinese Restaurant. 78-1, Gulberg III, (tel. 878-586). Open: Lunch 12:00 noon-3:00 pm; Dinner 6:30 pm-ll:00 pm.

Tung Fong Cuisine. 4-G, AI-Falah Building, Shahrah-e-Quaid-e-Azam (The Mall), (tel. 630-1505).

Tung Fung Chinese Restaurant. Main Boulevard, Gulberg, (tel. 576-1440).

Yeefah Chinese Restaurant. 80-A/E-1, Main Boulevard, Gulberg III, (tel. 571-0819, 575-8234; fax 575-2031).

Xinhua Restaurant. 94-C-2, Gulberg III, (tel. 575-2234, 575-4598 to 99; fax 575-4968).

Xiwang. Main Boulevard, Allama Iqbal Town, (tel. 447-979).

Continental/Pakistani Cuisine

Bell Pepper Restaurant. 9-10, Mehran Block, Fortress Stadium, Cantt., (tel. 665-5584, 667-2535).

Big M Restaurant. 59, Shadman Market, (tel. 757-8659).

Cafe Continental. 94-C-2, Gulberg III, (tel. 575-2234,575-4598 to 99; fax 575-4968). Open: 3:00 pm-12:00 midnight.

Caspian. Shahrah-e-Quaid-e-Azam (The Mall), (tel. 630-1517).

Chicago Grill. 2-C/II, Gulberg III, (tel. 575-7819; fax 575-6765). Open: For Lunch Specials Monday-Friday 1:00 pm-4:00 pm.

Continental FoodCopper Kettle. 15, Liberty Market, Gulberg, (tel. 575-7146).

Food Inn. 26, Commercial Market, Model Town, (tel. 854-361). Gulberg Kabana. 19-A, Main Boulevard, Gulberg, (tel. 575-55,90).

Lahore Tabaq. Lakshami Chowk, (tel. 631-2482).

Olives. Main Boulevard, L.C.C.H.S., (tel. 572-3823).

Pasta. 4, Gulberg V, (tel. 575-4011).

Patio. Main Boulevard, Gulberg, (tel. 575-9340).

Salloos. Liberty Market, Gulberg.

Salloos. WAPDA House, Shahrah-e-Quaid-e-Azam (The Mall), (tel. 636-7149, 631-0468, 630-2449). Open: 12:00 noon-4:00 pm; 7:00-11:00 pm.

Salt 'n Pepper Village. 26, Shahrah-e-Quaid-e-Azam (The Mall), (telefax 724-4009). Also at 48, Commercial Zone, Liberty Market, Gulberg, (tel. 575-2893 to 94; fax 575-1954). Open: 11:00 am-ll:00pm.

Shezan Restaurant. 7, Dyal Singh Mansion, Shahrah-e-Quaid-e-Azam (The Mall), (tel. 724-4106, 732-0492). Open: 10:00 am - 11:30 pm.

Shezan Snacks. Fortress Stadium, (tel. 665-1315, 668-4879). Open: 10:00 am-ll:30 pm.

Tabaq Cuisine. Main Boulevard, Gulberg, (tel. 575-4624).

Pakistani Cuisine

Billa Tikka Shop. Chowk Gwalmandi. Open: 12:00 noon-3:00 pm.

Bundu Khan Restaurant. 23, Shahrah-e-Quaid-e-Azam (The Mall), (tel. 723-1994,724-4009,575-2866). Open: 12:00 noon-12:00 midnight. Special discount during lunch hours 12:00 noon-5:00 pm. Pakistani FoodAlso at Liberty Market, Gulberg III, (tel. 575-6108, 587-6263). Open: 12:00 noon-12:00 midnight.

COOCO'S Cafe. 2168/A, Fort Road, Opp. Badshahi Mosque, Roshnai Gate, (tel. 763-5955, 765-5641; fax 766-2228; email shahi@pol.com.pk). Set within interesting surroundings, it is a traditional building creatively adapted for use as a restaurant. The cafe serves some of the most delectable cuisine available in Lahore. You can also have a fascinating view of the artfully lit Badshahi Mosque from the roof terrace of the cafe.

Kababeesh. Main Boulevard, Gulberg, (tel. 8776-018).

Naimat Kada. Birun (Outside) Lohari Gate, Circular Road (tel. 765-6509).

Punjab Tikka Shop. 14-E, Main Market, Gulberg, (tel. 872-590, 575-1335).

Salt 'n Pepper Village. 103/B-2, M.M. Alam Road, Gulberg III, (tel: 575-0735, 575-2866; fax 576-0751); also at 26, Shahrah-e-Quaid-e-Azam (The Mall), (tel. 724-4009).

Sholax. Bank Square Market, Model Town, (tel. 583-8555).

Tabaq. 1, Abbott Road, (tel. 631-2482).

Tikka Corner. 12, Commercial Zone, Liberty Market, Gulberg III, (tel. 587-4117).

Ziafat. 21-C-1, M.M. Alam Road, Gulberg III, (tel. 575-9007,575-0760, 575-4164; fax: 576-3255; email: ziafat@email.com). Open: Dinner only 7:30 pm-ll:30 pm.

Fast Food

Burger Max. Chinese, Continental Fast Food: Ahad Heights, Mini Market, Gulberg; also at Liberty Cinema, Liberty Market, Gulberg.

Fast FoodDeepan Pizza. 12-13 Bahawalpur Block, Fortress Stadium, Cantt., (tel. 667-0123). Offers variety of pizzas and continental dishes. Open: 12:00 noon-12:00 midnight.

Gino'S. Ejaz Centre, Gulberg, (tel. 576-2971).

Gogo Snacks. Sherpao Bridge, Cantt., (tel. 666-6713).

Kentucky Fried Chicken. Firdous Market, Gulberg; Main Defence Shopping Centre; near Barkat Market, near Garden Town.

Kings & Queens. 3, Peshawar Block, Fortress Stadium, Cantt., (tel. 666-8801).

MAC Burger. Main Boulevard, Gulberg, (tel. 576-0507).

McDonald's. A fast growing international fast-food chain, it has several outlets e.g. Defence I, (tel. 572-5561 to 62); Defence III, YBlock, (tel. 573-3826 to 27); Fortress Stadium, (tel. 667-66741 fax 667-6680); 63, Main Gulberg, (tel. 575-2110,575-2132); L.D.A. Plaza, (tel. 630-7997; fax 630-8886); Model Town Link Road (tel. 517-1327; fax 517-1328). Open: 11:00 am-12:00 midnight.

Pizza Hut. Among the first international fast food chains. It has the following outlets: Defence, (tel. 573-3171 to 72); Gulberg, (tel. 575-1456,575-1312); Mall Road, (tel. 637-0126 to 27). Take away service available. Open: 12:00 noon-12:00 midnight.

Ice Cream Parlours

Ice CreamsBenazir Kulfa Shop. Gulberg III, (tel. 571-2365).

GelatO Ice Cream. 13, Peshawar Block, Fortress Stadium, Cantt.,
(tel. 666-7535, 668-1452). Open: 10:00 am-12:00 midnight.

Chaman Ice Cream Shop. Beadon Road.

Lahori Kulfa Falooda Shop. L.C.C.H.S., (tel. 894-127).

Polka Parlour. 129-E/l, Main Gulberg, (tel. 876-403).

Shahi Kulfa. Ferozepur Road,

Yummy's 36. L.C.C.H.S., Defence, (tel. 572-0541).

Food Bazaars

The most famous food bazaar is Gwalmandi Food Street, which has gained such popularity over a short period of time. By cleaning the area and lighting up the buildings, the administration has created a pedestrian zed food street, which has become a popular venue for Lahoris and visitors alike. The food outlets offer a variety of popular dishes, each outlet offering its own specialty which the visitors are able to enjoy sitting in a well-lit vehicle-free street.

Lahore has several areas which boast of their culinary specialties and if you are a culinary buff you might like to visit them for tasting the different kind of dishes. Although many of the items detailed below are available at the restaurants mentioned in Section 3 of this Chapter, you will find that apart from tasting the authentic Lahori cuisine, with the exception of Gulberg, you will be able to eat fairly inexpensively if you visit the food districts detailed below.

Lakshami & Regal Chowks: The chowks (crossings) and streets surrounding the area such as Beadon Road, Hall Road, Mcleod Road, Nisbet road and Abbott Road are popular eating places. At Lakshami Chowk you will find Yasin Halwa Puri in Royal Park (behind the Chowk), Shahi Murgh Cholay, Bismillah Karahi, and Mashallah Karahi Tikka, Jahangir Murgh Pulao, Shahi Champ Corner, Ittefaq Dal Chawal, restaurants such as Lasani and Tabaq, and for barfi & khoya you must visit Butt Sweet House. If you are fond of spicy snacks, at Regal Chowk you can enjoy the best samosas, chaat and dahi bhalla in town at a fraction of the cost it is found in more upmarket places. Abbott Road has inexpensive eating outlets offering chicken karahi, apart from taka tak, dal chawal, roast and tikkas. Mcleod Road is a veritable food bazaar in which outlets include those of halwa puri, biryani, dal chawal, broast and tikkas. Beadon Road excels in dry fruit, fruit juices including gunnay ka rass (fresh sugarcane juice), and ice cream, the well-known outlets of Punjab Ice Cream, Fiesta and tht oldest shop in the area Chaman Ice Cream.

Walled City Gates. The Walled City is famous for its specialties. Inside and around each Gate of the inner city you will find some of the most delectable traditional fare. Beginning with Roshanai Gate and at Cooco's Restaurant, you will be able to enjoy the aura of the Inner City. The restaurant is famous for offering a fine selection of the traditional cuisine available in its vicinity. In the close-by Hira Mandi you will get the most delicious kebabs as well as Siri Paeay at the universally acclaimed Phajja. Around Bhati Gate, you will be able to enjoy the refreshing iced milk laced with Kasurifalooda and tukhmalanga, and for those who do not have to worry about calories, rich rabri can be added to give it that special flavor. Another Punjab delicacy you can enjoy in the vicinity of District Courts and Data Darbar is paratha or roti of corn (maize) flour with wonderfully tasty sarsoon (mustard) fee saag. Apart from the iced milk, Lohari Gate offers murgh cholay at Chaskara as well as the fare of famous outlets such as Naimat Kadah and Prince Chargha House. As you move to Shahalmi Gate, the halwa puri is among the most tempting you can find, along with kulfi at Baba Kulfiwalla and murgh haleem at Haji Abdur Rashid Haleemwalla. If you are deep within the Walled City, at Chowk Rang Mahal you might like to try ice-cold Jassi, iced milk with Kasuri falooda or the refreshing drink of Falsa (blueberries) juice from Chacha Saeed Falsaykay Sharbatwalla. Apart from the delicacies of nihari and siri paeay, you could also try the well-known outlet of Chacha Saeed Bhatooraywalla, and for Lahori fish Javed Machhi Farosh. Along with Bhati Gate, Birun (Outside) Mochi Gate and Akbari Gate are famous for the speciality of makki ki roti Chicken Tikkaand sarsoon ka saag. The outlet opposite Mochi Gate serving haleem is also worth a try. Dehli Gate is among the most interesting of the Walled City Gates offering nihari accompanied by ice-cold lassi or iced milk with Kasuri falooda. The best nans are available at Chowk Masjid Wazir Khan at Khalifa Nanwalla, the aroma of which is unforgettable for passsersby. If you are close to the Sheranwala Gate, in Chuna Mandi you should try the ice-cold lassi, iced-milk with Kasuri flooda and the traditional makki ki roti and sarsoon ka saag.

Old Anarkali. In Old Anarkali, Lake Road on Church Road crossing is famous for outlets offering a wide variety of good food at unbelievably low prices, including breakfast offerings, snacks, sweatmeat and juices. On Church Road you will find Paradise Hotel well known for its daal and chicken fried rice, and popular outlets for Sindhi biryani and special Kashmir! Tea, along with nihari and sweetmeat shops. The corner shops offer an array of halwa puri, vura, aaloo cholay and kachuri. You will find the two roads dotted with a variety of drinks shops offering lassi, iced milk with falooda and tiikhmalanaga, and fruit juices—Maqbool Juice Corner being the most famous with its speciality of Peach juice and khoya khajoor.

New Anarkali. Along Kachahri Road you will find a variety of shops offering delicious fruit juices, gunnay ka rass (sugarcane juice) along with spicy chaat and dahi bhallay. In the back street you will find the famous Waris Nihariwalla offering the most tempting nihari fare.

Food Streets. Today you cannot go to Lahore and not visit the famous food street of Gwalmandi. Especially if it is a Lahori food experience par excellence you are looking for, you must visit Chamberlain Road which is now popularly known as Gwalmandi Food Street. Offering a variety of cuisine, the pedestrian zed street is thronged by people of all ages. With facade lighting of old buildings, projecting balconies and awnings, the atmosphere is wonderfully conducive to the enjoyment of the best of Lahori fare that you will find here. You can enjoy the famous Lahori fish, barbecue dishes, biryanis of all varieties, numerous kinds of bread from roti to tandoor nans and kulchas; in short well-known delicacies as well as favorite dishes which can all be found here. Other food streets include Anarkali Food Street & Fort Road Bazaar.

Jail Road & Mozang Chungi. This is another area of excellent food outlets concentrated around the Mozang Chowk, on Bahawalpur Road and Jail Road. You will find the food places here specializing in chicken dishes, nihari and fish, along with the ever-sustaining milk drink containing flooda and tukhmalanga. The corner shops include the famous Waris Nihari and Bashir Nihari The specialist outlets on Jail Road provide a range of tikkas, ram roast, kebabs, tin chicken, mutton karahi and chops— chicken karahi and taka tak being the great favorites.

Fortress Stadium. If you are in search of reasonably priced restaurants with seating arrangement. Fortress Stadium should be your destination. Here the variety of fare offered includes Chinese, Continental, Pakistani as well as Fast Food of both international and domestic varieties. The Fortress Stadium boasts well-known restaurants such as Baluchi Sajji, Bundu Khan, Shezan, Bell Pepper; McDonald'S and even the famous Polka Parlour with its offering of a variety of Ice Creams.

Model Town. Although not on the same scale or offering as sorw of the other food areas. Model Town Block D roundabout offers the best Bhaiya's Kebabs in town. You might like to try here the wonderfully cooling special Soda drink which is made by adding salt to lime & water.

Krishan Nagar, Samanabad & Ichhra. Krishan Nagar is the place to sample the best of sin paeay and haleem, while Samanabad is famous for its haleem. Ferozepur Road in Ichhra provides a host of specialities, from milk with Kasurifalooda and a variety of juices to halwa puri, kachuri, pura, aaloo cholay, nihari & siri paeay.

Gulberg. For those who want to enjoy their dinner in a select environment, Gulberg is where they must go. Located in the fashionable upmarket district of Gulberg are many restaurants which offer the best Pakistani, Continental and South Asian cuisine at prices commensurate with the exclusive environment that they provide.

The Mini Market of Gulberg contains moderately expensive to expensive restaurants, offering Fast Food, Continental and Pakistani cuisine. You will find here the famous outlets Cafe Zouk and Salt 'n Pepper Village, along with Four Seasons restaurant, and a branch of the international Fast Food chain Pizza Hut.

It is the Main Boulevard of Gulberg that abounds in a host of famous restaurants. As is to be expected, the prices range from moderately expensive to expensive. You will find here Continental fare being offered by the ever popular outlets and Pakistani cuisine of the highest order. There are several famous Chinese restaurants operating here, with Fast Food being represented by MacDonald's (for a list of restaurants see Section 3 of this Chapter).

The Liberty Market outlets include many Fast Food outlets and burger shops, chaat, juices and Shwarma outlets along with the famous Salloo's and Bundu Khan's outlets.

As a suitable ending to a delectable meal, particularly if you have had Pakistani cuisine, you should visit the roundabout of the Main Market. Here you will be able to get qahwa or tea and pan (Beetle Leaf). Also available here is particularly tasty chaat.

Lahori Specialities

Lassi & Iced Milk: For the refreshing cooling drink of lassi, available from 11:00 in the morning until well past midnight, you will find a host of outlets serving both full cream and fat-free lassi. Depending upon your taste you could select sweet or savoury, and served in a variety of glasses. But the best taste of lassi can be enjoyed when served in pital tanba tall glasses, which keeps the drink cold. For the best-tasting lassi try Gwalmandi, Purani Anarkali and Ravi Road, and in the Walled City around Dehli, Lohari and Sheranwala Gates, and Chowk Rang Mahal. For chilled milk mixed falooda, tukhmalnnga or rabri the best places along with Ichhra are in the Walled City such as Chowk Rang Mahal, Delhi Gate, Hira Mandi and Chuna Mandi.

Breakfast Snacks: The delicacy often served at breakfast consists of aaloo cholay, halwa puri and kachuri. The best variety is available at Purani Anarkali, and Lohari Mandi, Shahalmi and Hira Mandi in the Walled City. Other areas where you might like to try them are Macleod and Montgomery Roads, Ichhra and Liberty Market in Gulberg.

Chaat. These are spicy offerings and are particular favourites of the young. The best of chaat and dalii bhallas can be found in Chowk Rang Mahal, Shahalmi, Anarkali, Regal Chowk, Lakshami Chowk and Garhi Shahu.

NihariChicken Karahi: For the best chicken karahi, it is worth travelling to the far end of Jail Road, to Punjab Tikka at Main Market Gulberg and Liberty Market.

Chicken Tikka: Apart from restaurant listed in Section 3 of this Chapter you will find several outlets offering this barbecue item. You might like to try the market on Jail Road, left of Mozang Chungi, stalls at Lakshami Chowk, Gulberg, Defence, Garden Town and Muslim Town.

Fish Preparations: Lahori fish is mostly river fish, and has its own flavour. The best places for fish are Bashir Darul Mahi in Bhati Gate, Sardar Darul Mahi in Gwalmandi and Mozang Chungi.

Haleem: A popular delicacy, this dish is cooked on a low flame all through the night. Chicken haleem is popular for parties during the months of Muharram, Basant and Eid. It is available in the bazaars of Misri Shah, Qila Gujjar Singh, Krishan Nagar, Sant Nagar and Samanabad, and on Montgomery & Abbott Road. The handcart vendors Luckhnavi Haleem (in front of Government College), ana Lahore Haleem (stationed opposite Mochi Gate) provide inexpensive fare.

Kebabs: The best kebabs are found at Khalifa Dey Kebab, inside Mochi Gate in the Walled City. But many other outlets offer this popular fare in Landa Bazaar, Hira Mandi, Garhi Shahu and Lakshami Chowk, Jail Road, Dharampura, Model Town Market, Mozang and the restaurants at Fortress Stadium. The best Khoay Wallay- Kebab are found in Saddar Bazaar of Dharampura, the best Mamay Wallay Kebab are found at Mammay ki Dokan on Temple Road; the best Seekh Kebabs are found in Mochi Gate, Model Town Market; the best Bihari Kebab are of Bundu Khan.

Makki (Corn) ki Roti (bread) & Sarsoon (Mustard) ka Saag: This delicacy which is typical of Lahore and the Punjab is available mostly in and around the Walled City area. You should try the outlets in Sheranwala Gate, at Bhati Chowk, Data Durbar area and outside Mochi and Akbari Gates.

Nihari: Although more substantial than dishes mentioned above, nihari is often eaten for breakfast. Nihari buffs queue from before sunrise to taste this delicacy which is cooked over night. The best n ihari with nan and kulcha can be found in areas such as Walled City's Chowk Chakia, Rang Mahal, Lohari & Delhi Gates—the acclaimed itihari king Dehli kay al-mashoor Nihari Wallay being located in Lohari Gate; Gwalmandi Chowk, Qila Gujjar Singh, Mozang and Ichhra.

Shahi Murgh Cholay: Apart from the pushcart of Cholay Walla in Nila Gumbad and shop behind Ewing Hall, you can find other outlets in Lohari Gate, Anarkali and Lakshami Chowk.

Siri Paeay: This is another delicacy which is allowed to cook over several hours to attain its best flavour. The best of its kind is available at Phajja in Hira Mandi, while other Walled City outlets can be found in Rang Mahal and Taksalee Gate areas. You should also try outlets in Ichhra, Misri Shah, Shadbagh, Krishan Nagar, Lakshami Chowk, Nisbet Road and Gwalmandi.

Sweet Tooth: The offerings of sweetmeat in Lahore are legendary. There are many sweetmeat shops which offer most delectable fare. But certain delicacies such as barfi is best found in Lal Khoo, inside Mochi Gate.

Caution: During Ramadan (month of fasting) you will find most restaurants closed during day time. Check out first class hotels and restaurants where service to foreigners is usually available.
 
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