Lahore is proudly known as the food and culture capital of Pakistan, because of the sheer variety of food dishes it serves. The best food in the city is, however, its street food. No restaurant can match up to the taste that these authentic delicacies offer. These interesting and lip-smacking dishes will keep you craving for more. You could even have an entire day’s meal comprising street food: from excellent breakfast options such as Laddu Peethi, to the tantalising Nihari for lunch, the sumptuous Butt Karahi for dinner, and the delicious Rabri for dessert. With so many options to chose from we are sure you are already feeling hungry. Take a look at some of our top-rated street foods offered in Lahore.
1. Laddu Peethi
Laddu Peethi is one of the most beloved street foods of Lahore, Pakistan. They are basically crunchy, fried batter gram lentil balls usually served with apricot sauce, sweet and sour tamarind sauce, plum sauce and white radish salad. This is undoubtedly one of the locals’ favourite street food because of its unique flavours. It looks similar to a falafel and is super crunchy — a great snack indeed! The Laddy prepared at Neela Gumbad and Abid Market are a must try.
2. Halwa Puri
This is a breakfast delicacy that people from Lahore swear by. It is truly a perfect Sunday breakfast treat indeed. The halwa is made with pure ghee and is served with freshly made puris along with chana masala as an ideal side accompaniment. It is oozing with calories, but you cannot say no to this delicacy when visiting Lahore. Taj Puri Wala is renowned all across Lahore for the halwa puri it serves. What makes it even more special is the historic view that you will get to enjoy whilst enjoying a full-fledged Lahori breakfast.
3. Nihari
Nihari is a stew consisting of slow-cooked meat mainly beef or lamb, goat meat and chicken, along with bone marrow. This thick gravy is perfected with a blend of marinated spices such as chillies, lime and garlic. It is served with piping hot naans and makes for an ideal heavy breakfast. This is the ultimate treat for non-vegetarians and will surely spoil their taste buds. Indulge in the best of Nihari at places such as Waris Nihari House, Muhammadi Nihari and Sheermal.
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4. Dahi Bhalla
A quintessential street food from Lahore which will leave you hooked and longing for more, dahi bhalla is a delicacy that is prepared from black lentils, potatoes, chickpeas and is dunked in curd. It is then garnished with some green chutneys, red chilli powder, chaat masala for a tantalising flavour. One plate will never be enough, we guarantee you on this!
5. Butt Karahi
Lahori Butt Chicken Karahi is the yummiest traditional street food dish of Lahore. It is savoured by millions and directly paves its way into the hearts of non-vegetarians. This thick gravy is made with a blend of spices, pieces of tender boneless chicken and garnished with some juicy and tangy lime. It is served with butter tandoori roti making it the perfect meal for lunch or even dinner. Lakshmi Chowk is famous all across Lahore for this lip-smacking and sumptuous treat.
6. Shawarma
Shawarma is another sumptuous treat available on the streets of Lahore. It is made of either lamb, mutton, chicken, turkey, or beef, cut in thin slices and stacked in a cone-like shape on a vertical rotisserie. It is served with a side of freshly chopped onions, lime and a wonderfully blended spicy green chutney. It is similar to a roll but is thicker in consistency and better in taste. The shawarmas served at Gawal Mandi food street are to die for!
7. Paaye
This nutrient-rich dish is a widely enjoyed local delicacy of Lahore. The main ingredients of the dish are the trotters (or hoof) of a cow, goat, buffalo or sheep cooked to perfection with a variety of spices and herbs. This tangy gravy is paired with piping hot roghni naans and chilled meethi lassi for a delightful three-course meal. Although this will keep you filled for a long time, you will be craving for more very soon. Paaye from Manoo Siri in Sulanputra is renowned for this savoury.
8. Rabri
Rabri is a sweet, condensed-milk-based dish made by boiling the milk on low heat for a long time until it becomes dense. It is then generously garnished with sugar and nuts for an added flavour. Rabri is best served with chilled kulfi and falooda, making it the most loved dessert in Lahore. Yousaf Falooda located at Old Anarkali has made its place among the yummiest dessert places of Lahore.
9. Beef Khoya Tikka
“Tikka” refers to a piece of meat, such as a cutlet. This popular dish is made from succulent pieces of beef which are fried and marinated with the best of spices, as well as lime. It can be eaten with tandoori naan for added flavour. However, it tastes just as amazing even when eaten alone. These tikkas can be dunked in a bowl of spicy green chutney to make the most of this dish. Shafi Tikka Shop located at Sardaar Bazaar serves the best of Beef Khoya Tikkas.
10. Samosa Chole
Samosa Chole is yet another famous street food in Lahore. This is a type of chaat prepared with only the freshest ingredients. Made with chole, samosa, curd, chutneys (green, red) and spices, this snack is relished by many. The combination of samosa and chole together makes this dish absolutely yummy. While walking through the streets of Lahore, you must try this delicacy from Best Samosa Shop, Ghalib Market.
Lahore, the foodie's paradise
Lahore is amongst the most popular places across the globe for its street food and we totally understand why — excellent food options available at throwaway prices is no longer a dream. Do visit these amazing places to try out some of the best street food options in Lahore.