Guide to Buying Western Food in Lahore, Pakistan

Although you may not be able to find all of your favorite brands from back home, buying groceries for Western food in Lahore shouldn't be a problem. Aside from the difficulties in buying alcohol, pig products, and package mixes, you should be able to find almost everything you need. Here are some of the stores you can check out. Keep in mind that the stores that get imports do not always have the same stock available.

Al Fatah - Liberty Market

Al Fatah is no doubt the import king in Lahore when it comes to groceries. You'll pay a pretty penny for that blue cheese you just had to have, but Al Fatah can provide. It is not only a grocery store, but a department store as well. Groceries are located in the basement. I wouldn't suggest doing your regular weekly shopping in Al-Fatah, as you'd be sure to spend more than at other stores. Go to Al-Fatah for something special that you can't find in the other grocery stores.

Pace - Defence Y Block, Model Town Link Road, Gulberg Main, M.M.Alam Road

Pace has several convenient locations throughout Lahore. Stores are clean, well organized and well staffed. Their staff members let you shop in peace. Stores also have a good layout and are not too crowded. Vegetables are usually of good quality and the staff is very friendly.

HKB - Defence Y Block, Liberty

Of the Y block markets, HKB grocery certainly has the best variety. On the other hand, they host the most stressful shopping experience. The store is not kept as clean as Pace or Pot Purri, and they seem to always be cleaning, mopping or buffing the floors during peak business hours. Crowded aisles and long lines at the checkout make this place less appealing. They do, however, have an excellent bakery called "Bread & Beyond" where you can get muffins, croissants, baguettes and a variety of pastries and bread products. HKB has more cheeses, canned and packaged products than the other Y block stores.

Essa Gee's - Gulberg near Coffee Tea & Company

This is a small import store catering mostly to foreigners. If you're craving a certain candy or pop drink from back, go to Essa Gee's to see if you can find it. Prices are high, but the store sells items you won't find anywhere else. You can't do your regular grocery shopping here. If you did, you'd surely run up your weekly food budget.

Pot Purri - Defence Y Block

Pot Purri is another large grocery store in Y Block, Defence. It has a great layout, wide aisles, and a quiet shopping atmosphere. It is nowhere near as busy or crowded as HKB.

Europa - Defence G Block

Europa is the only grocery store in the busy Defence Commercial Area in G & H Block. It is much smaller than the Y block stores and prices may be a bit higher. The advantage is that sometimes you can find things you can't find at the other stores. Their second floor has a great collected of imported hygiene products.

Tes Mart - Defence Main Blvd.

Tes Mart is a newer store located in the lower level of a mall on Defence Main Blvd, next to Kashi restaurant. They have convenient underground parking, and the store is wonderfully laid out, clean, and well stocked. You will not get as much variety here as at HKB or Al-Fatah, but the shopping experience is much more pleasant. Beware of the hygiene and hair products, as some bought at this location have not been genuine.

This list is by no means exhaustive. There are many other small stores for Western style groceries all around Lahore, and there are also two large warehouse style stores: Metro (located near the motorway in Thoker Niaz Baig) and Macro (located near the Old City). These stores resemble Wal-Mart or Sam's Club and are great if you want to buy in bulk. If you want safe and delicious frozen fish, it's a worth a drive to Metro to get it.

Shop in mornings or on Sundays in order to avoid the rush and be able to park with ease. By being a little creative with your menu you're sure to be able to cook up any style of food you'd like while living in Lahore, Pakistan.