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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 pβ¦ π 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.
π½οΈ 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.
π₯ 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.
π° 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.
β 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.
π 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.
π° 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.
π 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
3 Days in Bahawalpur: Itinerary 2026
Start your first day in the heart of Bahawalpur, the old city around the historic Chowk Bazaar. Visit the majestic Noor Mahal (open 9 AM to 5 PM, entry Rs. 500) and the adjacentβ¦ πΊοΈ Day 1: Old City
Start your first day in the heart of Bahawalpur, the old city around the historic Chowk Bazaar. Visit the majestic Noor Mahal (open 9 AM to 5 PM, entry Rs. 500) and the adjacent Bahawalpur Museum (open 9 AM to 4 PM, entry Rs. 200). Spend the afternoon exploring the bustling bazaars for local crafts and street food, then catch the sunset at the nearby Farid Gate.
π° Day 2: Dera Nawab
Dedicate your second day to the royal heritage of Dera Nawab Sahib, about 30 minutes south of the city center. Visit the magnificent Derawar Fort, with its 40 bastions, and the royal necropolis of the Abbasi family. The fort is open from sunrise to sunset, and entry is free, but you'll need a local guide for the best stories. Plan to arrive by 9 AM to avoid the midday heat.
π³ Day 3: Lal Suhanra
On your final day, head to Lal Suhanra National Park, about 45 minutes east of Bahawalpur. This UNESCO Biosphere Reserve offers jeep safaris (Rs. 1,500 per vehicle) to spot deer, wild boar, and migratory birds. The park is open from 8 AM to 6 PM, and the best wildlife viewing is early morning. After the safari, relax at the park's picnic spots or visit the nearby Cholistan Desert Museum.
π Getting Around
The most convenient way to explore Bahawalpur is by hiring a private car or rickshaw for the day, costing around Rs. 2,000 to 3,000. Public buses and minibuses are cheap but crowded and less frequent. For trips to Dera Nawab and Lal Suhanra, consider booking a taxi through local apps like Careem or Uber, which are available in the city.
π½οΈ Where to Eat
Don't miss the local specialty, Sajji, a spicy roasted chicken or mutton dish, at popular spots like Sajji House on Circular Road. For traditional breakfast, try the halwa puri at Al-Madina Restaurant near the old city. In the evenings, head to the food street at Farid Gate for chaat, gol gappay, and refreshing lassi.
π¨ Where to Stay
For a comfortable stay, consider the Hotel One Bahawalpur on Multan Road, with rooms from Rs. 8,000 per night. If you prefer heritage charm, the Bahawalpur House offers a royal experience with rooms around Rs. 12,000. Budget travelers can find guesthouses near the railway station for as low as Rs. 1,500 per night.
π‘ Practical Tips
Carry cash, as many small shops and eateries don't accept cards. Dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites like the shrines in the old city. The best time to visit is from October to March, when temperatures are pleasant for sightseeing. Always negotiate rickshaw fares before starting your ride.
solid plan honestly. one thing i'd swap is the bahawalpur museum for the sadiq ghar palace if ur only picking one, it's smaller but way more character, the old furniture and photos tell the family story better. also for sajji, skip sajji house and go to the stalls by the canal near dring stadium, they do it on charcoal till late and the smoky flavor is unbeatable, costs half too.
if ur there on a friday, the farid gate food street gets packed with families after jummah prayers, so go thursday night instead for a calmer vibe. and for lassi, try the one at the corner of shahi bazaar, it's served in a clay cup which keeps it cold, proper old school. also carry a scarf even if ur a guy, the dust off the cholistan can hit u outta nowhere during the jeep safari, i learned that the hard way.
The itinerary looks solid, and I'd echo the recommendation to get to Derawar Fort early. I went last November and by 10:30 AM the heat off the desert was no joke, even though the fort itself is impressive. One thing the guide doesn't mention: the drive out there passes through some small villages where you can pick up fresh dates in season, way better than anything in the city markets.
For food, I'd add Chaman Lal's on Shahi Bazaar for their haleem, it's a local institution and only open until about noon. Also, if you're at Lal Suhanra, don't skip the walk near the lake area after the jeep safari, the bird watching is actually better on foot than from the vehicle. Skip the Cholistan Desert Museum unless you have extra time, it's a bit tired compared to the Bahawalpur Museum.
One practical tip: the rickshaw drivers near the railway station will quote you double for Farid Gate, just walk five minutes down the road and flag one from the main road instead. And yes, cash is essential, I had to skip a great looking stall because they wouldn't take a card.
your day 2 plan is spot on but i'd add a stop at the abbasi mosque on the way back from derawar, it's right off the main road and the blue tile work is stunning, most tourists blow past it. also the fort's outer wall looks best in the late afternoon light, so if u can stretch the timing, hang around till 4 pm instead of rushing back.
for the old city, don't miss the haveli on mohalla shahi bazaar with the carved wooden balconies, it's not marked but any shopkeeper will point u to it. and honestly the best thing i ate in bahawalpur wasn't sajji, it was the dahi bhalla at the corner stall opposite the clock tower, they've been running it for decades and the tamarind chutney is unreal.
one thing the guide skips: the train station itself is worth a look, it's a british era building with these huge fans and old ticket booths, and the platform chai is surprisingly good. also if u're there on a sunday morning, the lakeside walk at lal suhanra is packed with locals doing family picnics, so the safari might feel less wild, go on a weekday instead.