Hyder's, Sindhi Muslim (S.M.C.H.S)

Right across the roundabout from the outlets of Bundoo Khan, KFC, and Nando's on Sindhi Muslim, is a small but thriving eatery called Hyder's.

Recently, Hyder's expanded upwards to include a larger family dining area on an upper floor.

Here is what the family "room" looks like:

Overall the floor has a nice decor; not too shoddy. :)

The view from the upstairs window: a lot of the diners choose to eat in their parked cars outside the eatery.

The menu boasts some good stuff at affordable rates, even steaks. Also, Singaporean Rice is available too, which is a rare commodity in other outlets.

They have some good deals too. We opted for the deal that is visible on the bottom right of this menu placard.

Here is the deal we ordered @ Rs 320: two mini chicken burgers, one quarter broasted chicken (here it is hidden under the fries), a bun (or "dinner roll", as it is known in Karachi), french fries, and one Chicken Shawarma.

The mini burgers were quite cute; perfect for the kids!

Chicken Chow mien for Rs 200. It was a bit on the spicier side, but very good nevertheless.

Special Faluda  for Rs 110. Don't ask - it is from my significant other's favorites.

The Chicken Shawarma machine outside Hyder's. Their Shawarma was mediocre though, nothing to write home about; although the chicken sure looks good in this photo!

The food is prepared live outside the Hyder's entrance..there were some huge flames whilst the chinese curries were being stir-fried! All in all, hygiene standards are quite high, that much is obvious.

Verdict: Since their recent expansion, the prices at Hyder's have gone up (I suppose maybe they want to recover their investment quickly?). Either way, the food quality is quite good, and worth a try. They have a wide variety of fresh juices and ice creams on offer as well, for which people flock in their cars. I would also like to add that chaat and pani puri stalls are stationed outside too, right next to the standard pan wala and shawarma machine.

Karachi eating out at its classic, traditional best! --> Cheap, affordable, chatpatta, spicy, a bit unhealthy, ad hoc, and last but not least - fun. 

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!