How to eat lavashak: rolling, dipping and sharing

The first time someone orders lavashak, there is often a pause when it arrives. Do you bite it? Tear it? Roll it? Dunk it? There is no wrong answer, but there are a few ways that make it more enjoyable. This guide covers how to eat lavashak the traditional Iranian way, the popular Pakistani way with imli sauce, and a few tips we have picked up serving it every day at Jerry's in Kharian.

Quick refresher: what you are eating

Lavashak is a Persian fruit leather: fruit cooked down into a purée, spread thin and dried into a chewy sheet. It is usually tart, made from fruits like sour plum, pomegranate or sour cherry. If you want the full background, start with what is Iranian lavashak.

Knowing that it is basically concentrated fruit helps. You eat it slowly, in small pieces, and let the flavour build.

The Iranian way: plain and simple

In Iran, lavashak is commonly eaten on its own. You tear off a strip from the sheet or roll, chew it slowly and enjoy the sharp, slightly salty taste. Some people like to roll a sheet up tightly and bite from the end, a bit like a fruit roll-up.

Why try it this way: you taste the fruit clearly. It is the best way to compare different flavours. Our lavashak flavours guide explains what to look for.

The Pakistani way: with imli sauce

In Pakistan, lavashak is usually served rolled or cut into pieces and paired with tangy imli (tamarind) sauce. This is how we serve it at Jerry's. There are a few styles people use:

Pour and eat

Pour the sauce over the lavashak and eat it straight away with your fingers or a fork. The lavashak softens a little and every bite is coated. This is the classic "messy but worth it" method.

Dip as you go

Keep the sauce in its cup and dip each piece before you eat it. The lavashak stays firmer and chewier, and you control exactly how much sauce you get. This is a great option if you are sharing, since everyone can dip to their own taste.

Roll and dunk

Take a strip, roll it into a tight little tube, then dunk the end in imli sauce. You get a nice chewy bite with sauce on the outside and a firmer centre.

If you love the sauce, order extra imli sauce with your lavashak. For more on the pairing, see lavashak with imli sauce.

Practical tips for eating lavashak

• Tear, do not bite through a whole sheet. Lavashak is chewy, so tearing off a manageable piece is easier and neater.
• Have tissues ready. Imli sauce is sticky. You will thank us.
• Eat it soon after it is sauced. Once the sauce is on, the texture starts to change. Fresh is best.
• Pace yourself. The sourness builds as you go. Small pieces mean you enjoy it more.
• Have a drink nearby. Something cold and creamy, like a banana, Milo, date or Oreo shake, resets your taste buds between bites.

How to share lavashak with a group

Lavashak is one of the most shareable snacks there is. A few ideas:

• Order a large and put it in the middle. Our small vs large lavashak guide explains which size suits what.
• Ask for sauce on the side so people can choose how saucy they want each bite.
• Cut or tear it into strips before passing it around, so nobody has to wrestle with a whole roll.

If you are planning lavashak for a mehndi, birthday or office gathering, our weddings and events guide covers how bulk orders work.

Eating lavashak at home

If you are taking lavashak home or ordering delivery, a couple of tips help a lot:

• Keep the sauce separate until you are ready to eat.
• Keep the lavashak away from heat and direct sun, which can make it soft and sticky.
• Eat it the same day if it is already sauced.

Our lavashak storage and freshness post goes into more detail.

Ready to try it?

Come to Jerry's at Mall of Kharian, GT Road, any day between 1 pm and 11:30 pm, and try a few different ways of eating it for yourself. Prefer to eat at home? Order lavashak online for pickup or delivery, or call 0342 7921797. We are close by for Kharian, Kharian Cantt and Guliana.