Lahore’s (unofficial) status as a food lover’s paradise is no secret. Interestingly, the places around the city couldn’t be less affected. One such place happens to lie along the Upper Chanab Canal (also known as Khanpur Canal) -- roughly 30 kilometres or half-an-hour’s drive away from the main city of Lahore, on the road to Sheikhupura.

It is a quaint, little ‘food street,’ so to say, situated in the middle of the two-way road, and offers different desi food items, Khoya Kulfi being the most popular.

If you are travelling from Lahore to Sheikhupura or to Faisalabad or any other adjacent city you might be tempted to stop over, if only briefly, for a quick -- but definitely scrumptious -- meal.

The place has an assortment of dhabas and fish vendors lined together, with charpoys set up outside, overlooking the canal.

Usually, this place is crowded with young boys playing by the canal, as swimming in it is prohibited. But after sunset, one sees a good number of families queued up at different stalls, enjoying the breeze.

People from neighbouring areas also like to converge at the dhabas where they get a taste of traditional, desi dishes such as Chicken Karahi and Fried Fish that is served with pakoras. Other popular items include Tawa Chicken, kebabs, Chicken Tikka, and Chicken/Mutton Qorma with naan.

One of the dhabas, called Kabab Shop, has a modest but clean set of benches arranged outside. The dhaba chef prepares kebabs on iron grills that are set on naked fire. They are served in traditional porcelain bowls.

The most commonly preferred dessert is, of course, the chilled Khoya Kulfi. All this makes those en route to Sheikhupura or back to Lahore divert their cars to the place.

Most cities are facing up to ten hours or more of load shedding daily, forcing people to leave their homes to visit eating spots and take pleasure in fresh air. The food is delicious and affordable for everyone. During Ramzan, special Iftar and Sehri deals are also offered here.

The place’s close proximity with the canal has a cooling effect on the temperature around it. As Asim Numan, a young visitor, puts it, "[It] provides relief from heat. Whenever it gets hot back home in Lahore, me and my friends come here."