A small kiosk around Main Market, close to Shezan, is creating quite a stir these days, especially among people looking for unique flavours in ice-cream at reasonable prices.  Called Waffles, the place is known also for its efficient service, quality product and last but not the least, its owner Alamgir -- "uncle" to many -- a cheerful and humble young man.

Alamgir isn’t new to ice cream business. He was quite young when he began working at an ice cream joint at Fortress Stadium. Many years later, he left the job for another cone ice cream outlet in Liberty. From there on, he took off on a solo flight.

Alamgir recalls chasing his dream of "developing my own flavours in ice cream and slush (a cool drink made of crushed ice)." Soon he had created his own recipe of waffle cone which was crisp in texture and boasted a caramelised flavour with a freshly baked aroma.

More of an obsession now, Alamgir set out to find the right ingredients and machines to control the quality of ice cream in the hot, humid weather of Lahore during summers and monsoon.

Not having a proper shop meant nothing to this determined man who, a year into the business, had been able to install the high-end Carbigini ice cream machine, imported especially from Italy. The machine is a proud testament to his hard work and dedication. "It is not possessed by the rest of the cone wallahs in Lahore," he says.

Waffles is fast becoming the talk of the town. People who have been to the place are saying great things on different food forums on social media.

"I come all the way from DHA on weekends to beat the heat with Waffles Lemon Slush," says Zara Haroon. "Alamgir uncle is doing an awesome job."

According to Fatima Adnan, "Alamgir Special is a must-try. This delectable offering is topped with chocolate syrup and crunchy pieces of waffle cone with just the right amount of vanilla and chocolate ice cream."

Sure there is something special about the taste of flower cones available in smooth vanilla and coffee flavours. "I only use the best quality tetra pack milk and original coffee beans for the mixture," he explains.

People are comparing Waffles with Paradise and Robiya Cone which have been there in Liberty market for many years now and are very popular. The only rub is the latter two don’t offer waffle cones.

Some of its loyal customers are completely bowled over by the Waffles Cold Coffee and slush with lemon zing and a bit of black pepper.

But they also like to keep Alamgir on his toes by giving him their honest feedback. For instance, there was a complaint that his waffles were over-sweet. Alamgir says he paid due heed to the criticism and has "improved my ice cream accordingly."