Top 5 Restaurants in Karachi

Disclaimer: Of course there are a gazillion restaurants to choose from in the City of Lights but these are my top 5 picks for desi cuisine that I’ll be reviewing based on my personal experience.

I believe when you’re in Karachi you should do as the Karachi’ites do. In other words, I feel that if you’re visiting a different city then it’s imperative to try their local cuisine in order to experience that particular city in its true essence. Although, I will be writing another blog post featuring various other cuisines that this wonderful city has to offer these are my top 5 desi restaurants.

I’ve picked these restaurants as part of Travelogue Thursday and hence, these would be perfect for anyone who’s visiting Karachi (check out my Karachi Guide if you’re visiting any time soon) whether for the first time or 76th time, these are Karachi Classics! Happy reading! ^_^

Kolachi 

A gorgeous sea facing restaurant at Do Darya, Kolachi is the best of both worlds. Not only does it offer delectable desi cuisine but also continental dishes ranging from steaks to pastas, all that and more with a delightful ambiance that encapsulates the true spirit of Karachi with its courteous staff and impeccable service. My recommendations include Peshawari Koyla Karhai, Malai Boti and Cheese Naan.

Location:
Sea View Road, Do Darya, Karachi;
Ocean Towers, Khayaban-e-Iqbal, Karachi

Shaikh Abdul Ghaffar Kabab House

Shaikh Abdul Ghaffar Kabab house is by far the best restaurant when it comes to BBQ items hands down. Whether you choose to experience the more authentic local dine in style at their original branch or give preference to a more modern ambiance at Port Grand, their offerings are absolutely delectable. My recommendations include Fry Kabab, Malai Boti, Dhaga Kabab, Chicken SAG special and Grilled fish.

Location:
Road Opposite PNSC building, Port Grand Food Street, Karachi

Hot ‘n’ Spicy

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Perhaps one of the most famous street foods to be borne out of Karachi is the puri paratha roll. This particular street food consists of tender spiced up chicken or beef, onion and chutney wrapped in crispy puri paratha.

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There are various different flavours to choose from as Hot ‘n’ Spicy’s proudest boast is that it serves more than hundred flavours. My recommendations include: Chicken Chatni Roll, Bihari Boti Roll, Chicken Cheese Roll and Garlic Mayo Roll.

Location:
Khyaban-e-Rahat, DHA Phase 6,Karachi.

Mirchili

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If you’re in Karachi, you MUST try Mirchili. Chili in Urdu is ‘mirchi’ and they’ve just merged the two words together to form Mirchili and yup…chili is the word to describe this eatery! Chaats that have a delicious blend of spices, chutneys and herbs, this place will have your taste buds asking for more. My recommendations include: Gappa Gottala, Sev Puri, Chicken Tikka Dossa and Limca.

Locations:
Badar Commercial, Street 10;
Building Center, Tipu Sultan Road;
Dolmen Mall, Clifton;
Dolmen Mall, Tariq Road;
The Forum, Clifton;
Karachi Gymkhana

Chai Wala

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Karachi walas love chai, period. Also doodh patti is like the national drink, so naturally trying out a dose of that golden hot beverage is a must. In comes ‘Chai Wala’…”When the love of chai beckons, you know where to go!” is what they say.

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They serve you not only chai in its original state as well as various flavours but other appetizers also that make chai time complete. One of the first modernised versions of local dhabbas, Chai Wala is also one of the first to serve ‘pizza paratha’. A snack that merges pizza and paratha together by stuffing cheese, chicken and other fillings into simple parathas. My recommendations include: Doodh Patti, Chicken Cheese Paratha and Nutella Paratha (kids love this stuff!)

Location:
Bukhari Commercial Phase 6, 89/1 5th Commercial Street.

So there you have it, guys! My top 5 restaurant picks in Karachi. Happy dining! ^_^