Arif Chatkhara

Lahore is known for its food and cultural heritage. If you’re in town and don’t try the top food spots, you are really missing out something in life. Now, obviously you can fine dine at a fancy restaurant and enjoy the food but to familiarize yourself with the true Lahori taste you have to go to deep into old Lahore and try some of the older establishments in town.

One of these old gems is Arif Chatkhara, and their Tawa Chicken, for those who don’t understand Urdu, Tawa is basically a large disc-shaped griddle. Tawa chicken is basically a chicken piece coated in yoghurt and spices, served a whole lot of green chilies. It is one succulent, juicy and most definitely spicy piece of chicken, that is really tasty but leaves a lot of people in tears. You can change the level of spiciness but if you’re in Lahore and at one of the most iconic restaurants in town, I would say go big or go home, and see how many bites before your body gives up on you. Just kidding, don’t do that to yourself, if you struggle with spicy food take it easy.

The process of making the chicken is fairly simple, you put some oil in the center of the griddle, put chicken pieces on top, pour over the spice & yoghurt mix, and let it cook. Eventually add lemons and green chilies, flip the chicken a couple of times, and vola your masterpiece is ready.

Take it from someone who grew up in Lahore, for years Arif Chatkhara has been serving the best Tawa chicken in the world. The flavor, the texture and even the quality has been maintained throughout generations. So, if you have a friend who takes pride in their spice tolerance levels, I’d suggest take them to Arif Chatkhara, but remember to take a box of tissues with you, trust me you’ll be needing them!