di, Anarkali, and Badshahi) have attracted tourists. Food streets have
undergone restorations and are cordoned off in the evenings for pedestrian
traffic only; numerous cafes serve local delicacies under the lights and
balconies of restored havelis (traditional residential dwellings). Some of the
trendiest restaurants in Lahore are concentrated on the M M Alam Road in
Gulberg. Here, dozens of high-class culinary outlets, ranging from Western
franchises to traditional, ethnic, or theme restaurants, attract all classes of
Lahore's citizens. New restaurants are constantly opening, and the business is
extremely competitive. Many boisterous restaurants of Lahore are open late into
the night. Some branches of Pizza Hut and McDonald's are open 24/7; McDonald's
and KFC also offer a home delivery service. Lahore also boasts a unique restaurant
housed in a 300-year-old Kothi-style dwelling of a famous artist which was once
a brothel. At different times in the life of this property, Hindu, Buddhist,
Christian, and Muslim families have owned it. Another famous Lahore landmark is
the Pak Tea House in Anarkali, long a favored haunt of intellectuals and
artists. Lahore remains a traditional center of Pakistani Chinese cuisine,
demonstrated through the large presence and popularity of Chinese restaurants
in the city.
The alleys and lanes of these bazaars are full of traditional wares like
leather articles, embroidered garments, glass bangles, beaten gold and silver
jewelry, and creations in silk. Anarkali is named after the famous courtesan of
Akbar's time, Anarkali (Pomegranate Blossom). The grave of Sultan Qutbuddin
Aibak, who died falling off his horse while playing polo, is located in
Anarkali on Aibak Road. Rang Mahal is part of old Lahore and today's houses a
largest wholesale and retail cloth markets in Pakistan. Lahore technology
markets include the Hall Road, Pakistan's largest electronics market adjacent
to the Mall Road, Abid Market on
