A Guide to the Eateries around LUMS
Jammin Java
Location: SDSB Ground Floor
Jammin Java cafe, commonly known as Jammin or JJ, is your on-campus ‘bougie’ option. Go there when you want to splurge or treat yourself. They have everything: burgers, wraps, pasta, chicken, fish, etc. You name it, and they will have it. Their Chicken and Chips with honey mustard sauce are cult favourites. Their white sauce pasta has quite a few fans, and you have the option to customise it and make it exactly how you like it. Jammin also offers ice cream, so if you’re craving something sweet, and the Super-Store and Baradari are closed, you know what to do.
Delish Pizza Bar
Location: SDSB Ground Floor
Delish is your in-house pizza place. They have single slices as well as small and medium-sized pizzas. Yes, they do not have large-sized pizzas. People are particularly in love with their Spinach Alfredo and Pepperoni flavours. Experiment on your own and find what you like, but if you’re unsure and want a safe option, then either of the two should suffice.
Subway
Location: PDC First Floor
Subway serves its standard menu at LUMS. The trick would be to order what you regularly eat while observing what your friends have and experimenting after eating some of their food. Subway has some amazing student deals at times, keep an eye out for those and save your bucks.
Frooti
Location: SDSB Ground Floor
Frooti is known to have the most refreshing fresh juices and shakes available, which is perhaps something everyone is always looking for to beat the summer heat, especially during the hotter months! Not just this, they also offer the most appetising fruit chaat and Dahi Bhallay and believe us when we say the MOST scrumptious gol gappay!
Chop Chop
Location: PDC First Floor
If you’re craving Chinese, Chop Chop is your in-house specialist. Slightly on the expensive side, but rest assured they know what they are doing. Honey Crispy Chicken, Beef Chili-Dry and Mongolian are three super-popular ones but don’t be afraid of trying other things.
Zakir Tikka
Location: PDC First Floor
Zaakir is your slightly fancy option for desi cuisine at LUMS. They are known for their Handis and Paratha rolls. If you’re craving some good desi food, give their extensive menu a read, you’re bound to find something you like. We’d recommend looking into their deals before ordering your gravy and chapati individually, as they provide better value for your money.
Pepsi Dining Centre
Location: Opposite Academic Block
Pepsi Dining Centre, commonly known as PDC, is your go-to place when looking for something fulfilling yet light on the pocket. Without a doubt, the breakfast is divine; never miss out on their Aloo Paratha. Other mouth-watering meals are Khattay Baingan and Karhi Phulki. If you're in the mood for something wholesome and varied, it is the place to go. Aloo Palak, Mac & Cheese, and Biryani are all delicious. Their snack bar also offers some of the greatest samosas you'll ever taste. Plus, they serve Halwa Poori every Friday and Sunday; make sure you don’t miss that.
Juice Zone
Location: PDC First Floor
Juice Zone can easily be your Jammin, lekin thora sastay mai. Juice zone offers a range of fast food, including wraps, pasta, burgers and shakes. But what truly sets them apart is that they offer really good Karak chai in a bigger cup compared to all other eateries. That minimal extra amount of chai is precisely what you need to brighten up your mood and leave all that stress behind.
Cupcake Lounge
Location: PDC First Floor
You may be rushing during your 15-minute breaks between classes and may want something to grab and go - or as one would say, RUN AT A SPEED OF JAGUAR (we mean, if you have a class with the infamous SDSB instructors, you must). You’ll find quick snacks at the cupcake lounge - samosas, patties, cupcakes. They also have a corner for fresh juices and shakes served according to the availability of seasonal fruits, all at economical prices.
Baradari
Location: Extended Khokha
Baradari café has everything from omelettes to quesadillas to ice cream. They are famous for their sandwiches and pasta. The Latiano panini and Arrabbiata pasta, in particular, garner lots of fans. The lasagna is a hit or miss; you either love or completely despise it. Other than this, they also have Chinese, loaded fries, and wraps. Give them a try; you might find something exceptional we’ve all missed out on. A fun fact about Baradari is that for the entirety of last year, they kept playing Despacito (by Luis Fonsi) on loop. Let's hope they add some variety to their playlist this year, just like their menu.
Green Olive
Location: Right beside the Aquatic Centre
Green Olive is your only choice for Lebanese cuisine on campus. Among their shawarmas, Shish Taouk is relatively popular, which people prefer over all the other available shawarmas. If you’re on a budget and want something to fill your stomach instantly, Manakish Be Laham - pieta bread with Kebab and sauces is what you need. A junior year student referred to it as a “hostelite’s dream”. Other than that, you must try their Kebab Gyro Rice. If you’re tired of eating the same thing daily, then gyro rice is precisely what your taste buds are looking for. It’s tasty yet fulfilling – the perfect combo. Remember that Green Olive only serves lemonades and juices; cold drinks and processed juices are not available. So, sneak a bottle of Pepsi or Sprite into your bag while going there. Other plus points for Green Olive include the fact that it has the best air conditioning and location. The relaxed ambiance and the great view outside are all you need to enjoy your meal!
The Bunker
Location: Library Ground Floor
After a long study session at the Library or IST, the Bunker is where you naturally go to unwind. They have everything from sandwiches to shakes. They're popularly known for their drinks, and they have it all – tea, coffee, shakes, slushies, iced tea, and mocktails. In winters, their Hot Chocolate is immensely popular, while the slushies and ice teas are all the rage in summers. Coming to food, they introduced Pastas last year, but students seem to have mixed opinions about those, so you must try and decide for yourself. People swear by their Panini Sandwiches and the French toasts; both the taste and presentation are to die for. Nonetheless, their grilled cheese, waffles, and brownies are all good options; you can’t go wrong when it comes to Bunker.