Weekend Grub: Jade Café's unique menu has Lahoris smitten

Lahore has cafes left, right and centre; all serving almost the same snacks, drinks and desserts.

Ever wondered why a bottle of mineral water, tea, green tea and even coffee, for what they’re worth, are outrageously expensive at most cafes across Lahore? Ever thought that even though you're sitting in a swanky café the menu isn't diverse enough to suit your interests and whatever it offers is steeply priced?

In the cafe-verse, only a little digging reveals that there aren’t many around that have a ‘complete’ menu yet are also light on the pocket. This is probably what the owners of Jade Café cashed in on. It is the second venture by the same people serving mouth-watering delicacies at ChinaTown but follows an entirely different concept.

Where to go:

Jade Café is located at the end of Mahmood Ali Kasuri Road, a mini food street in its own right with both sides lined with cafes and restaurants, if coming from the Liberty, M.M. Alam Road or Firdous Market sides.

You can't miss seeing it as there’s a big board fixed right outside it even though the café itself is sort of hidden behind bushes. It kind of looks like its nestled inside neighboring eatery ChinaTown, but it is actually a separate, standalone café.

When to go:

The café opens its doors at 8am since it offers a wide range of breakfast meals, and closes around 1am.

The idea of having breakfast at cafes and restaurants has caught up fast among Lahoris and even on a weekday, the place isn't empty. That being said, this is a great option for having breakfast at (although they offer breakfast all day), but also offers a fairly good variety if one wants to have a light lunch or dinner.

In the evening, one is greeted by a brightly, but not obnoxiously, lit up, colourful interior. And during the day, this lively interior is naturally lit up by sunlight piercing in through large windows.

Finding a table should be easy because if you don’t get one inside, there’s always the cosy outdoor sitting area, and if you’re lucky and the weather is beautiful (albeit cold) as it is these days, the outdoor area should be your choice. If you prefer sitting inside, try grabbing the tables besides the large windows to enjoy some sunshine.

What to order:

Jade Café offers an all-day breakfast menu from which, if you’re experimental, you should try the shakshuka that you’ll barely find anywhere else in the country, much less city.

There are five varieties to choose from and we’d recommend you try out any of them for all are different: chicken, beef, veggie, turkey and beans.

Quite a hearty meal that can also be shared with another person if you’re not too hungry. But if not adventurous with food, don’t fret. They have eggs in various forms and a variety of omelettes.

You can also enjoy their specialty as a dessert or as a separate snack: French toast. We suggest not having this after a meal, as the French toast is big enough to fill you up completely. Our recommendation would be the mighty Nutella stuffed French toast (its mere sight may give you a shocker, it’s that thick!) or the one with cream cheese stuffed with bananas. You’ve been warned: they’re not to be taken ‘lightly’.

In the mood for a snack? Their pancakes are small, airy and light. To be on the safe side, try the cream cheese or blueberry pancakes.

Jade Café has a fair assortment of club sandwiches also, from chicken, beef, BBQ, tuna to egg and steak. But you’ve heard that before, right? Can give it a miss. However, its paninis are worth a try: generously filled, spot on with taste and fresh. Try the roast chicken or spinach and feta cheese panini.

We also loved their personal pan-sized, thin crust pizzas. Our recommendations would be the classic Margherita, Pepperoni or the Quattro Formaggi (four cheese) pizzas. You can thank us later.

A couple of days ago, they introduced Fish & Chips, Grilled Jumbo Garlic Prawns, Thai Ginger Prawns, soups, some chicken dishes and pastas. If their current menu is something to go by, these new additions should be worth a try.

They also have a decent variety of cupcakes, muffins and desserts from which we’d recommend the tiramisu, chocolate fudge cake and triple chocolate brownie (ask them to warm it a bit).

Jade Café claims to offer over 15 kinds of teas, including iced and a Jade Special Doodh Patti, so if you’re a ‘chaaye ka charsi’, this café merits a visit. Other than that they have various coffees, shakes, smoothies, chillers and soft drinks.

Remember this is a café. Don’t expect a whole meal and to be filled to the brim.

Damage on the pocket?

This is the best part. The teas and coffees do not get more economical than this; you can get each well within Rs 200 and the food won't burn a hole in your wallet either. One person can satiate him/herself easily in Rs 300 to Rs 700, depending on what you order.

Pro tip: During rush hour, you may have to struggle to grab a waiter’s attention.