A Foodie's Guide to Old Lahore: What to Eat Around the Walled City

Come for the History, Stay for the Food

There are plenty of reasons to visit the Walled City of Lahore.

The architecture.

The old streets.

The Badshahi Mosque.

The Lahore Fort.

But if you're a food lover, there's another reason.

Food.

Old Lahore has a completely different energy from the newer parts of the city. The streets are busy, the smells change every few steps and traditional food is everywhere.

Start With Nihari

If you're starting early, nihari is a natural choice.

Waris Nihari and other traditional nihari houses have made this part of Lahore famous among food lovers.

Get some naan, sit down and take your time.

Move Towards Karahi

Once you're done exploring, karahi is an obvious next meal.

Butt Karahi is one of the names associated with Lahore's classic karahi culture.

Order enough for the table because karahi is better when everyone is fighting over the last piece.

Don't Ignore BBQ

Old Lahore is also a good place to explore grilled food.

Tikka, kebabs and other BBQ dishes are exactly what you want when the evening gets busy and you're ready for another meal.

End With Something Sweet

No food walk should end without something sweet.

Look around the old markets for traditional sweets, kulfi or other desserts depending on what's available.

The Best Way to Explore Old Lahore

Don't try to eat everything in one sitting.

Pick a few dishes.

Walk around.

Come back later.

That's the beauty of Lahore's food culture. The food isn't separate from the city.

It is part of the city.