Famous for its love of food, Lahore never disappoints its hungry patrons. Meat is the lifeblood of local cuisines, sprinkled and marinated with spices of all sorts for that oomph. Dumba Karahi is one such speciality whose mere aroma makes it irresistible. Catering to the desires of all those that salivate at the thought of such delectables is Ilyas Dumba Karahi. People from far-flung areas are drawn to the dishes conjured in their special open kitchen. 

The main items on their menu other than Dumba Karahi include Sulemani Karahi, Keema Karahi, Shinwari Karahi, Safaid Karahi and Namkeen Tikka. The Karahis are sold at a price of Rs 1600/kg. Open-air, live cooking offers a whole new experience as people watch their meats get soaked in a mixture of yoghurt, tomatoes, ginger, black pepper and green chillies. Instead of using gas or pressure cookers, food is prepared on wood fire for the infusion of traditional and authentic Pakistani flavours. You can end your sumptuous meal with a sip of warm Peshawari Kahwa just for Rs 60.

Established in 1985, it opened its first branch on G.T. Road near Qila Lachman Singh, in Lahore. The term “Truck Adda” is practically synonymous to the restaurant’s name. “Ilyas Truck Adda Karahi Tikka” has since spread its branches throughout Lahore in Iqbal Town and Burki Road. 

It opens at 6:00 pm daily from Monday to Sunday. After people have taken due respites from the day’s work, they come out in flocks to unwind with flavorful food to eat. However, the wait time is around 45 mins. Its closing hours are 2:30 am from Monday to Friday while it becomes 4:00 am on Saturdays and Sundays. No matter what hour of the night it is, you’ll always find the tables filled here with hot food coming in.