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!

Al-Haaj Bundoo Khan, Sindhi Muslim

Located in Sindhi Muslim Society, Bundoo Khan is one of the most famed and vintage-classic eateries of Karachi, famous for its mouth-watering chicken tikka, kababs and paratha's.

These are the shops and eateries opposite Bundoo Khan, across the road.

It is surrounded on all sides by other international and more posh food franchises, such as KFC and Nando's, but though these new restaurants might have borrowed some popularity by being in the vicinty, they have not dampened Bundoo Khan's roaring business in the least.

Roasters Gourmet Coffee House is right next to Bundoo Khan as well.

They have recently expanded and opened up a new portion on the upper floor for families.

For those who have dined at Bundoo Khan over the years, it is obvious that the new decor and interior quality is a major improvement from what it used to be!

There is outdoor seating for those interested in alfresco dining as well.

Beef Bihari boti and Mutton Seekh kabab's. We are not big fans of chicken tikka, but that is great too.

The crispy and light puri paratha's are a famous must-have at Bundoo Khan.

The order is accompanied by complimentary raw onion rings and savoury imli or tamarind chutney.

The sooji ka halwa is an age-old favorite, enjoyed with the puri paratha's or on its own.

Verdict: Al-Haaj Bundoo Khan has succulent, great-tasting barbecue food at affordable rates. Perhaps that is why their loyal clientele keeps coming back for more, despite the mushrooming of a plethora of new eateries, down the road and everywhere else in Karachi!

Charming Snacks, Clifton

Located at the entrance of the lane leading to the famous Delhi Colony, and just opposite a local Habitt outlet, is the ever-expanding Charming Snacks.

Their menu is that of any regular tikka and kabab place: Gola kababs, karhai, chargha, kata kat, fried fish, Bihari boti and paratha's/naan. The reason why Charming Snacks is being mentioned here on this blog, is because of the high quality of their food. It is really finger lickin' good!

Classic Lahori Chargha (deep-friend chicken) is also available in full, half and quarter sizes. The rates are very reasonable, compared to the finger-licking good taste.

Special Chicken Sajji is also prepared right before your eyes.

Sajji is actually lightly-spiced, charcoal-grilled chicken, a lot like what Nando's offers in taste, just cheaper. ;) 

The chickens are grilled whole on skewers around the burning coals. 

 Chicken Tikka (chest piece) - Rs 110

Chicken Reshmi Kabab - Rs 200

Crispy fried boneless fish: 0.25 kg per plate for Rs 120.

Gola kabab (beef) with dhaga (string tied around). Rs 110 per plate.

Half Chicken Sajji (leg portions) for Rs 220. It was succulent, juicy and very lightly spiced, drizzled over with chili powder. I highly recommend it.

Puri paratha's being friend nearby. Classic, Pakistani street culinary culture on display. 

Poori Paratha's - crisp and soft.

Although I do not recommend this dish (nor have I ever eaten it), here is a video of kata kat being prepared outside Charming Snacks. Classic Pakistani dish named after its classic method of preparation! What is it made up of? Please just ask "Shaykh" Google!

Verdict: Not 'posh' eating by a mile, but if you do not mind eating in your car, or on rickety plastic tables by the road on the footpath, then you should definitely try out this place. Just go easy on the chutney; it might not be too good for your stomach during summer. Otherwise, it deserves a big thumbs-up!