Cooco’s Den, a Culinary and Cultural Gem in Lahore
In the middle of Lahore’s ancient red-light area, Heera Mandi, stands Cooco’s Den as a memorial of art, history, and cuisine. Established in 1996 by renowned artist Iqbal Hussain, this creation has combined a funky restaurant environment with some exciting museum-cum-setup, thus bringing alive an unforgettable journey to the claws of Lahore’s multifaceted heritage.
Cooco’s Den is housed in a preserved haveli, the old town house that was once resounding with the tunes and tales of courtesans of a bygone era. Hussain, who traces his lineage to these very courtesans, converted his ancestral home as a haven of both art and cuisine. His paintings, which intensely portray the lives of the women from this district, adorn the walls, offering a raw and intimate glimpse into a world often shrouded in secrecy.
Gourmet Spectacle with Kaleidoscopic Views
Apart from that, dining in Cooco’s Den is also an experience to the memory lane when a person enters the rooftop terrace with a scenic trail on the known monuments around the city like Badshahi Mosque and Lahore Fort. With the city lights twinkling below, the whole feeling is magically different at dusk. A glance at the menu, teeming with typically Lahore dishes, reveals such gems:
Achari Chicken: Succulent chicken breast marinated in a spicy, tangy blend of pickled mango, delivering a burst of authentic flavors.
Chicken Karachi: A classic put-in-with the boneless chicken simmered in gravy rich with fresh green chilies.
Masala Fries: Home-style cut fries seasoned in an authentic blend of spices served with a zesty tomato dip.
That’s not all; you’ll also find a variety of freshly baked breads, ranging from soft pillows of naan to crispier butter naan. All those are perfect for savoring rich gravies.
Bringing the Restaurant Inside the Museum
Apart from these, Cooco’s Den is known to operate as a storehouse with its gastronomical property. The interior of the museum is filled with various artifacts that are routed through the history of Lahore, such as:
Ancient Tiles: Pieces from the Mughal and British eras, especially from Emperor Shah Jahan’s time, set into the design of the building.
Sculptures: Notable pieces such as Starving Buddha cut in marble and 200-year-old wooden doors stand as examples of the craftsmanship of this region.
Religious Artifacts: Such as a statue of Hanuman and a figure of the Virgin Mary, which translate the myriad religions of this area.
All of these precious items were collected by Harris and his ancestors. This makes a visitors’ trip to Cooco’s Den a cultural quest in which each corner speaks of Lahore’s history.
Place of Creativity
Iqbal Hussain’s works dominate the atmosphere of Cooco’s Den. His paintings, candidly automating the lives of the courtesans of Heera Mandi, present the dilemma of societal conventions and challenge the audience to negotiate the complexities of this margin.
