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Best Food in Bahawalpur (2026)
Bahawalpur is famous for its rich, Mughlai-influenced cuisine. You must try Sajji, a whole roasted lamb or chicken, and the local specialty of Daal Chawal with a side of spicy p… 🍛 Must-Try Dishes
Bahawalpur is famous for its rich, Mughlai-influenced cuisine. You must try Sajji, a whole roasted lamb or chicken, and the local specialty of Daal Chawal with a side of spicy pickles. Another iconic dish is the sweet and creamy Sohan Halwa, a dense confection made from wheat, sugar, and nuts.
🍽️ Top Restaurants
For an authentic Sajji experience, head to Al-Madina Sajji House on Model Town B Road, where a full chicken Sajji costs around PKR 800. For traditional Pakistani food in a family-friendly setting, visit Bundu Khan Restaurant on Circular Road, with mains averaging PKR 500-1000. If you crave Chinese, China Inn on Jail Road offers generous portions for PKR 600-1200 per dish.
🥟 Street Food Gems
The streets around Farid Gate come alive after sunset with vendors selling Gol Gappay, Chaat, and Dahi Bhallay for PKR 50-100 per plate. Don't miss the famous Bun Kabab stalls near Bahawalpur Railway Station, where a spicy patty in a bun costs just PKR 80. For a sweet treat, try the Jalebi from the old city's Raja Bazaar, freshly fried and soaked in sugar syrup.
🍰 Sweet Spots
Sohan Halwa from the historic Sadiq Garh Palace area is a must-buy; a 500g box costs around PKR 400. For other desserts, visit Gulab Sweets on Model Town A Road, known for their Gulab Jamun and Barfi (PKR 200-300 per kg). The ice cream at Haji Ice Cream near Farid Gate is a local favorite, with a single scoop for PKR 50.
☕ Tea and Snacks
For a classic Doodh Patti (milky tea), stop by any dhaba along the Mall Road; a cup costs PKR 30-50. The samosas and pakoras at Cafe de Lahore on Circular Road are perfect with tea, priced at PKR 20-40 each. For a more upscale experience, the rooftop cafe at Hotel One on Multan Road serves tea with a view of the city.
🛒 Food Markets
The Raja Bazaar is the heart of Bahawalpur's food scene, open daily from 8 AM to 10 PM. Here you can buy fresh spices, dried fruits, and local snacks like Chana Chaat. For a more organized shopping experience, visit the new Food Street on Model Town B Road, which features a variety of stalls and small restaurants.
💰 Price Guide
A budget meal at a street stall costs PKR 100-200, while a mid-range restaurant meal for two is PKR 800-1500. Fine dining at places like The Royal Elephant on Circular Road can cost PKR 2000-3000 for two. Tipping is not mandatory but rounding up the bill is appreciated.
🚗 Getting Around
Rickshaws are the most convenient way to hop between food spots; a short ride within the city costs PKR 50-100. For longer distances, use ride-hailing apps like Careem or Uber, which are available in Bahawalpur. Parking can be tricky near Raja Bazaar, so consider walking or taking a rickshaw in that area.
The guide's mention of Sohan Halwa from Sadiq Garh Palace area is spot on, but I'd say the best place to actually watch it being made is at the Rehmatullah Sohan Halwa shop near the old Dring Stadium. They've been using the same copper pots for generations and you can see them stirring it for hours. A fresh batch around 4 PM is still warm and has this melt-in-your-mouth texture you won't get from the packaged stuff.
For the Bun Kabab near the railway station, the stall right outside the main entrance on the left side is the original one. The guy running it now is the grandson of the man who started selling them there in the 1970s. They add a thin layer of chana (chickpea curry) inside the bun before the patty, which most other places skip. It's a small detail but makes a big difference.
honestly this is a solid guide, i'd add that the nihari at haleem & nihari house on circular road is worth waking up for, they start serving around 6 am and it's usually sold out by 10. their paya is also incredible, like PKR 250 for a big bowl with naan
one thing the guide missed is that sajjis in bahawalpur are usually spiced differently than the ones in quetta, less fiery more aromatic. i'd skip al-madina on a friday evening unless u like waiting 40 minutes, the rush is brutal
also if you're near farid gate and want something quick, the guy selling chana chaat on the corner near the clock tower has been there for over 20 years, PKR 60 for a plate and he adds this secret tangy chutney that's hard to find elsewhere
solid writeup, captures the essentials pretty well. one thing i'd add is that the daal chawal mentioned in the must-try section is best had at a small place called khan daal chawal near the old city's nuksar cinema. they serve it with this spicy aloo bhujia on top and a raw onion salad, costs like PKR 120 for a full plate, and it's been running since the 80s
the guide mentions bundu khan but honestly their bbq platter for two at around PKR 1500 is where it's at, the seekh kebabs are juicy and they give you a free raita that's thicker than most places. also their roomali roti is made fresh right there, you can see the guy flipping it in the air
for the street food near farid gate, the dahi bhalla guy two stalls to the left of the main chaat wala is actually better in my opinion, less sweet more tangy. he puts a pinch of roasted cumin powder on top that makes it pop. PKR 80 for a plate and he doesn't skimp on the yogurt
Bahawalpur nightlife? Any tips?
if you're up for a bit of a drive, head out to the noor mahal area around dusk. the garden's open to the public and the lighting on the building gives it a totally diff vibe at night. cheap chai from the cart across the road and you can sit on the grass for hours. just bring mosquito repellent, the canal breeze is nice but the bugs love it
Bahawalpur isn't big on nightlife in the usual sense, but the evenings along the canal near Dring Stadium are really pleasant. Locals sit on the banks or grab tea from the small stalls that set up around sunset, and the air cools down nicely. If you're around on a weekend, the food street near Farid Gate stays open late, and you can try some authentic sajji or the local khoya-based sweets from the old shops. Just keep in mind most places wind down by 11 or so, so it's more of a relaxed stroll and snack kind of night.
honestly just wander around the old city near the bazaar after dark, the lights are pretty and youll find chai wallahs open till late. not much else to do but its chill.