Rina's Kitchenette

Some places just feel like an old friend, and for me that's Rina's Kitchenette. It's a much-loved Lahore café with a menu that wanders happily between American, Italian and Asian comfort food, and there's always something I want to order.

There are a few branches now. My favourite is the one on Main Boulevard in Gulberg, but the DHA branch in Phase 3 is good too, and there's also one in Dolmen Mall DHA.

Whenever I go, I come back to the same favourites: the bao buns, Spinach & Three Cheese Cannelloni and the chocolate cake. The bao section of the menu has plenty of choice, from Hot Chicken and Asian Beef to Chicken Katsu, and there's even a Smash X Bao that crosses their smash burger with a bao bun.

On the menu:

• Bao buns: Hot Chicken, Asian Beef, Chicken Katsu, Mix and Smash X Bao
• Spinach & Three Cheese Cannelloni
• Khowsuey (beef or chicken)
• Rina's Smash Burger

With the kids: With a broad, familiar menu, it's an easy pick with children. Bao buns are fun for little hands, and you can ask for sauces on the side to keep things mild. It's worth calling ahead about high chairs and busy times.