Food is almost a religion in Pakistan. Saying that would be kind of blasphemous, but we Pakistanis love our food – and we love eating out. While on one end of the spectrum you’ll see big chains of fast foods like KFC, McDonalds, Nando’s, and Hardees  – on the other end are delicious delicacies of Pakistani origin – known as desi foods.

The term ‘desi’, refers to someone who belongs to the land, in this case, Pakistan. Food items here reflect the general culture and are usually imported from the Mughal era. You see the ostentatious Mughal culture reflect in the biryani and nihari – the former being a concoction of rice and curry while the latter is a heavy, gravy based dish, which is almost indescribable.  But these are not all, there are countless items of food that are reflective of the Indo-Pak culture and the depth of flavors speak for themselves.

Perhaps no place other than the cosmopolitan city of Karachi reflects what truly Pakistan is – an amalgamation of all cultures, reflected in its cuisine. You will find the high-end eatery that serves French cuisine with the very same flair, the pasta that defines Italy, coffee houses are in abundance here, as are burger joints – but what truly makes Karachi, Karachi, is the fact the local eateries here have roots, roots that are decades old.

With over 18 million people in Karachi – these are the few places that are tried and tested. We recommend them whole heartedly. Not only have they stood against the odds, but they’ve served us great food, with a very reasonable price tag!

Without further ado, we bring to you the Must Have Desi Foods places that are in Karachi!

1- Waheed Kebab House

Located in the heart of Karachi’s food street, the Burns Road, Waheed Kebab doesn’t need an introduction. Their fry Kebabs are a thing dreams are made of and are enormously popular with Karachiites. The Kebabs are made from mince (either beef or chicken) but the secret to their success is the fact that the Fry Kebabs are fried in butter and not the more often used ghee, making it the most ordered item on their menu. They also serve a wide variety of Nihari – ranging from a regular plate of Nihari to the more exotic Brain Nihari.

2- Zameer Ansari Kebab Center

Located on the Alamgir Road in the Dehli Mercantile Society, Zameer Ansari has been serving its patrons since quite some time. Famous for their parathas and traditional Suji halwa, the ZA kebab center comes with a very high recommendation. With the Dhaga Kebab and Malai boti Kebab being their specialty – Zameer Ansari has made a name for itself as one of the top barbeque places to go to in Karachi!

3- Sabri Nihari

There is nothing in the world Karachiites love more than a hot plate of delicious and spicy Nihari – and you’re not a true Karachiite if you haven’t had Nihari from Sabri. Located on the MA Jinnah Road, Sabri has served Nihari for over several decades. True Nihari fans have always cited Sabri Nihari House as the only place where authentic Nihari is served. We’ll leave it up to you to decide!

4- Chullu Subhani Cafe

A staple presence in the main downtown area of Karachi, Saddar, Chullu Café has been serving Iranian Kebabs to the people of Karachi for years. The famous Chilo/Chullu/Chelo Kebabs are the specialty of Café Subhani and come in a variety of meats ranging from beef to chicken and fish – the best part? It comes with a stick of butter which makes things doubly delicious. With reasonable prices and a less spicy version of the menu for foreigners, Chullu Subhani Café is definitely a must if you come to Karachi!

5- Kaiser Restaurant

For over five decades, Kaiser Restaurant has served some of the most delicious foods. Located in the bustling area of downtown Karachi, Kaiser is indeed one fine jewel among all the restaurants in Karachi. While a roasted lamb leg and Seekh Kebabs are a specialty, you cannot go wrong with anything that you order at Kaiser’s be it Daal or Mutton Karhai! A definite must-visit place!

6- Meerut Kebab House

The name Meerut Kebab House is synonymous with some great food. Over the years, there have been a number of restaurants that have tried to replicate the taste of Meerut, but Karachiites know there is just one original Meerut Kebab house. If you’re going there be sure to try their famous Kebab and paratha; and of course barbeque!

7- Noorani Kebab House

Located in the suburban area of Karachi, Noorani Kebab House is again famous for its Barbeque – and something called kata-kat. While the former is a combination of marinated meats barbequed the latter gets its name from the method on how it’s made. The noise the blades make when it hits the griddle is where the name ‘kata-kat’ comes from and is one of the very famous dishes that originated from Karachi. With value for money, Noorani Kebab House is definitely a must-visit if you’re not on a strict diet!

8- Sheikh Abdul Ghaffar Kebab House

Sheikh Abdul Ghaffar Kebab House is a low-key eatery, which has made its way to the palettes of consumers through its mouth watering food. It is famous only by word of mouth located in a quiet side lane near Tariq Road Karachi. It is just a bit off the main signal crossing where Naheed Supermarket is located. Next to the Ghaffar Kebab House is a huge mosque called ‘Riyaz Masjid.’ You can eat sitting in your car, or go inside the restaurant. It also has family rooms and an open air dining space. Now that you have a fair idea of the whereabouts and ambience, I’ll move on to the food. It is highly famous for its Barbeque but you should also try their desi desserts like ‘Zafrani Kheer’ or “Suji Halwa’

9- Student’s Biryani

Student Biryani started as a small stall at the Katrak Road of Karachi in Saddar Market area surrounded by several educational institutions. Haji Mohammad Ali set his small scale business in the October of 1969, approximately 42 years from now. It was a small stall which then grew and evolved to a shop to several shops. Now, it is an icon well-known by all. In fact Student Biryani, formerly known as Café’ Student is now also available in Dubai.

10 - Bonus:

Quetta Alamgir Chai Hotel – Looking for some good desi nashta? Head over to Quetta Alamgir Chai Hotel and eat their lacche wala paratha. With a seating of almost 100-150 people, Alamgir Chai hotel serves the staple of desi breakfast chai-paratha all times of the day.

Pakistan Chowk Bun Kebab – Bun Kebab is the to-go food for the regular Karachiite and no one makes them better than they are done at the Pakistan Chowk Bun Kebab place!

Fresco – Located in the downtown bustling district of Saddar, Fresco is famous for its mithae, sweetmeat and dhai pulki – fried corn dumplings served with Yogurt.

Dacca Sweets – What started as a small shop has turned into a huge store full of sweet confections. From flavored Yogurt –a Dacca Sweet specialty to their Bengali mithae called Shondesh – you’re in for a definite treat!

Burns Road Kheer and Rabadi – Delhi Rabadi House

For those who have an appetite for traditional Pakistani or Indian Desserts, Delhi Rabbiri House is like heaven. They offer classic desi delights like Kulfi Falooda, Ras Malai, Gulab Jamun, doodh dulari, kheer, shahi tukray, gajar ka halwa, Rabadi and even Rabadi ice cream!