Guide to Lahore Restaurants: G Block DHA Phase I Commercial Area

While the Phase III Commercial Area is known for sit down family restaurants, this area is known for quick and tasty take-away and delivery restaurants.

International Chain Restaurants

G Block boasts a KFC and a McDonald's, although they are not quite as new and nice as their Y Block counterparts. Both have play areas for kids, family seating, take-away and delivery. With so many other cheaper options available in this area, these two places don't seem to be as busy as outlets in other areas of Lahore.

Shezan Regale

Shezan Regale is the biggest, newest and most expensive restaurant on the block nowadays. They boast a huge family dining area, a variety of Pakistani, Chinese & Continental options, and a buffet. Diners are usually dressed to the nines, with most men wearing suits or at least ties with their dress shirts. Since the prices are astronomical compared to other restaurants in Y Block, I have yet to set foot inside here. I've heard the buffet is great and the ambiance quite regal, fitting the name. Mains go from 300 to over 700 rupees.

Fast Food Restaurants

The majority of restaurants in the Phase III Commercial Area are smaller places serving up tasty fast food and Pakistani fare. Some restaurants have been around for a while, others seem to have a new sign every month. Some notable places are Al Najjam Fried Chicken (AFC), which is basically a take-off of KFC offering a similar menu at cheaper prices. They have a small seating area and great value midnight deals. From what I've eaten, the food is just as tasty as what's on offer at neighboring KFC, and I've never gotten sick after eating at AFC. Cock N' Bull is a fast food place known for their mouth-watering schwarmas, and Karachi BBQ is a place that many locals recommend for BBQ and other Pakistani dishes.

If you drive around this area, you'll be approached by dozens of young men waving menus in your face. Most drivers prefer to order food and sit in the car, especially women. There are seating areas available in some of these restaurants, but they tend to be small, smoky, and somewhat seedy. Mostly men sit inside the doors, and women may not feel comfortable unless with a large group or a couple male escorts.

Hygiene practice and food freshness may be questionable, so don't try to eat in these places if you have a particularly sensitive stomach. Food is quite spicy and can not usually be adjusted as it is prepared ahead of time. Nevertheless, it's not worth missing out this great Pakistani food just because of a little risk. Look for places where the locals are lining up. Busy places are usually safe places to eat with tasty food that won't do a number on your bowels. Stay away from places where no locals are ordering food.

Try the boneless Chicken Malia Boti from Karachi BBQ for a real treat, or save money or a delicious Zinger burger from AFC. Don't expect a clean and quiet place to sit unless you decide to do take away, have your food delivered, or are willing to shell out the rupees at Shezan Regale.