Bahawalpur's food scene centres on Pakistani staples — grilled meat, karhai (wok-cooked meat curries), and tandoor-baked bread. Roadside dhabas along the main roads serve cheap, reliable food and are busy throughout the day. The city's restaurants cluster near Railway Road and the main bazaars.
Regional specialities include sohn halwa (a dense sweet made with dry fruits and nuts) and the sweets shops around Farid Gate are good for trying local confectionery. Lassi (yogurt drink, both sweet and salty) is widely available and worth trying in the summer heat.