Multan

Welcome to Multan! People call it the “City of Saints” (Madinat-ul-Auliya), but if you are a foodie, this is the “City of Meat & Butter.”

Whether you are a tourist visiting the shrines or a local looking for something new, this is your Ultimate Cheat Sheet to the best food in Multan. No fake hype, just the real deal.

1. The Mutton Legends (Chaamp & BBQ)

Multan is the undisputed King of Mutton Chops (Chaamp). You cannot leave the city without trying these.

Keemo Kalia (Saddar Bazaar / Cantt)

This place is an institution. It is not a fancy restaurant; it is a flavor factory.

The Vibe: Old school, busy, and smells like heaven.
The Insider Order: Do not waste time reading the menu. Just shout: “Mutton Chaamp Fry!”
The Hack: They fry the chops to lock in the juices and then BBQ them. Ask the waiter for “Double Masala” and “Extra Lemon”. Squeeze two lemons over the sizzling meat before taking the first bite. The fat melts like butter.
Warning: It is addictive. You might end up ordering a second plate.

Jindoo Mutton Chaamp (Ghanta Ghar)

If you want the real “Street Food” experience near the historic Clock Tower (Ghanta Ghar), come here.

The Experience: You sit on the roadside, surrounded by smoke, noise, and history.
The Insider Order: Order the “Khadda Mutton” or their signature “Namkeen Chaamp.”
Why it’s special: They use very few spices. It’s mostly salt and black pepper, so you taste the actual meat quality, not just red chillies.
Pro Tip: Order a “Doodh Soda” (Milk + 7Up) from the nearby shop. It cuts through the grease and helps digestion.

2. The Pulao & Rice Culture

Multanis take their rice very seriously.

Tasty Plus (Gulgasht)

This is arguably the most famous food spot in Multan after Hafiz Halwa.

The Insider Order: Their “Chicken Pulao”.
The Taste: It is not dry like Karachi Biryani or plain like home rice. It is oily, aromatic, and cooked in a heavy yakhni (broth). The rice grains are separate and shiny.
The Secret: Their “Kaali Mirch Wali Raita” (Black Pepper Yogurt) is the game changer. Drench your rice in it.
Best For: Lunch. It’s heavy, so you need the day to burn it off.

Nawab Hotel (Vehari Chowk)

A hidden gem for those who find Tasty Plus too crowded.

The Specialty: “Beef Yakhni Pulao.”
The Hack: Ask for a “Shami Kabab” on top. Their Shami is stringy (reshe-dar) and adds a crunchy texture to the soft rice.

3. The Fried Fish Surprise

Many people don’t know this, but Multan has incredible Fried Fish because of the nearby Chenab River.

Siddique Fish Corner (Chowk Kumharanwala)

In winter, there is a line of cars here blocking the road.

The Style: This is not “Grilled Fish.” This is “Besan Fried Rahu.”
The Insider Order: Ask for “Kanta-Less” (Boneless) Rahu.
The Hack: They serve it with a special Apricot Chutney (Khubani ki Chatni). Do not ignore it. The sweet chutney combined with the spicy fish is a flavor bomb.

4. Breakfast (Nashta) of Champions

Multanis wake up early, and they eat like they are going to war.

Dilmeer Lassi (Cantt)

You cannot visit Multan and skip this. It is legendary.

The Insider Order: “Perray Wali Lassi” (Sweet).
The Hack: Tell the “Ustad” to add “Khoya Pera”. They literally crush sweet milk balls into the yogurt. It is so thick you can eat it with a spoon.
Warning: Do not plan any important meetings after this. You will fall asleep.

Mushtaq Nihari (Hussain Agahi)

For the beef lovers.

The Insider Order: “Maghaz (Brain) Nihari.”
The Taste: It is spicy, sticky, and served with piping hot Khameeri Roti. The ambiance is very rough (street style), but the taste is 10/10.

5. Modern Dining & Steaks

Tired of Desi food? Multan has stepped up its game in fine dining.

The Carnivore (Gulgasht)

This place introduced the concept of “Slow Cooked Meat” to the city.

The Insider Order: “15-Hour Baked Camel Meat” or “Lamb Shank.”
The Experience: They cook the meat for so long that it falls off the bone without using a knife. It is served with mashed potatoes and exotic sauces.
Best For: impressing a date or a family celebration.

London Courtyard (Cantt)

If you want good Italian food and vibes.

The Insider Order: Their “Stuffed Chicken Parmesan”.
The Vibe: It has a beautiful outdoor seating area which is perfect for Multan’s winter evenings.

6. The Sweet Souvenir (Beware of Fakes!)

You cannot go back home without Sohan Halwa. But wait!

Hafiz Ka Multani Sohan Halwa (The Real One)

There are 500 shops named “Hafiz” in Multan. 99% are fakes.

Location: The Original shop is at Hussain Agahi Road (Old City). Look for the name “Hafiz A. Wadood”.
The Insider Order: Skip the plain one. Buy the “Akhroti Halwa” (Walnut).
Why? The bitterness of the walnuts balances the extreme sweetness of the sugar and Desi Ghee. It is crunchy, chewy, and rich.
Pro Tip: Buy the Tin Packs, not the open boxes, if you are traveling. They stay fresh longer.