10 Notable Places to Eat Local Food in Lahore

Lahore is a busy, beautiful metropolis that was once at the center of the Mughal Empire. Today, it is informally known as the food and culture capital of Pakistan or, more commonly, a citadel for foodies. As they say “Jinnay Lahore nai vekhaya o jamya nai” (you haven’t been born yet if you haven’t seen Lahore), so let’s take a look at some of Lahore’s most iconic desi food that makes it the city it is today.

1: Paaye from Manoo Siri Paaye, Sultanpura

A to-die-for plate of paaye paired with piping hot roghni naans and chilled meethi lassi fulfilling all desi breakfast needs!

2: Beef Khoya Tikka from Shafi Tikka Shop, Saddar Bazaar

These succulent bites of beef from Shafi Tikka are barbecued to perfection. You could even eat these without naan and go home happy.

3: Besan-Fried Rahu from Bashir Dar ul Mahi, Mozang

Desi fried fish that pulls in thousands and thousands of people especially in the winters. You will love it paired with the liquidy, aalu bukhara chutney it is served with.

4: Hareesa by Amritsari Hareesa, Nisbat Road

This delicious, Kashmiri concoction of meat with wheat flour and loads of ghee at Amritsari will blow your mind.

5: Taka Tak from Cafe Riaz, Samanabad

Lahori style stir-fry containing brain, kidney prepared with loads of vegetables and taka tak’d on a large pan… I always get one packed for home. ALWAYS.

6: Nihari from Waris Nihari House, Anarkali

Nihari is a shahi breakfast and what better place to have this stewed beef in loads of masala and ghee from than Waris Nihari in Anarkali bazaar?

7: Karahi from Butt Karahi, Lakshmi Chowk

Butt Karahi from Lakshmi Chowk is the king of all karahis in Lahore. Naam he kafi hai.

8: Chanay from Jeela Chanay Wala, Amir Rd Shadbagh

Be it plain chanay, murgh (chicken) chanay or mutton chanay, this place in Shadbagh called Jeela Chanay Wala takes the crown, quite honestly. The flavors and the texture of the chanay and masala give other chanay walas a run for their money.

9: Daal Mash from Latif Hotel, Copper Road, Lakshmi Chowk

We all love a nicely cooked daal mash, fragrant and buttery in texture. When you see it served with coriander and tarka garnishings, you come to life as soon as the aroma hits your nose. To feel that, head to Latif Hotel and thank us later.

10: Biryani from Jaidi Biryani

Relatively new but my, my is this biryani a treat. It comes as a deal along with zarda (sweet rice) or firni, raita, two shami kebabs, salad, and chutney.