Built during the Mughal era, Mochi Gate was once one of the 13 famous gates that led to Lahore’s Walled City. Although the Gate was demolished in the 1940s, it lives on in spirit, as the area surrounding the spot where it once stood is called Mochi Darwaza.
The best kind of food… Mochi Gate is well known for its bakeries, mithai stores and eateries. Among them you will find the Khalifa Bakery, which claims to make the best nan khatais in Pakistan, as well as Rafiq Sweets and Fazal Sweets , known for sweetmeates soaked in desi ghee and crowned with roasted nuts. Several eateries that serve traditional ‘Lahori’ breakfast – spicy payas and naan straight from the oven – are nearby, and are especially packed on weekends.
Delicious dry fruit… Mochi Gate is the best place to go to if you are looking for good quality dry fruit, be it peanuts, cashew nuts, raisins or pine nuts, at reasonable prices. Scores of shops dealing solely in these items are located deep within its maze-like streets. You will also find antique furniture, fireworks and kites there.
Eye-catching landmarks… Some of Lahore’s best known landmarks are situated found there are include several imambargahs, many of which once served as large havelis. There is also the Saleh Komabh Mosques, named after Muhammad Saleh, the renowned court chronicler, poet and calligraphist who served under Emperor Shah Jehan.
The real estate take… Mochi Gate is completely built-up and no vacant plots are available. Commercial property can be found on the ground floor of apartment blocks or in the form of small standalone shops. Residential property options include two and three bedroom apartments. Property is in high demand and increases by 11% every year.
In a nutshell… Although congested, Mochi Gate’s landmarks dating to the 1900 (some are in dire need of restoration), dining options and bazaars make it worth a visit, if only as a reminder of the grander days of the Old City of Lahore.
By Moneeza Burney