Going To Pakistan!

[Da_Future_Knick]

Hey guys! I'm going to Pakistan soon and I need help. Will be traveling by myself for the first time iA I reach there safely and everything goes ok. Anyway I was wondering if anyone who lives there or has been there recently could give me insight to how it is? The last time I went I was to small to remember anything. Do kids still play cricket all day? Does the street food still taste great? Are there friendly/ loving people? Any tips on what to eat and sights to see. Thanks a lot guys!

 

[KarachiKing]

what city?

 

[Da_Future_Knick]

what city?

Lahore and Islamabad

 

[KarachiKing]

^ Cant tell you the specifics of those cities but generally things are much more commercialized. More state of the art malls etc.

Prolly someone fro mthese cities will talk in detail

 

[Da_Future_Knick]

Alright thanks anyway !

 

[AZ]

yes everyone still plays cricket, yes the street food still tastes great.

I would advise you to stay away from it for the first week or so though, let your stomach get used to desi food first.

also go visit the Northern Areas of Pakistan, see your country...its really a beautiful place.

 

[Justcrazy]

Congratas !!! Hope you have a good holiday

 

[Da_Future_Knick]

yes everyone still plays cricket, yes the street food still tastes great.

I would advise you to stay away from it for the first week or so though, let your stomach get used to desi food first.

also go visit the Northern Areas of Pakistan, see your country...its really a beautiful place.

Haha sounds great! And yeah I think I'm going to wait a week or so lol. Also, any specific places? Can't wait to see it !

 

[Da_Future_Knick]

Congratas !!! Hope you have a good holiday

Thank you so much! Hope I reach safely iA

 

[FreeBird]

To protect against upset stomach and local bacteria, THE FIRST thing u should eat in Pakistan is local yogurt.
Reach your destination ( family home or whatever) and ask someone to buy you some yogurt from the local shop.

And then be very careful at the airport. Keep a low profile to not let people easily guess that u r visiting from the west.

THE BEST WAY is to keep a shalwar kameez in your hand bag, and change it in the planes lavatory before landing in Pakistan.

And do NOT let anyone touch your luggage at the airport. There have been quite a few incidents of rip offs and ghunda gardi "bullyism" to get your money by someone who has helped push your cart in a gesture of getting it out of the way so that others can move etc.

 

[KarachiKing]

To protect against upset stomach and local bacteria, THE FIRST thing u should eat in Pakistan is local yogurt.
Reach your destination ( family home or whatever) and ask someone to buy you some yogurt from the local shop.

And then be very careful at the airport. Keep a low profile to not let people easily guess that u r visiting from the west.

THE BEST WAY is to keep a shalwar kameez in your hand bag, and change it in the planes lavatory before landing in Pakistan.

And do NOT let anyone touch your luggage at the airport. There have been quite a few incidents of rip offs and ghunda gardi "bullyism" to get your money by someone who has helped push your cart in a gesture of getting it out of the way so that others can move etc.

lol which Pakistan have you visited and when?

Advising to change in Shalwar Kamiz. Seriously!!!

 

[FreeBird]

lol which Pakistan have you visited and when?

Advising to change in Shalwar Kamiz. Seriously!!!

The suggestion is not for desi burgers.
So don't read too much into it.

 

[Cricketismylife]

how much money do PPers spend for daily expenses (living expenses in Pak for visitors)

 

[saeedhk]

To protect against upset stomach and local bacteria, THE FIRST thing u should eat in Pakistan is local yogurt.
Reach your destination ( family home or whatever) and ask someone to buy you some yogurt from the local shop.

And then be very careful at the airport. Keep a low profile to not let people easily guess that u r visiting from the west.

THE BEST WAY is to keep a shalwar kameez in your hand bag, and change it in the planes lavatory before landing in Pakistan.

And do NOT let anyone touch your luggage at the airport. There have been quite a few incidents of rip offs and ghunda gardi "bullyism" to get your money by someone who has helped push your cart in a gesture of getting it out of the way so that others can move etc.

The changing clothes part is a bit too much.That's unneccessary imo.

 

[Sakss]

Rawalpindi.....


Savour Food jana

Mohammadi Nihari

Urdu Bazar and Mochi bazar k chowk mei corner sweet house k same aik tikke wala ha , uske tikke and kaleeji khana.

Mamoo ka anda shami burger

Taimoor ka roll paratha

Al sheikh tikka house ki karahi

Lahori Samose

Refreshment centre ki halwa poori and gol gappay

Jinnah super k same beithe hue afghani k french fries

Larosh ki chicken jalfrezii

 

[Da_Future_Knick]

^^ Haha, cant wait to go! Get to try a bunch of new stuff. I just hope I dont get really sick as that may ruin the trip. Another place I want to visit is the Faisal Masjid iA

 

[Nazir_ Rules]

I just returned a few weeks back from Lahore, it was a pleasant trip but it was very hot at times this summer! Yes people still play cricket, it's in our blood, how can we not?

Oh and yea I also got sick, not just once or twice; three times including once during Eid right after Ramadhan, so be careful of what you're eating.

If you're visiting after a long time you'll see it has changed a lot since when you last saw it; and traffic of course is still very heavily congested, even more so now.

Anyhow, hope you have a good trip! There's a lot to see so do make some time and check some places out!

 

[Da_Future_Knick]

Aww man that sucks. I really dont want to get sick lol
My family keeps telling me how evolved and industrialized Pakistan is now, I really cant wait to go.

 

[Runner Up]

You are gonna love it. Especially Lahore and Islamabad. Weather is bit hot as compare to Karachi but you will have lots of fun there.

 

[Mamoon]

Savour food's pulao, don't miss.

Other than that, I would recommend not to take Sakss' advice seriously, your stomach won't be able to handle all that. Like AZ said, don't eat sasta roadside food for a while until your stomach gets used to our food.

The food overall is fantastic, the traffic is not so nice and yes people still play cricket. As far as sightseeing is concerned, depends on what you prefer but you won't get much in the cities you are traveling to, other than Pir Sohawa and Margalla hills.

Also, don't listen to FreeBird.

 

[Mamoon]

Rawalpindi.....


Savour Food jana

Mohammadi Nihari

Urdu Bazar and Mochi bazar k chowk mei corner sweet house k same aik tikke wala ha , uske tikke and kaleeji khana.

Mamoo ka anda shami burger

Taimoor ka roll paratha

Al sheikh tikka house ki karahi

Lahori Samose

Refreshment centre ki halwa poori and gol gappay

Jinnah super k same beithe hue afghani k french fries

Larosh ki chicken jalfrezii

)

You really want him admitted in PIMS emergency ward? He will struggle to digest high-end desi food like Des Pardes initially .

 

[pakistani pride]

Savour food's pulao, don't miss.


Other than that, I would recommend not to take Sakss' advice seriously, your stomach won't be able to handle all that. Like AZ said, don't eat sasta roadside food for a while until your stomach gets used to our food.

The food overall is fantastic, the traffic is not so nice and yes people still play cricket. As far as sightseeing is concerned, depends on what you prefer but you won't get much in the cities you are traveling to, other than Pir Sohawa and Margalla hills.

Also, don't listen to FreeBird.

Parosee next time i come to pak i hope to so you.

 

[Mamoon]

You might hope to so me but I'm Indian.

 

[Sakss]

)

You really want him admitted in PIMS emergency ward? He will struggle to digest high-end desi food like Des Pardes initially .

Haha,,, HE should be fine in a week.. Steel ka pait hota pakistanion ka

 

[Sakss]

^^ Haha, cant wait to go! Get to try a bunch of new stuff. I just hope I dont get really sick as that may ruin the trip. Another place I want to visit is the Faisal Masjid iA

Faisal Masjid is awesome...

GO to Monal and also have the bbq there..

China town in Islamabad have awesome chinese food it youre a fan

 

[Da_Future_Knick]

Lots of advice within this page. Also I eat a lot of desi food at home so I figure that will help me in getting adjusted to the food in Pakistan. Really can't wait hope to play a lot of tape ball cricket

 

[pakistani pride]

You might hope to so me but I'm Indian.

i know but then we can have a face 2 face discussion.

dont worry i wont eat you alive.

 

[chacha kashmiri]

Once you get to the airport, you will have to wait at least two hours while they check your bags for 'drugs' especially if your alone
Unless you give them a ten pound note and they will rush you to the front of the queue

Once in Pakistan, do not try and speak urdu or wear shalwar kameez, wear english clothes and speak English and people will salute you and think you're prince William

Seriously, there's no kudos in Pakistan for trying to 'fit' into the culture there

 

[pakistani pride]

Once you get to the airport, you will have to wait at least two hours while they check your bags
for 'drugs' especially if your alone
Unless you give them a ten pound note and they will rush you to the front of the queue

Once in Pakistan, do not try and speak urdu or wear shalwar kameez, wear english clothes and speak English and people will salute you and think you're prince William

Seriously, there's no kudos in Pakistan for trying to 'fit' into the culture there

Seems like i go to a different pakistan.
massive over reaction here.

just chill.

 

[srh]

I have been told that for a foreigner, the very first thing to eat is Onions of the new place to remain healthy.
So first either eat onions or drink onion water of Pakistan. then you should be ok.

 

[Fastandfurious]

I have been told that for a foreigner, the very first thing to eat is Onions of the new place to remain healthy.
So first either eat onions or drink onion water of Pakistan. then you should be ok.

These totkays never work. He'll have to get used to the spices that make you go to the washroom.

 

[pakistanalltheway]

Wear the dirtiest shalwar kameez you have to avoid getting ripped off by people.Don't speak English unless you think it will benefit you like when chatting up a girl.

 

[pakistanalltheway]

Once you get to the airport, you will have to wait at least two hours while they check your bags for 'drugs' especially if your alone
Unless you give them a ten pound note and they will rush you to the front of the queue

Once in Pakistan, do not try and speak urdu or wear shalwar kameez, wear english clothes and speak English and people will salute you and think you're prince William

Seriously, there's no kudos in Pakistan for trying to 'fit' into the culture there

Lol this is true.On the way back the customs official wanted to check our bags we were like go ahead we have nothing to hide.He then basically pleaded with us to just give him something all the while his boss was standing next to him.We threw him a bone just so he wouldn't make life difficult.That was at Lahore Airport.

 

[Saeed]

Once you get to the airport, you will have to wait at least two hours while they check your bags for 'drugs' especially if your alone
Unless you give them a ten pound note and they will rush you to the front of the queue

Once in Pakistan, do not try and speak urdu or wear shalwar kameez, wear english clothes and speak English and people will salute you and think you're prince William

Seriously, there's no kudos in Pakistan for trying to 'fit' into the culture there

+1, I wouldn't go to Pakistan.
But since you're going, be aware of gullu butts or anybody related to nooras.

 

[Mamoon]

Once you get to the airport, you will have to wait at least two hours while they check your bags for 'drugs' especially if your alone
Unless you give them a ten pound note and they will rush you to the front of the queue

Once in Pakistan, do not try and speak urdu or wear shalwar kameez, wear english clothes and speak English and people will salute you and think you're prince William

Seriously, there's no kudos in Pakistan for trying to 'fit' into the culture there

Are you sure you have visited Pakistan in the last 10 years or so? I'm surprised I haven't witnessed all of this, having spent all my life here.

 

[Saeed]

Are you sure you have visited Pakistan in the last 10 years or so? I'm surprised I haven't witnessed all of this, having spent all my life here.

Peshawar doesn't count.

 

[Mamoon]

Why not? and FYI, I have spent almost half of my life in Lahore/Islamabad and nothing of that sorts happen there either.

Gross exaggerations.

 

[Saeed]

Why not? and FYI, I have spent almost half of my life in Lahore/Islamabad and nothing of that sorts happen there either.

Gross exaggerations.

Yeah right. You must have remained in Pathan areas, they even shalwar kameez in NY. I went to one wedding in Pakistan, which was like 7 years ago and some old guy came there wearing simple white shalwar kameez. Guy next to me was like yeh paindu kaha say aa jatay hain. People even speak urdu mixed with english words.

 

[srh]

These totkays never work. He'll have to get used to the spices that make you go to the washroom.

These remedies work great and are recommended by doctors.

 

[Mamoon]

Yeah right. You must have remained in Pathan areas, they even shalwar kameez in NY. I went to one wedding in Pakistan, which was like 7 years ago and some old guy came there wearing simple white shalwar kameez. Guy next to me was like yeh paindu kaha say aa jatay hain. People even speak urdu mixed with english words.

Err now, I haven't.

Wearing shalwar kameez or western clothes doesn't make a difference anymore and hasn't for ages, and yes people do speak Urdu mixed with English, both are official languages so I don't see the problem.

In fact I am not even sure anymore what point you are trying to make.

 

[Mamoon]

Onions are good for digestion, but having one before anything to remain healthy in a new place is borderline superstitious and sounds like some hakeemi or homeopathic rubbish.

 

[KarachiKing]

Chacha Kashmiri, Saeed and a few others seem to have typical mentality of confused desis (BBCD or ABCD)

Either they haven't visited Pakistan In the last ten years or they just come across as soft and easy targets which is why they have some ridiculous and laughable suggestions and experiences.

The shalwar kameez suggestion is the most idiotic thing I have read in a while..

Also the speaking English part is funny lol. Nobody gives 2 hoots whether you speak English or not.

OMG this thread is all over the place. Apart from a few food suggestions, I would advise the OP to disregard anything.

In my first post I said that I am leaving it to other posters to tell you stuff but I didn't take into account that most of these posters are going to be ABCD's or BBCD's who have no clue whatsoever about how things go here and how they have changed!

 

[KarachiKing]

I have been told that for a foreigner, the very first thing to eat is Onions of the new place to remain healthy.
So first either eat onions or drink onion water of Pakistan. then you should be ok.

lol what are you now, Zubeida apa??
Stop with this ridiculous totkays which have no basis in science.

 

[Saeed]

Err now, I haven't.

Whenever I log in, you're here so I doubt that.

 

[Saeed]

These remedies work great and are recommended by doctors.

Absolutely brother, ignore the haters.

 

[Fastandfurious]

Whenever I log in, you're here so I doubt that.

That doesn't even make sense.

 

[Mamoon]

Chacha Kashmiri, Saeed and a few others seem to have typical mentality of confused desis (BBCD or ABCD)

Either they haven't visited Pakistan In the last ten years or they just come across as soft and easy targets which is why they have some ridiculous and laughable suggestions and experiences.

The shalwar kameez suggestion is the most idiotic thing I have read in a while..

Also the speaking English part is funny lol. Nobody gives 2 hoots whether you speak English or not.

OMG this thread is all over the place. Apart from a few food suggestions, I would advise the OP to disregard anything.

In my first post I said that I am leaving it to other posters to tell you stuff but I didn't take into account that most of these posters are going to be ABCD's or BBCD's who have no clue whatsoever about how things go here and how they have changed!

I agree, haven't read such nonsense in a while.

 

[Mamoon]

Whenever I log in, you're here so I doubt that.

Huh?

 

[Mamoon]

The opinions of expats needs to be taken more than just a pinch of salt.

 

[Saeed]

Also Pakistani water carry a lot of diseases so that is a worry too.

 

[waqar goraya]

I always enjoyed Domino's at Blue area, don't know why people detest it so much.

Pathan friends used to like Shinwari mutton very much , i only tasted once but did not like it.

Rahat (now tehzeeb) ' s ice cream was always special.

Savor's pulao kabab is economical and tasty as well. Although most times it is over crowded.

I miss that walk around Faisal Park and trekking through the jungle of Margalla hills.

F.9 park, Monal, Damn-e-koh , Pir sohawa and Centaurus are the places to hang out.


Lahore is just very vast and basically has every sort of answer to any kind of choice.

 

[Fastandfurious]

The opinions of expats needs to be taken more than just a pinch of salt.

Opinions of the expat when they visit and the loyal countryman(like you) both together describe the whole picture.

 

[mnoman15]

Once you get to the airport, you will have to wait at least two hours while they check your bags for 'drugs' especially if your alone
Unless you give them a ten pound note and they will rush you to the front of the queue

Once in Pakistan, do not try and speak urdu or wear shalwar kameez, wear english clothes and speak English and people will salute you and think you're prince William

Seriously, there's no kudos in Pakistan for trying to 'fit' into the culture there

This is all BS .. nothing like that happens at Karachi airport .... I have never been asked to pay single $ or rupee and not even one extra single question was asked ... And I have traveled quite a few time back to Karachi ...

And I never wear shalwar qamiz in Karachi even on eid .. It's just jeans and tshirt ...

 

[chacha kashmiri]

+1, I wouldn't go to Pakistan.
But since you're going, be aware of gullu butts or anybody related to nooras.

I've been twice in the last 11 months, it wouldn't be the end of the world if i didn't go for another few years

The best joints in Isalamabad are everything i have in England i.e Nandos, pizza hut etc and Mcdonalds is treated like an exclusive vip restaurant which is strange

Being 'liberal' in Pakistan means adopting everything that looks , sounds and seems western while claming to be elite
Being liberal in the west often means caring for all sectors of society , smoking marajuna and listening to bob marley while wearing a beanie hat

 

[Da_Future_Knick]

I heard the water in Pakistan is terrible. In America I only drink bottled water, I hope that wont be a big problem

 

[KarachiKing]

I heard the water in Pakistan is terrible. In America I only drink bottled water, I hope that wont be a big problem

just buy mineral water bottles. nestle or aquafina. they are pretty affordable

 

[Da_Future_Knick]

just buy mineral water bottles. nestle or aquafina. they are pretty affordable

Sounds good !

 

[Pak_Jazba]

LOL @ changing shalwar kameez in the plane. Never seen anyone do this over the 50 odd times i've travelled to Pakistan.

@ topic, im not sure about lahore and islamabad, but in Karachi the general perception is that when you go to public places it is considered better to wear nothing too extravagant so as to keep the attention of pickpockets and other robbers away from you.

Do not dress extravagantly like you'd do in the west unless you are going to some really high-class place.

 

[Sakss]

just buy mineral water bottles. nestle or aquafina. they are pretty affordable

Tooti ka pani would be fine too

 

[Saqs]

Rawalpindi.....


Savour Food jana

Mohammadi Nihari

Urdu Bazar and Mochi bazar k chowk mei corner sweet house k same aik tikke wala ha , uske tikke and kaleeji khana.

Mamoo ka anda shami burger

Taimoor ka roll paratha

Al sheikh tikka house ki karahi

Lahori Samose

Refreshment centre ki halwa poori and gol gappay

Jinnah super k same beithe hue afghani k french fries

Larosh ki chicken jalfrezii

Nice list.

at the bolded part.

Are you the leader of the Adamkhor gang in Pindi by any chance?

 

[Saqs]

To protect against upset stomach and local bacteria, THE FIRST thing u should eat in Pakistan is local yogurt.
Reach your destination ( family home or whatever) and ask someone to buy you some yogurt from the local shop.

And then be very careful at the airport. Keep a low profile to not let people easily guess that u r visiting from the west.

THE BEST WAY is to keep a shalwar kameez in your hand bag, and change it in the planes lavatory before landing in Pakistan.

And do NOT let anyone touch your luggage at the airport. There have been quite a few incidents of rip offs and ghunda gardi "bullyism" to get your money by someone who has helped push your cart in a gesture of getting it out of the way so that others can move etc.

It's not that bad. Be alert, but it's all good usually.

The Shalwar Kameez advice might be more suitable to girls travelling alone.

 

[Fastandfurious]

I heard the water in Pakistan is terrible. In America I only drink bottled water, I hope that wont be a big problem

Pakistan's water is much cleaner than the over chlorinated water you get in America.

 

[Saqs]

The opinions of expats needs to be taken more than just a pinch of salt.

Agree with this to an extent, but the expats are the ones that are travelling to and fro more often, so probably are more experienced in terms of advising on what not to do at airports.

Outside the airport though, agreed - don't take their advice.

 

[Mamoon]

I've personally never witnessed any such thing at airports and I'm a frequent flyer. Personal experience I guess.

 

[Mamoon]

Aquafina doesn't taste great. Nestle is better.

 

[KarachiKing]

Aquafina doesn't taste great. Nestle is better.

Paani Paani hota hai, Aquafina ho, Nestle ho ya Nal ka :raisani

 

[AZ]

some of the suggestions here would be more suitable for visiting Narnia, not Pakistan

some truly absurd stuff.

 

[pakistanalltheway]

I've been twice in the last 11 months, it wouldn't be the end of the world if i didn't go for another few years

The best joints in Isalamabad are everything i have in England i.e Nandos, pizza hut etc and Mcdonalds is treated like an exclusive vip restaurant which is strange

Being 'liberal' in Pakistan means adopting everything that looks , sounds and seems western while claming to be elite
Being liberal in the west often means caring for all sectors of society , smoking marajuna and listening to bob marley while wearing a beanie hat

Around where I live in AJK we have Pizza hut and KFC and your right I find it weird how its seen as up market.

 

[pakistanalltheway]

I heard the water in Pakistan is terrible. In America I only drink bottled water, I hope that wont be a big problem

You make a good point but just buy the Nestle bottled water.

 

[Firebreaker]

Monad is one of the most overrated area in Pakistan.Street food in Lahore and Coco dean is much better than Monal

 

[KarachiKing]

I've been twice in the last 11 months, it wouldn't be the end of the world if i didn't go for another few years

The best joints in Isalamabad are everything i have in England i.e Nandos, pizza hut etc and Mcdonalds is treated like an exclusive vip restaurant which is strange

Being 'liberal' in Pakistan means adopting everything that looks , sounds and seems western while claming to be elite
Being liberal in the west often means caring for all sectors of society , smoking marajuna and listening to bob marley while wearing a beanie hat

umm no..

there a lot of upscale, expensive, classy restaurants where the bill would come up over Rs.3000 per person. The ones you mention are frequented by middle class kids on a normal outing. def not vip or even upscale and you will get done with a bill of barely 500Rs. per head.

For formal events and fine dinings there are several good options. But I guess you and the people you hung out with don't happen to be in that crowd. Really you need to evaluate where you have been hanging out.

 

[AlCapone]

The best places to eat out in Islamabad would be Monal and some other desi restaurants.

In Lahore, new/old food street and coco's den are the best.

 

[Da_Future_Knick]

Can't wait to check all these places out!

 

[Da_Future_Knick]

Bump

Finally going back to Pakistan again for a wedding. Although with the second wave of covid in full effect, I still want to try out a lot of local places.

I’m going to be visiting Islamabad, Lahore, Okara & Peshawar. Any suggestions?

 

[Thunderbolt14]

Bump

Finally going back to Pakistan again for a wedding. Although with the second wave of covid in full effect, I still want to try out a lot of local places.

I’m going to be visiting Islamabad, Lahore, Okara & Peshawar. Any suggestions?

Lahore: Badshahi Masjid, Food Street (the restaurants being Coco’s Den and Haveli), Minar e Pakistan, and great food at Spice Bazaar. Get some kebab rolls and bun kebabs from local places or street-side. Aside from desi places, there’s Meat the Cheese.

Islamabad: Monal has some breathtaking views and decent food, Faisal Mosque, Pakistan Monument, and go driving in the Margalla Hills. If you can, go to Murree too which is just a 2-3 hour drive away.

 

[Mamoon]

Bump

Finally going back to Pakistan again for a wedding. Although with the second wave of covid in full effect, I still want to try out a lot of local places.

I’m going to be visiting Islamabad, Lahore, Okara & Peshawar. Any suggestions?

I would recommend avoid public places during COVID so I would only recommend restaurants, assuming that you are mainly interested in local/Pakistani food.

Lahore:

Haveli. I went there in September and I think it is the best Pakistani cuisine restaurant in the city.

If you want something cheaper but equally good, you cannot go wrong with Bundu Khan. Would recommend the outlet next to Badshahi Mosque.

There is another restaurant opposite to it called the Poet, and it is really overrated and overpriced. Avoid.

Islamabad:

Would highly recommend Asian Wok for the ultimate Pakistani Chinese experience.

Barbecue Tonight for its incredible mutton ribs.

Peshawar:

This is tricky. The proper restaurants are not at par with Lahore and Islamabad and they local Peshawar cuisine restaurants are not family friendly in terms of seating arrangement, privacy, crowd etc.

You need to find a way to get the food delivered to you.

Rambail chapli kabab in Taru Jabba for the ultimate chapli kabab experience. You will never know what chapli kabab is until you try them.

Any tikka stop in namak mandi or university town (opposite Islamia College). Just make sure you tell them beforehand that you will be happy to pay a few hundreds rupees extra so that they get the best meat for you.

If you want street food, try Iqbal burger in Peshawar saddar. The bun kababs in Karachi and Lahore etc. are nothing in comparison. They are not popular enough because they are really bad at marketing and advertisement.

Nikkay de payee for the ultimate payee, but they are sold out by 9 am so perhaps it is not a feasible option.

 

[Da_Future_Knick]

I would recommend avoid public places during COVID so I would only recommend restaurants, assuming that you are mainly interested in local/Pakistani food.

Lahore:

Haveli. I went there in September and I think it is the best Pakistani cuisine restaurant in the city.

If you want something cheaper but equally good, you cannot go wrong with Bundu Khan. Would recommend the outlet next to Badshahi Mosque.

There is another restaurant opposite to it called the Poet, and it is really overrated and overpriced. Avoid.

Islamabad:

Would highly recommend Asian Wok for the ultimate Pakistani Chinese experience.

Barbecue Tonight for its incredible mutton ribs.

Peshawar:

This is tricky. The proper restaurants are not at par with Lahore and Islamabad and they local Peshawar cuisine restaurants are not family friendly in terms of seating arrangement, privacy, crowd etc.

You need to find a way to get the food delivered to you.

Rambail chapli kabab in Taru Jabba for the ultimate chapli kabab experience. You will never know what chapli kabab is until you try them.

Any tikka stop in namak mandi or university town (opposite Islamia College). Just make sure you tell them beforehand that you will be happy to pay a few hundreds rupees extra so that they get the best meat for you.

If you want street food, try Iqbal burger in Peshawar saddar. The bun kababs in Karachi and Lahore etc. are nothing in comparison. They are not popular enough because they are really bad at marketing and advertisement.

Nikkay de payee for the ultimate payee, but they are sold out by 9 am so perhaps it is not a feasible option.

Some great suggestions and I was hoping you responded. My trip to Peshawar is something I definitely planned out and I’m anxious to go. Only thing that worries me is the safety protocols because I feel like I’m Lahore/Islamabad people are much more aware of Covid than a place like Peshawar (Although I may be completely wrong and ignorant in saying that)

Secondly, my friend is currently attending PMS so I will be spending most of my time by there if you know any places near Peshawar Medical School.

 

[Da_Future_Knick]

Lahore: Badshahi Masjid, Food Street (the restaurants being Coco’s Den and Haveli), Minar e Pakistan, and great food at Spice Bazaar. Get some kebab rolls and bun kebabs from local places or street-side. Aside from desi places, there’s Meat the Cheese.

Islamabad: Monal has some breathtaking views and decent food, Faisal Mosque, Pakistan Monument, and go driving in the Margalla Hills. If you can, go to Murree too which is just a 2-3 hour drive away.

I’ve tried out Haveli & Monal. Exceptional places tbh. With covid a big factor, I feel like I will mostly be ordering takeout at restaurants which is pretty sad

 

[Mamoon]

Some great suggestions and I was hoping you responded. My trip to Peshawar is something I definitely planned out and I’m anxious to go. Only thing that worries me is the safety protocols because I feel like I’m Lahore/Islamabad people are much more aware of Covid than a place like Peshawar (Although I may be completely wrong and ignorant in saying that)

Secondly, my friend is currently attending PMS so I will be spending most of my time by there if you know any places near Peshawar Medical School.

The places that I mentioned (apart from Rambail kabab) are easily acceptable from where you will be spending most of your time. Peshawar is a small city and traveling is a breeze provided that traffic isn’t heavy which unfortunately is these days.

Peshawar Medical College is on Warsak Road and unfortunately there aren’t great places within the vicinity.

You are right about the carefree attitude of the public, and the places that I mentioned do not follow any protocols either. That is why it is better if you go for delivery option if you want to try these places.

 

[Da_Future_Knick]

Bump

Heading back to Pakistan tomorrow InSha’Allah

I’m really interested to see if restaurants are open and at full capacity following Covid.

Any suggestions? Even aside from food, I always wanted to visit museums and historical places so any information on that would be greatly appreciated.

Also, if there’s a cricket museum, can someone please fill me in on it? I would love to go check it out.