With Lahore being the cultural hub of Pakistan, it’s no wonder that its cuisine is just as diverse and interesting as its people. While there are plenty of traditional food dishes you can try in Lahore, you must taste these 8 unique dishes at least once in your lifetime! Read on to learn more about these uniquely Lahori eats, their ingredients, and where to try them!

1) Haleem

Haleem is a traditional dish that has been around for centuries and has its roots in Arab cuisine. It was originally introduced to the subcontinent by Persian traders. Haleem is primarily made up of lentils, wheat, garbanzo beans, and spices such as ground cumin, coriander seeds, cloves, cardamom pods, black pepper and cinnamon sticks. All these ingredients are then cooked together with water or stock until the desired consistency is reached.

2) Kebabs

Lahori kebabs are a variety of kebab that is native to the region of Punjab, Pakistan. They are famous for their distinctive shape and flavor which distinguishes them from other types of kebabs. The main ingredients include minced meat, onions, coriander, green chilis and salt. They can be made with beef, lamb or chicken.

3) Malai Tikka

Malai Tikka is a traditional Pakistani dish consisting of a paneer or tofu ball dipped in thickened cream and served with chutney. The word malai means cream, while the word tikka means to dip or to coat. This dish can be found on restaurant menus all over Pakistan, but it’s very difficult to find this dish made at home. In Lahore, there are many places where you can find the Malai Tikka.

4) Sohan Halwa

Sohan Halwa is a traditional Punjabi dish which is made with milk, dry fruits and sugar. The milk is boiled until it thickens and then the dry fruits are added to it. Sugar syrup is also added to make the dish sweet. It is usually served as a dessert but can also be eaten as breakfast with some butter toast or plain paratha.

Besan ki Laddoo is a popular Indian dessert which has been around for centuries and dates back to ancient times when Indians used to consume lentils because they were plentiful and cheap. Besan ki laddoos are made with besan flour, ghee (clarified butter) or oil and sugar or jaggery. They are typically round in shape but square ones can also be found.

5) Pakora

Pakoras are one of the most popular food items in Pakistan, and they’re traditionally made with besan flour, spices and a variety of vegetables. The batter is deep fried until it’s crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. They’re usually eaten as an appetizer or a side dish to a meal. It is believed that pakoras originated from India, but they have become so popular in Pakistan that many people call them Pakistani pakoras or pakora for short. The word pakora comes from the Hindi word pakodā, which means to drop into hot oil.

Pakoras are popular all across Pakistan, but you’ll find some regional variations throughout different provinces.

6) Rabri, Sarson Ka Saag and Makhana

Rabri is a milk based dessert with sugar and nuts. Sarson ka saag is a type of spinach dish that goes great with makhan (butter). Makhana is a type of nut that has been deep fried in ghee or clarified butter. It has to be eaten hot because it can get soggy when cold.

7) Kulcha Naan with Chole, Aloo Gosht, Shahi Paneer And Mutton Biryani

Kulcha naan with chole, aloo gosht, shahi paneer and mutton biryani are some of the most popular dishes found on the streets of Lahore. Kulcha naans are a type of bread which is baked in a tandoori oven and is often served with chole (a spicy chickpea dish). Aloo gosht is a meat curry made with potatoes and chunks of meat, while shahi paneer is white cheese cooked in a tomato-based sauce. Mutton biryani is rice mixed with spices and chunks of lamb cooked together.

8) Qeema Naan with Mutton Cutlets and Cucumber Raita.

Qeema Naan with Mutton Cutlets and Cucumber Raita. Ingredients: Naan bread, ghee, qeema meat, green chili paste, black pepper, salt and garlic cloves. Preparation: Heat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 minutes. Slice the garlic cloves into thin circles and place them on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil. Drizzle olive oil over the top of the garlic cloves and sprinkle salt to taste on top of the garlic cloves. Place this baking sheet in the oven and roast it until they turn golden brown or until they are cooked through (about 20 minutes). In a bowl mix together ghee (or butter), green chili paste, black pepper, salt and finely chopped tomatoes.