Lahori Dinner, Lahori Breakfast, Lahori Lassi and what not! The dream city of Lahore is known for its enticing food and if the food is served under the shadows of historic grandeur the taste is multiplied with the add-ons of the momentous ambiance and serenity. Set inside the famous “Taxali Gate” Walled City of Lahore — near the historic ensemble of Badshahi Mosque, Huzoori Bagh and Lahore Fort — is the mystifying Fort Road Food Street for people looking for something different. In short, a hub of true Lahori food in a surreal setting. The street being a part of the renowned red-light area of Lahore was once a taboo. Families were hesitant to visit the place until Cuckoo’s Den, the oldest heritage building on the street, gained popularity because of its unique food with traditional recipes.
Set inside the famous Taxali Gate, near the historic ensemble of Badshahi Mosque, Huzoori Bagh and Lahore Fort , is the mystifying Fort Road Food Street
The street being a part of the renowned red-light area of Lahore was once a taboo.
Establishment and Transferring to WCLA
In the year 2011, the government of Punjab established this place as a permanent food street. In 2014, the district government transferred the street to the Walled City of Lahore Authority for management. Since then, the Walled City of Lahore Authority is working on the improvement, management and maintenance of the Fort Road Food Street.
In 2014, the district government transferred the street to the Walled City of Lahore Authority
WCLA's Initiatives
This Food Street evolved into a prominent attraction within Lahore. In order to establish self-sufficiency for this street, WCLA engaged in sponsorships with prominent multinational corporations in Pakistan. Upgrades were made to restroom facilities, and cultural performers such as flute players, violinists, monkey handlers, snake charmers, magicians, jugglers, and folk singers were enlisted. Additionally, the street's ambiance received a boost through the incorporation of vibrant paints. Alongside the established restaurants, a diverse array of street food was introduced to enhance the culinary offerings. Complementing this, a traditional craft bazaar was set up on one side of the street, catering to the interests of tourists and visitors. Enhancements in street and ambiance lighting further amplified the street's allure, leaving a lasting impression on all those who ventured there.
Guided Tours and Cultural Amusements
The courtyard of this food street emerged as a vibrant nucleus for cultural endeavors. The Khaba Ustad Food Festival, held in 2014, remains etched in the memories of many. This event marked the genesis of a series of subsequent gatherings organized by both WCLA and corporate entities. Moreover, Food Street serves as both the origin and culmination point for the widely acclaimed 'History by Night Tour,' an illuminating guided tour orchestrated by WCLA. Beyond this, several other tours like 'Bhatti Meets Taxali,' 'Yatra,' 'Nashta Tour,' and 'Historic Complex Tour' also embark on their journeys from and return to the bustling atmosphere of Food Street. The courtyard of this food street emerged as a vibrant nucleus for cultural endeavors Food Street serves as both the origin and culmination point for the widely acclaimed History by Night Tour
A new life by the opening of Roshnai Gate of Huzoori Bagh
The Roshnai Gate of Huzoori Bagh, an architectural relic commissioned by the British, remained inaccessible to the public for nearly thirty years. Through the dedicated endeavors of WCLA, this gate has been reopened to all. Consequently, visitors exploring Food Street can now relish not only delectable cuisine but also indulge in the captivating historical vistas of Huzoori Bagh. Through the dedicated endeavors of WCLA, this gate has been reopened to all
The Fort Road Food Street today
The Fort Road Food Street, today, is everything from traditional appetizers to a variety of scrumptious Lahori cuisines, and topping it off with great tasting dessert, all restaurants are definitely for a food connoisseur. Cuckoo’s Den, Haveli, Riwaj, Qasim Haveli, Fort View Restaurant, are experts of their own recipes and presentation. The Fort Road Food Street, today, is everything from traditional appetizers to a variety of scrumptious Lahori cuisines