A fellow blogger and I visited Jumeirah Lakes Towers (JLT) last week for a tasting session at a recently opened Pakistani restaurant called Little Lahore.

Situated in cluster J, overlooking the lake, the restaurant is easily noticeable. It is the brainchild of Saira Ahmed, whose contemporary style and taste are reflected in the restaurant’s ambience.

On a delightfully sunny day, the sun’s rays filtered through the full glass windows, enhancing the elegance of the restaurant’s grey and red interiors.

With beautiful Pakistani melodies playing softly in the background, we had a pleasant conversation with the restaurateur. Saira Ahmed started this eatery after her friends encouraged her to transform her passion for food into a restaurant. Her friends were impressed by the delicious food she prepared at home. The chef incorporates many of her own recipes, providing patrons with the comforting and flavoursome experience of homemade meals.

Our tasting session commenced with “Kurkuri Bhindi,” which consists of crispy fried okra served on a bed of yoghurt, sprinkled with chaat masala. The combination of the okra’s crispiness and the zing of the chaat masala complemented the yoghurt perfectly.

Their naans are some of the best I’ve had in a long time. The cheese and roghani naans are so delicious that you can enjoy them on their own, accompanied by a cup of karak chai.

As my friend and I prefer milder flavours, we requested the food to be prepared accordingly, and our preferences were met.

We sampled the “Chicken Handi” and “Mirchoun Ka Saalan” alongside some special grills.

The presentation of the food was well thought out overall. The curries were served in small candlelit food warmers.

We began with the chicken handi, which was excellently cooked, perfectly spiced, and tasted heavenly. Although we were initially hesitant to try the mirchoun ka salan (chilli curry) due to concerns about its spiciness, we were pleasantly surprised. In our opinion, it was the highlight of the entire session. The curry had a mild heat, the spices were well blended, and the chilli flavour added character to the dish.

Among the grills, we savoured chicken malai boti, reshmi kabab, mutton seekh kabab, fish tikka, and jumbo prawns. The grills were cooked to perfection, with the meat melting in our mouths. The marination and spices were expertly done. After enjoying them, one would be inclined to return to the restaurant frequently for their naans and grills.

For dessert, we were presented with “Gajjar Ka Halwa” (carrot pudding). After such a delightful meal, who could resist a dessert? The halwa was delicious, with just the right amount of sweetness.

Although I wasn’t very hungry when I arrived, the enticing aroma and the taste of excellent desi cuisine led me to indulge more than I should have. Later, we ordered green tea and enjoyed it while reminiscing about the vibrant food street in Lahore, accompanied by the background music.

Overall, our experience at Little Lahore was a delightful journey through Pakistani flavours. The restaurant’s contemporary style, paired with Saira Ahmed’s passion for food, creates a warm and inviting atmosphere. From the crispy “Kurkuri Bhindi” to the delectable “Gajjar Ka Halwa,” every dish showcased the chef’s expertise and dedication to delivering authentic homemade flavours.

If you’re in Dubai and craving a taste of Lahore, Little Lahore is the place to be. With its exceptional naans, flavourful curries, and mouthwatering grills, this restaurant is a true culinary gem. Treat yourself to a little piece of Lahore right here in Dubai.