Table talk: Sweet treats of Lahore

This week we look at some of Lahore’s offerings that can tickle your sweet tooth. In determining the contenders for the best place to get your sugar rush, we must first dispense with the ubiquitous frozen yoghurt outlets that are foisting artificial flavours and food colours all in the name of good health.

My wife used to enjoy her froyo, but the damning statements by a certain food law expert have convinced her otherwise. While old timers like Hot Spot have kept us happy for the past few years, new entrants in the market have upped their game.

Cosa Nostra



Although Cosa Nostra has opened a Gelateria in DHA, the two times I visited were disappointing as their chiller was not working. Thankfully, Cosa Nostra in Gulberg still offers Gelato and it is growing increasingly popular. The only downside to Cosa Nostra is poor customer service so you will probably be better off taking away a scoop of Gelato in a cup or a cone for under Rs400. Try a mix of the cheesecake, strawberry yoghurt dark chocolate and nutella flavours if you’re in the mood for something different.

Food: 4/5
Ambience: 3/5

Chocolateria La Churro



The Chocolateria La Churro, situated in the posh suburb of DHA, aspires to introduce Spanish delights to the taste buds of Lahore. For the uninitiated, churros are soft, doughy delicacies that are dipped in melted chocolate. One has had the chance to gorge on them in Spain where they are considered the breakfast of champions. Therefore, considering oneself to be competent to compliment this establishment, the churros here are, for want of a better word, bueno. For under Rs400, treat yourself to a plate full of churros accompanied by your choice of white, milk or dark Belgian chocolate. Sure, it’s not Willy Wonka’s factory, but their signature dish, and the pipes of chocolate in store, will make you think it is.

Food: 5/5
Ambience: 4/5

Lals Chocolate



Lals is a popular place to get decent chocolate ever since the Karachi-based chocolatier opened two outposts in Lahore. Situated in Cantonment Mall of Lahore and DHA, Lals is certainly not the option for budget conscious consumers. At over Rs4,000 per kilo of chocolate, Lals will lighten your wallet as fast as it will increase your waistline. But never fear — the chocolates are worth it and will have you coming back for more. They proudly claim that their chocolate is imported from Belgium and produced in their centralised kitchen in Karachi. For a different experience try their Macarons that are made on order at Rs100 a piece. Having tried their whole variety of flavours over time, one is partial only to the chocolate Macaron while the others just don’t seem to cut the mustard. If you are really in the mood to splurge on someone, try gifting one of their platters that range from Rs2,000 to Rs25,000. It’s not Max Brenner but Lals has made chocolate a very classy affair in Pakistan.

Food: 5/5
Ambience: 3/5

Hassaan Ghazali is a food law expert and gastronomic enthusiast based in Lahore.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 5^th, 2013.

Like Life & Style on Facebook for the latest in fashion, gossip and entertainment.