Lahore is not just famous for its savory dishes, but also for its rich tradition of mithai (sweets), which are an essential part of the city’s food culture. Whether it’s a special occasion or an everyday treat, Lahore offers an array of delicious desserts that reflect the city’s diverse heritage. From iconic milk-based sweets to decadent fried treats, the sweet offerings in Lahore are irresistible. Here’s your guide to some of the best mithai in Lahore that every sweet-tooth should try.
1. Gulab Jamun: The Classic Sweet Delight
Overview:
Gulab Jamun is arguably one of the most popular and loved mithai in Lahore, if not in all of Pakistan. These round, deep-fried dough balls are soaked in a fragrant sugar syrup infused with cardamom, saffron, and rose water, making them melt-in-your-mouth soft. They’re a perfect balance of sweetness and indulgence, commonly served warm.
Why You Should Try It:
Gulab Jamun is a timeless dessert that has a rich, sticky sweetness and a soft, chewy texture. It’s a must-try for anyone who loves traditional mithai.
Where to Try:
- Chai Wala in Lahore serves fantastic homemade Gulab Jamun that locals swear by.
- Sadiq Sweets in Badami Bagh offers some of the finest Gulab Jamuns, with a perfect balance of sweetness.
2. Rasgulla: Light and Fluffy Sweets
Overview:
Rasgullas are spongy, soft, and soaked in sugary syrup, which makes them a delightful treat. These spherical delights are made from chhena (cottage cheese) and are delicately flavored with cardamom. Known for their airy texture and sweetness, Rasgullas are a perfect combination of simplicity and flavor.
Why You Should Try It:
Rasgullas are perfect for those who enjoy a lighter sweet. The softness and light syrup make this dessert an irresistible favorite.
Where to Try:
- Siddique Sweets in Lahore offers fresh and soft Rasgullas.
- Khalifa Sweets is renowned for its freshly made Rasgullas that are always a crowd favorite.
3. Jalebi: Crispy and Sweet Heaven
Overview:
Jalebi is a deep-fried sweet made from a batter of flour and cornstarch, which is then soaked in sugary syrup. It is crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, offering a perfect combination of textures. The spiral shape adds a charming touch to its presentation, making it a visual as well as a culinary treat.
Why You Should Try It:
Jalebi is crispy, sugary, and simply irresistible. Whether served hot or cold, this dish brings a perfect blend of crunch and sweetness.
Where to Try:
- Phool Singh in Lahore is a must-visit for fresh, crispy jalebis made to perfection.
- M.A. Sweets on Mall Road is famous for its authentic, aromatic jalebis.
4. Barfi: A Creamy Delight
Overview:
Barfi is a dense, milk-based sweet that’s typically flavored with cardamom, saffron, or rose water. It has a smooth, creamy texture that melts in your mouth, and is often garnished with chopped pistachios, almonds, or silver leaf for an extra touch of luxury. Barfi comes in various forms, such as coconut barfi and moong dal barfi, offering a wide range of flavors to suit every preference.
Why You Should Try It:
Barfi is rich, smooth, and delicious. The sweetness is just perfect, and it offers a delightful taste of the traditional milk-based mithai in Lahore.
Where to Try:
- Naseem Sweets in Lahore is one of the best spots for classic milk barfi.
- Shahi Sweets also offers a variety of barfi, including coconut and cashew-flavored versions, that are perfect for a sweet treat.
5. Gajar Ka Halwa: A Winter Favorite
Overview:
Gajar Ka Halwa, also known as Carrot Halwa, is a beloved dessert in Lahore, especially during the winter months. Made with grated carrots, milk, sugar, and ghee, it is slow-cooked to perfection until it transforms into a rich, creamy, and aromatic dessert. The addition of nuts like almonds, cashews, and pistachios enhances the flavor, giving it a delightful crunch.
Why You Should Try It:
Gajar Ka Halwa is a comforting, heartwarming dessert perfect for cold weather. It’s sweet, creamy, and full of nutrients from the carrots and nuts.
Where to Try:
- Hafiz Sweets in Lahore serves some of the best Gajar Ka Halwa, especially during the colder months.
- Rai’s Sweets in the Walled City of Lahore is another excellent spot for authentic, delicious Gajar Ka Halwa.
6. Kulfi: The Traditional Ice Cream
Overview:
Kulfi is the traditional ice cream of the subcontinent. Unlike regular ice cream, Kulfi is dense and creamier, made from full-fat milk, sugar, and various flavors like pistachio, mango, and rose. It is traditionally frozen in small molds and served on a stick or in scoops.
Why You Should Try It:
Kulfi is rich, creamy, and full of flavor, offering a cool, refreshing treat for the hot summer months. It’s the perfect dessert for anyone looking to enjoy something traditional yet indulgent.
Where to Try:
- Chai Wala offers delicious traditional kulfi in various flavors that are sure to cool you down on a warm day.
- Sahib’s Kulfi near the Mall Road area is another popular destination for some of the best kulfi in Lahore.
7. Pistachio Burfi: A Nutty Indulgence
Overview:
Pistachio Burfi is a decadent dessert made with ground pistachios, milk, and sugar. This mithai is slightly denser than regular burfi, with a nutty, rich flavor that’s irresistible to pistachio lovers. It’s garnished with crushed pistachios on top, which adds an extra crunch to every bite.
Why You Should Try It:
Pistachio Burfi is rich in flavor, with the earthy and slightly salty taste of pistachios contrasting with the sweet milk base. If you’re a nut lover, this is a treat you won’t want to miss.
Where to Try:
- Siddique Sweets in Lahore serves a fantastic version of Pistachio Burfi.
- Noor Sweets also offers an amazing pistachio burfi that you can enjoy with your family and friends.
8. Kheer: The Creamy Rice Pudding
Overview:
Kheer is a traditional rice pudding made with milk, sugar, and rice, slow-cooked to perfection until it’s creamy and rich. It’s flavored with cardamom, saffron, and garnished with dried fruits like almonds, pistachios, and raisins. Kheer is often served chilled and is a popular dessert during festive occasions and weddings.
Why You Should Try It:
Kheer is comforting and creamy, with the perfect balance of sweetness and flavor. It’s a dessert that offers both richness and nostalgia, making it a beloved traditional mithai.
Where to Try:
- Chai Wala in Lahore serves delicious, creamy kheer.
- Raja Sweets in Anarkali has a delectable kheer that’s served cold, perfect for a summer treat.