Al Kabab, Bahadurabad

Anyone who has lived in Karachi and has a penchant for traditional kababs, is probably well aware of the famed kabab house called "Al Kabab" in Bahadurabad.

It is located near this major roundabout known as Bahadurabad Chorangi, which has this mosque (pictured) in the middle of it. Once you reach this chowk, just ask anyone around where Al Kabab is, and they will guide you. It is in the street just behind the Happy Ice Cream and Hav Mor Ice Cream outlets.

Despite being widely known and popular, this is what the eatery looks like in the street. You can easily miss it, since it is tucked away because of its small size. Right opposite it is the vintage bridal-wear house called PLK.

If you squint hard enough, you can view the name Al Kabab in the picture above, at the top. People have to eat in their cars. There is no menu card or table-dining option available. Surprisingly, loyal diners of this eatery are not thwarted by its lack of modern culinary sophistication.

These are the Bihari Kababs that Al Kabab  is famous for. They were moderately spiced and extremely succulent in texture. The best I have ever had! Priced at Rs 90 per plate.

They are accompanied by mildly spiced green raita and raw onions.

Also priced at Rs 90 per plate, this dish is called Kheeree and we couldn't figure out why it has this name or what meat it is made up of. We will pass it next time, as some of the bits were not completely cooked till the core.

Seekh Kababs, also priced at Rs 90 per plate, were tender and great in taste.

Puri parathay were very crisp on the outside and soft on the inside. Everything was served piping hot within minutes.

Verdict: Al Kabab is a must-try, if you do not mind eating in your car, with plates balanced precariously on the car's dashboard and your legs. The Bihari Kababs are truly out of this world!

Daily Dubai Restaurant, Badar Commercial Area, Phase 5 ext., Defence

Located on street 10 in Badar Commercial Area, in Defence phase 5, almost off main Saba Avenue, is the recently inaugurated Daily Dubai Restaurant. 

It is right next to the famous Meerath Kabab House that has also opened recently next to Dandee's Chaat and Fruit Juices on the same corner.

The restaurant occupies the entire 4-storey commercial building.

The owners seem to have left no stone unturned in investing in the decor and ambience of the restaurant.

We were surprised to spot these security video cameras installed on every floor. Even the elevator was top-notch, with audio announcements of the floors.

Families are usually seated on the first floor and up.

The wall-mounted plasma television sets were showing a World Cup match on the night we dined here, as the transfixed gazes of the restaurant's staff demonstrate. :)

The fare on offer is typical Pakistani cuisine, at the same rates as any other good restaurant located in Defence, Karachi.

I must say that the quality of the restaurant is laudable, from the ambience, to the decor and technology in use, to the complete lack of spelling errors in the menu! :)

Daily Dubai is famous for its paye, but on our first visit, we were in the mood for simple Beef Nihari, which didnot disappoint one bit! Priced at Rs 200 per serving, it was more than enough for two people.

The traditional accompaniments of Nihari: lemons, chopped ginger and green chillies.

Mutton trotters (Bakray ke paye) for Rs 300, photographed on a subsequent visit. 

I update this post with photographs of any new items that we order on further visits to Daily Dubai.

Priced at Rs 100, we ordered moong daal to accompany the meat dish(es) on both visits.

Green Chicken Tikka for Rs 140. This was nothing to write home about. 

The naans were hot and fluffy.

Sheer maal for the little ones.

The kheer was amazing, at just Rs 40 per two katora's.

Chocolate Chip and Vanilla Ice Cream, priced at Rs 40 per scoop.

Traditional kulfi priced at just Rs 50 was a wonderful sweet treat!

Recently, Daily Dubai started Sunday breakfast - the usual desi halwa puri fare.

Sooji Ka Halwa - for Rs 50

Channa Tarkari -  for Rs 50

Aloo Tarkari - Rs 50

Puri's - Rs 20 each

Sweet Lassi - Rs 50

Doodh Patti tea - Rs 40

I must say that the Sunday Breakfast was a huge hit! It is served till 4 p.m every Sunday. Each and every item that we ordered was delicious, especially the puri's. Also, the prices were very reasonable for the quantity and quality of the dishes.

Verdict: At Daily Dubai, we almost always like everything: the food, the ambience, the ultra-clean environment, the use of latest technology, and last but not least, the humble politeness of the staff. 

Eating here has become a regular feature for our family by now. Highly recommended!