LAHORE’S FOOD CULTURE

Lahoris unapologetically love food, and who could blame them? The city boasts a variety of delicious cuisine - an inheritance from the Indian and Persian influences, perfected through generations. Experiencing local cuisine is an integral aspect of tourism. This experience is not just about devouring a plate, but also immersing in the elaborate food culture of the city.

Sitting under an embellished chandelier, enveloped by the intricately ornamented walls of a Mughal-themed restaurant, is a treat for the local and international tourists alike. High-end restaurants cater a menu fit for royalty, coupled with Mughal-themed costumes, adorned by the waiters. The environment takes you on a fantastical journey, recreating the glory of the past. The experience is what it stands for, precisely – ‘heritage theme parks’ recreating the splendor of the past.

However, these pretentious restaurants don’t do justice to the ‘real’ food culture of Lahore – a culture that encircles around the experience of selecting livestock from a nearby shed and slow-cooking the meat in open air over lingering conversations. This experience is found in small-scale, family-run eateries, offering a relatively authentic meal and experience at nominal prices. Perhaps, these small eateries could offer communal cooking while sharing family recipes and stories they wish to impart.