Karahi Inn, Block 2, Clifton

Whenever we would pass by an outdoor, open air restaurant called Karahi Inn in Clifton block 2, we'd say to each other, "One day we should dine here on one of their baithaks". A baithak is basically a تخت, as known in Urdu, or a carpet-covered settee on which you can recline with oblong cushions to support you from behind.

Now that the weather is chilly, we decided to dine here alfresco, especially on the children's request. 

Karahi Inn is located opposite some famous, decades-old Clifton eateries, such as Karachi Broast. 

The blue-colored windows that are visible in the distance in the picture above, are those of the vintage Chinese restaurant right across the road, Jade Garden. Even further down the road is another classic restaurant, Usmania. 

The sitting area is spacious. 

The green partition in the middle separates the seating area for families from that reserved for groups of men.

They also had a screen up with a projector that was broadcasting television channels live! The outdoor version of plasma TV, I suppose. 

The menu is typical barbecue/desi fare. 

We decided to order a half-kilo Chicken white karahi. This doesn't have any tomatoes in it. 

There was no soup on the menu, but on asking, the waiter readily offered to bring it from Usmania Restaurant across the road.

This was a single serving of Chicken Corn Soup for Rs 90. Looks like he borrowed the spoon from the Karachi Broast joint nearby - one of those only-in-Pakistan things. :)

Half kilo Chicken White Karahi for Rs 320. It was very delicious and freshly made, brought to us within 20 minutes, as promised.

The quantity was more than enough for 2 adults. We had to get leftovers packed.

Garlic Naans for Rs 30 each - although they were fresh, they were a tad bit too salty and charred on the edges. 

Tandoori paratha also for Rs 30 - this was soft and extremely sumptuous! Served piping hot from the tandoor.

Verdict: It was overall a very enjoyable experience, alhamdulillah. The children were very happy to be able to kick off their shoes, lie down with their heads on pillows, and watch the open night sky. Not to mention, they enjoyed the company of the stray cats that wandered around under the baithaks. 

Try such an experience when you're in the mood for a picnic-type dinner with traditional desi food outdoors.

Qasr Al-Nakheel, Boat Basin, Clifton

This eatery on one corner of Boat Basin has been around since I was a kid, which means a good two decades. Qasr Al-Nakheel means "Fort of the Date Palm Trees" in Arabic (which  also implies that I learned something in these two decades, because as a child I always wondered what on earth such a complex-sounding name actually meant!)

 Anyway, of late this place was recommended to me by many. I kept hearing  here and there about how good it was, so one day we decided to try it out, especially since it has a nicely-decorated family room.

The menu shows that its prices are actually quite economical.

They offer a wide variety of cuisines: from the Lebanese shawarma to Arabic hummus. All Afghan and traditional Pakistani BBQ items are also available.

The ambience is alright. At least the AC was working, and that is what really matters the most at times, in Karachi's heat!

We ordered their Bar B.Q thali, which had meat of all kinds thrown in. This cost Rs 350 and was more than enough for our family. 

It had Afghani Pulao (pilaf) in its centre, one Chicken Tikka, Seekh Kababs, Fish Tikka, and Mutton Boti along with tamarind chutney and salad. 

Everything was fresh and tender.

The garlic naans were piping hot and, as you can see clearly, quite out of this world in taste!

Overall verdict: The thali was so good and economically priced, and the staff was so polite (something that makes a big difference to our family), that we will definitely try this place again in the future, insha'Allah, especially if we are in the mood for "meaty" BBQ.

Tandoori Hut, Boat Basin

Tandoori Hut is an increasingly popular eatery located in Boat Basin, Clifton Block 3. It has been doing roaring business since the last few years, resulting in its fast expansion across the Boat Basin strip.

On any night, groups of young men and boys mainly dominate the dining area outside, whilst families are seated inside the air-conditioned family rooms visible in the background.

Don't know about everyone else, but the one item on the menu at Tandoori Hut that is the biggest hit with everyone I know, is this Chicken Makhnie, or Butter Chicken.

Eaten with this Garlic Naan that comes piping hot from the tandoor, or puri parathay, the creamy Chicken Makhnie has to be tried to be believed!

This handi of Half Chicken Makhnie cost Rs 450. It suffices 2 adults easily. Be warned though, that it is made with oodles of cream and butter that lend it its unique taste and smooth texture, which means it is full of fat and cholesterol.

Breakfast

Tandoori Hut also serves breakfast on Sundays. The usual halwa puri, paya, nihari in addition to omelets, paratha's, and doodh patti chai (brewed tea).

The outdoor sitting area outside Tandoori Hut on a lazy Sunday morning.
I warn you: the environment is not hygienic and clean when you dine outside under the cloth awnings dancing over your heads in the wind, along a flimsily covered sewer running on the ground on one side of the tables (yeah...ew...but what else is new?!), not to mention, stubborn beggar urchins persistently interrupting your meal!

If you have issues with all of this, you can avail Tandoori Hut's air-conditioned rooms to have your breakfast.

Omelet: Rs 50 (one egg), Paratha: Rs 30, Doodh Patti Chai: Rs 50

We prefer the traditional anda paratha breakfast over halwa puri.
No exaggeration: the food is worth the extra price. From the first bite, you can tell that the omelet is fried in good-quality cooking oil, and the paratha's - ah, what can I say? - every crispy curl that you unfold with your hands becomes pure delight when crunched in the mouth! These paratha's might just give your Mom's homemade ones a run for their money. :)

Sooji halwa (sweet, greasy stir-fried semolina) - Rs 50 (per half plate)
This was average. Nothing special.

Total breakfast bill: Rs 530 (the prices are a bit on the higher side)

Verdict: The menu at Tandoori Hut is very extensive, with all dishes that are part of traditional Arabic and Lebanese cuisine on offer as well, in addition to the usual barbecue, Chinese and fast food items .

Please note that, despite being located in the more economical area of Boat Basin, the food at Tandoori Hut is not cheap. However, taste and quality are guaranteed at the extra cost!