Introduction: The Midnight Impulse That Changed Everything

Yeah, I know—I’m being extra specific. But picture this: You just finished your semester finals, four years of absolute chaos behind you. You’re chilling at Quetta Tea n Teas, sipping chai, feeling lost. You thought about asking your parents for cash to go on a trip, but let’s be real—you blew it on new sneakers instead. Just as you’re about to drag yourself home, a thought hits: What if I go to Mandra and try their famous daal? Sounds harmless, right? And as you read further… uhm, well, we didn’t even stop there.

Little did we know, this spontaneous plan would turn into an unforgettable road trip—one that would teach us more about culture, food, and life in Pakistan than we ever expected.

Now, the way this trip unfolds? Not saying it’s the right way, but it sure is fun. It all started at midnight, sitting around aimlessly when the sudden urge for a good breakfast hit us. We were broke (not a prerequisite, but it adds to the adventure). Then came a stroke of luck—one friend remembered he had pounds saved up from Eid. Another got his loaned cash returned. As for me? A simple “please” got me some funds from home. Pooling our cash together, we had more than enough for just daal, so we decided—why not make it a whole trip?

We called a friend and told him to be ready by 5 AM. No questions. Just get in the car. (Pro tip: Tell your friend where you're going. Friendships can end over this level of Chaos).

What was meant to be a quick bite turned into a 40-hour, culture-packed, food-laden road trip from Islamabad to Lahore via the Grand Trunk Road. It became one of the best experiences of our lives—a journey fueled by impulsiveness, laughter, and an insane amount of food.

Stop #1: Kartarpura, Rawalpindi – The Breakfast of Champions

The day began with us picking up our fourth teammate (who was still clueless about where we were headed). Our first stop? The legendary food haven of Kartarpura, Rawalpindi. This place is a paradise for food lovers, and honestly, if you want to try everything it has to offer, you’d need to visit at least 3 to 4 times to cover all the restaurants.

We decided to try Kala Khan Nihari, a famous desi dhaba in Kartarpura. It’s a must-visit for anyone seeking authentic flavors, but personally, I wasn’t completely sold. While it was good, it still couldn’t quite beat the taste of Lahore’s Waris Nihari or Karachi’s Zahid Nihari. For me, the real winner was the Khoya Channa with Egg, paired perfectly with crispy kulchas. The rich, creamy texture of the khoya channa combined with the fluffy kulcha was a match made in food heaven.

As we ate, we couldn’t help but admire the charm of Kartarpura. During Partition, there were only two hotels here offering food and green tea. Now, the street is lined with eateries, each with its own unique flavor. The old wooden balconies above the restaurants might seem obsolete at first glance, but there’s something about them that fills you with joy. They make you appreciate being born in such a culturally rich place, where history and tradition are woven into every corner.

Normally, you could also try Paye, Tawa Chicken, Lassi, and Kulfi here, but we had a long journey ahead and places to be. So, with our stomachs full and spirits high, we hit the road again, ready for the next stop on our foodie adventure.

Stop #2: Mangla Dam – Floating Restaurant and Nostalgia Overload

The first sight of Mangla Dam leaves you in awe—its sheer size and shimmering waters make you wonder if it’s even man-made. We stopped at the Floating Restaurant for fresh grilled fish, surrounded by breathtaking water views. Mangla Water Resort is a destination in itself, and honestly, it could easily be a whole day trip.

For me, Mangla Dam holds a special place in my heart. I still remember my first visit as a child, standing in awe of its grandeur. The echoes of laughter from family picnics, the serene moments by the lakeside—it’s a place filled with cherished memories.

Beyond its beauty, Mangla Dam is a testament to human innovation. Its colossal structure, harnessing the power of the river, reminds me of what we can achieve when we work with nature responsibly. The surrounding ecosystem is thriving, with rich flora and fauna making it a paradise for birdwatchers and nature lovers.

If you have time, take a boat ride to soak in the lake’s beauty. But for us, it was a quick meal, a deep breath of nostalgia, and back on the road.

Stop #3: Jhelum – A City of Warriors and Fried Fish

If you’re feeling adventurous, skip Mangla Dam’s grilled fish and head to Jhelum city for their famous fried fish by the riverbank. Yes, more fish—because why not? It’s a great source of protein gains, my man.

Jhelum, known as the City of Soldiers or Land of Martyrs and Warriors, is steeped in history. This was the battlefield of the Hydaspes, where Alexander the Great clashed with King Porus. Nearby, the city of Bucephala was founded to honor Alexander’s horse, Bucephalus.

The city’s roots run deep. Built by Raja Todar Mal under Sher Shah Suri’s orders, it was designed to block Mughal advances. Today, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with landmarks like the Nandana Fort. Perched on a hilltop 1,500 feet high, this 6th-11th century fort is one of the earliest surviving Hindu monuments. Built by Anandapala of the Hindu Shahi dynasty, it was later conquered by Mahmud Ghaznavi in 1013 AD.

For history buffs and foodies alike, Jhelum is a stop worth making. We devoured our fish, soaked in the history, and hit the road again, ready for the next adventure.

Stop #4: Lalamusa – Mian Jee’s Daal That Needs No Introduction

No road trip along GT Road is complete without a stop at Mian Jee’s Daal in Lalamusa. What started as a humble spot for truckers has now expanded into a full-fledged restaurant with indoor, air-conditioned seating.

Mian Jee is famous for its Channa Daal (Bengal Gram) and parathas, cooked in desi ghee and butter. The daal is rich and flavorful, with the perfect consistency, while the parathas are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. One plate of daal and one paratha is enough for two people—unless you’re like me and can’t resist devouring an entire butter-laden paratha (and then feeling sinful for a month).

Served with chopped onions and mango pickle, this seemingly simple meal is elevated to a specialty at Mian Jee. The indulgent flavors of desi ghee and butter make it a must-try for anyone traveling through Lalamusa.

As we continued our journey, the landscape along GT Road transformed. Kharian, known as the “Norway of Pakistan,” greeted us with lush greenery, bustling bazaars, and swaying trees. Nearby, the Pabbi and Rasul Reserve Forest—a sprawling 36,374-acre sanctuary—offered a glimpse of Pakistan’s natural beauty. Established to protect the region’s unique flora and fauna, it’s a paradise for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts.

With our stomachs full and hearts content, we hit the road again, ready for the next stop on our food-fueled adventure.

Stop #5: Wazirabad – The City of Cutlery and More Fish

Known as the “City of Cutlery,” Wazirabad is famous for its high-quality metal kitchenware and knives. But for us, it was all about the grilled fish by the Chenab River. Yes, more fish—it’s a canon event now, so just deal with it.

Wazirabad isn’t just about food; it’s a city steeped in history. The Mughal-era Musamman Burj, built in 1636 during Shah Jahan’s reign, is a stunning red sandstone tower with intricate carvings. Climb its narrow staircase for panoramic views of the city.

Another gem is the Alexandra Railway Bridge, a colonial engineering marvel, and the 1542-era Dak Chowki, built by Sher Shah Suri. Once a major communication hub for the Mughal Empire, it’s now being restored, offering a glimpse into its storied past.

For a taste of local life, explore the vibrant Main Bazaar, brimming with regional handicrafts and fresh produce. And if you’re up for it, take a leisurely boat ride along the Chenab River or visit the Head Khanki Barrage for a serene escape.

With history, culture, and fish on our plates, Wazirabad was a stop worth savoring.

Stop #6: Sialkot & Daska – Daal Chawal and Kulfi Delights

Sialkot is globally famous for its surgical instruments, sports goods, and leather products, but it’s also a hidden gem for foodies. While their karahi is a local favorite, we opted for something simpler yet iconic—Bagga Daal Chawal.

This hearty meal combines fluffy white basmati rice with flavorful daal gravy, served with mashed achar, raita, and a boiled egg on top. It’s comfort food at its finest. My kidnapped friend, still salty about the whole ordeal, declared it “the worst daal chawal” he’d ever had. But anger clouds judgment, and a few months later, he confessed it was actually good.

On our way out, we stopped in Daska for their famous kulfi—a creamy, dreamy dessert that was the perfect way to end our savory feast.

Stop #7: Narowal – The Land of Aromatic Rice and Legendary Barfi

Narowal, located about 50 km from Indian-occupied Kashmir, is famous for its aromatic rice. As a foodie, I’m ashamed to admit I’ve never tried their rice, but the lush green rice fields and scenic tube wells were a sight to behold.

According to legend, the town was founded 900 years ago by Baba Naro Bajwa and was originally surrounded by 22 villages inhabited by the Bajwa Jat clan.

But the real star of Narowal? Tariq Sweets’ Barfi. Arguably the best in Pakistan, its rich, creamy texture left us all shook. It was the perfect sweet ending to our stop in this charming town.

Stop #8: Kartarpur Corridor – A Glimpse into History

After leaving Narowal (or as I like to call it, the Lands Between), we made a last-minute detour to the Kartarpur Corridor. Yes, there are about 10 checkpoints to get through, but the historical significance makes it worth the effort.

Kartarpur is a sacred site for Sikhs, as it’s where Baba Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism, spent the last 18 years of his life. When he passed away in 1539, Hindus and Muslims disagreed on how to perform his last rites—cremation or burial. Both communities carried out their traditions, and today, both a mazaar (tomb) and samadh (memorial) stand as evidence of this unique event.

The original Gurdwara, established by Guru Nanak in 1515, was washed away by floods from the Ravi River. The present-day structure was rebuilt in the 19th century by Maharaja Ranjit Singh. Visiting this sacred shrine was a humbling experience, reminding us of the deep spiritual and historical roots of this land.

Stop #9: Sheikhupura – Hiran Minar and a Surprising Reunion

We were ready to call it a day, but some friends caught wind of our trip and insisted we visit Sheikhupura. “It’s nearby,” they said. Spoiler alert: it wasn’t. But we couldn’t ditch them, so off we went.

Sheikhupura, named after Prince Jahangir’s nickname, is steeped in Mughal history. Just north of the town lies Hiran Minar, a stunning hunting complex built during Jahangir’s reign. The site features a massive square water tank with an octagonal pavilion at its center, connected to the mainland by a causeway. The 100-foot-high minaret adds to the grandeur, making it a must-see for history buffs.

The town is also home to Sheikhupura Fort and the Shrine of Syed Waris Ali Shah, but for us, the highlight was the food. We tried authentic Sheikhupura pizza from White Castle, and yes, it was surprisingly good.

Stop #10: Lahore – The Grand Finale

After 24 hours on the road, we finally reached Lahore—and what better way to start than with breakfast? We couldn’t cover everything (duh, it’s Lahore), but we made sure to hit the essentials.

First stop: Feeqa Lassi. Each cup is made with fresh milk, hand-churned (sometimes ferociously) to achieve that perfect creamy texture. It’s a labor of love, and you can taste it in every sip.

Next up: Waris Nihari. This iconic spot serves nihari that’s rich, flavorful, and cooked to perfection. The tender meat melts in your mouth, and the spice level is just right—authentic Lahori flavors at their best.

Finally, at 2 AM, we ended our food marathon with Butt Karahi near the stadium. The smoky, spicy karahi was the perfect way to wrap up our adventure before heading back to Islamabad.

Lahore’s history and cultural significance could fill a book (or ten), but that’s a story for another time. For now, it was all about the food, the memories, and the joy of an unplanned journey.

Conclusion: A Trip to Remember

This trip wasn’t just about food. It was about discovering the rich culture and history embedded in the towns between Islamabad and Lahore. It was about impulsiveness, the kind of adventure that doesn’t need meticulous planning.

The lesson? Sometimes, the best journeys are unplanned. Sometimes, saying yes to a random idea at midnight leads to a 40-hour adventure filled with laughter, history, and an insane amount of food.

Now, I’m sure you’re wondering about our friend. Well, first, he did start talking to us again… eventually. As for what happened to him—did he get grounded or not? Ah, let’s not dive too deep into that. If you stare into the abyss, the abyss stares back at you. So, let’s just skip that part and only keep in mind the immense fun we had.

Would we do it again? Absolutely. Would we warn the fourth guy next time? Maybe.

For now, it’s back to reality, but this trip will forever be one of the best memories of our lives.