Lahore, the second-largest country in Pakistan, is also one of the wealthiest among them. It is popularly known as the ‘City of Gardens’ due to the rich parks and gardens. The city of Lahore is known for its rich culture and vibrant atmosphere. The major Urdu film industry of Pakistan, Lollywood, is located here.
Packed with bustling eateries, manicured parks and historic landmarks, Lahore emanates the culture at every nook and corner. The food and cuisine of Lahore are loved by everyone because of their milder and palatable taste. Much of the Lahori food is influenced by the Punjabi and Mughlai cuisine.
Top traditional food of Lahore
The following is a list of renowned food items for having a unique taste
- Halwa Puri
Halwa puri is the traditional breakfast of the Lahoris and they enjoy it with all their hearts. The Zafar Halwa Puri serves the best halwa puri in the city and is always at the top of the chart with its authentic taste. Capri and Bundu Khan are the other two well-known places to try this delicious dish.
- Paye
Paye is one of the favourite dishes amongst the Lahoris and is made from the hooves of buffaloes, goats or sheep. It is slowly cooked with spices to make the gravy. Served with khameeri roti or naan, paye is often eaten as a breakfast dish. Try it at Phajja Siri Paye.
- Nihari
Much loved by the Mughals, Nihari is a traditional dish that includes slow cooking of meat and stew with flavorful spices. The tender meat melts in your mouth the moment you take the bite of it. Waris Nihari and Muhammadi Nihari offer you the most delicious Nihari with khameeri roti or khasta naan.
- Haleem
Haleem is yet another flavorful plate of thick creamy meat garnished with barista, lemon juice, coriander leaves and much more. Get the best Haleem at Haji Sultan Ahmed and Kozi Haleem.
- Murgh Chana
The traditional dish of Murgh Chana is prepared by the slow cooking of chicken with chickpeas to form gravy. People of Lahore enjoy the dish with khameeri roti or naan. If you want to have the best one then go for the Goga Naqeebia in Model Town.
- Biryani
Biryani, the ultimate dish, is loved by everyone. It is the flavorful combination of aromatic rice with spicy chicken or mutton. The mouth-watering dish comes with a variety of options to choose from. Try out the Nawab Biryani, Waqas Biryani or the Biryani King.
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- Pathoray
Another street food that adds to the delicacy of Lahore, Pathoray is well eaten with chollay and achaar as a breakfast item. Enjoy it at Kaka Pathoray wala and Lahori Shahi Pathoray.
- Keema naan
You may have Keema naan as a snack or a whole meal. Eaten with yoghurt or raita, it is a must-try dish when you are in Lahore. Grab this food at Mujahid Taj Din Nan Bakers and 5 Star Naan Shop.
- Chargha
Chargha is the perfect dish for chicken lovers with a full chicken roasted with spices. The whole chicken is marinated with the paste of spices and yoghurt and kept overnight. Tabaq Chargha serves you the most delicious finger-licking chargha.
- Anda Shami burger
Popularly known as ‘Shami wala burger’, the Anda Shami burger is a desi burger that has a Shami Tikki and an egg between two buns. Grab the delicious bite at Sarak Kinaray.
- Tawa Chicken
Cooking the chicken with green chillies and spices on a traditional Tawa is famous among the spicy eaters. The hot spicy Tawa chicken is well served with roti or naan. Arif Ctahkhara has earned popularity for the best Tawa chicken in Lahore.
- Mutton chaap
A much-loved dish of Lahore, Mutton chaap, is made from the ribs of goat. The pieces are slowly barbecued to make them tender. Nishat Café offers the best BBQ-styled mutton chaap.
- Karahi
Karahi is a curry made of spices and vegetables and is prepared in a deep pan. It has a great flavour and mouth-watering aroma. Chicken, mutton and fish are also added to it. To taste the best Karahi, visit the Butt Karahi.
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