DHA eateries steal the show:Lahore

[LahoreEstate]

* Diverse food menu catering to different tastes attracts people from various localities
* Customers hail provision of hygienic desi and cheap Western food at one market

By Afnan Khan

LAHORE: The eateries at the Defence Housing Authority (DHA) Main Market have become some of the city’s most famous eateries, as they have maintained a high quality of food as well as proper hygienic conditions, Daily Times learnt on Saturday.

Improved hygienic conditions, quality food, ample parking, and the prompt takeaway service offered at the market attracts a large number of non-residents from various other localities of the city.

Food: Situated in the hub of DHA, the eateries offer a diverse menu that caters to a wide spectrum of customers. Halwa puri, nihari, naan chanay, haleem, siri paey, barbeque, hareesa, lassi, paratha rolls, biryani, Chinese and Mexican food, shawarma, burgers, sandwiches, and several other food commodities offered at the market attract customers from throughout the city.

The non-availability of quality food in nearby localities further increases the volume of customers at the market. Residents of Bhatta Chowk, RA Bazaar, Sadar, Walton Cantonment, and even Gulberg frequently visit the eateries.

Several regular customers said that eateries in Gulberg Main Market, Liberty Market, Barkat Barket, Model Town C and H Block markets, Shadman, Ichhra and Mozang do not offer the same quality of food. They said the combination of Western and desi dishes at DHA Main Market have helped it become the popular market of the city.

Customers: “You would have to visit The Mall or MM Alam Road for Western cuisines and you would have to visit the Walled City for desi food. DHA Main Market offers desi food that is hygienic and Western cuisines that are cheap, all in one big market,” said Shaher Bano, a regular customer. “I used to visit Gowalmandi for halwa puri, fiqa and lassi but the hygienic conditions there always scared me. Ever since my friends introduced me to the eateries in DHA, I have not visited Gowalmandi for food,” said Fahad Alam, resident of Gulberg. He said the prices at the eateries were also very reasonable.

Early closure: However, DHA residents have expressed reservations over the early closure of shops of the area as compared to other parts of the city. They said the city’s residents loved to go out for midnight meals and the early closure of eateries at the market hindered this.

Shop owners at the market believe they could perform better if they were allowed to entertain people during the night. They said it would help generate more revenue for the society if they could cater to customers late at night. The DHA authorities have banned serving of food after 1am, however, the eateries continue to serve food until 2.30am.

DHA spokesman Tajamul Hussain told Daily Times the authorities were well aware of the grievances voiced by the shopkeepers and residents. He said the society implemented the 1am curfew following orders from the federal government. He said despite knowing the eateries were serving the residential community in a commendable manner, he could not do anything to extend the curfew unless the government announces a change.

http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp...09_pg13_11