Jeddah Food Centre, Clifton

Jeddah Food Centre is located next to the famous Motta's Supermarket in Clifton, near Schon Circle, right at the beginning of the Boat Basin strip.

Their main offerings are Chicken Biryani, Chicken Shawarma, Shami Kababs, Kheer and ice cream.

Jeddah Food Centre has been around since at least more than a decade, as far as I can remember.

A few meters down, a kiosk offers Jeddah ice cream. This outlet is operated by the brother of the owner of Jeddah Food Centre. They have some great flavors at very economical prices.

A single plate of Chicken Biryani, Rs 100

A teeny bit on the spicy side (just as we Pakistanis love it), Chicken Biryani doesn't get any better than this. The serving is huge and the price is lower than what you'd pay for a single plate of the dish anywhere else in the vicinity.

Plus, they always give a half-potato in the plate, unlike other eateries that think nothing of conveniently skipping the potato.

This plate of biryani also comes accompanied by a large sachet of green raita at no extra charge. Beat that?!

If you'd like to have a Beef Shami Kabab with your biryani, they are also available, priced at just Rs 10 each.

  

Chicken Shawarma, for Rs 90
Its always soft, fresh and oozing with juices from the chicken and vegetables inside. 

A cup of Peshawari ice cream, priced at Rs 55 (only).

Traditional ice cream at a great price, with the quantity enough for two - in my opinion!

Verdict: Jeddah Food Centre has been doing successful business for years. If you do not mind eating in your car, you'd love having their food. Their waiter-boys serve you eagerly.

Jeddah Food Centre also provides daigs (large pots) of their biryani for events.

Student Biryani, Badar Commercial Area, Phase 5, Defence

Cafe Student serving delicious Chicken Biryani started a long, long time ago, as any Karachiite knows, and eventually their biryani came to be known as Student Biryani. Today, it is a thriving business that has many outlets in the city. 

This outlet recently opened in Defence phase 5, on 13th street in Badar Commercial area, between Daily Dubai Restaurant and the KFC on main 26th street.

The outlet is double-storied and offers a play area for children. 

The style of the menus reminds one of KFC.

There are many deals on offer for different family sizes.

I must admit this new outlet is spacious and probably worth the investment in the long run.

This is the downstairs reception area.

As I said, this outlet is huge and very family-friendly. This is the spacious upper floor.

The prices are fairly economical.

Kids's meals come with the usual toys.

We ordered these two deals: Deal 1 and Deal 2.

Parents can dine in peace because of the presence of a play area on the upper floor that entertains the young ones.

Take a look at the a la carte menu to check out the variety of food on offer

Deal 1 was for Rs 180: quarter fried chicken (2 pieces), French fries, dinner roll and a Coke.

Finger Fish for Rs 110 for the children. I have tried this more than once, and I must say that for a Biryani outlet, they sure make superb finger fish!

Chicken nuggets (6 pieces) with some fries for the children - Rs 140.
As good in quality as those found at the franchise with the golden arches. ;)

Deal 2, priced at Rs 240, included one regular plate of Student Chicken Biryani, raita, and...

....One (beef) Shami Kabab, one piece of fried chicken, and a Coke.

Daal Gosht - Rs 50.
Yup, for a biryani outlet, they offer lots of other great-tasting stuff at very economical prices.

Beef Nihari - Rs 80, and a chapati/roti in the background.

Plain Zarda (sweetened rice) for Rs 40

Verdict: Do I even need to say it? The biryani is awesome! And this, coming from someone who is not a particular fan of biryani, despite it being one of the most popular items in our local cuisine (judging from how it is an imperative part of the menu at every wedding). 

Student Biryani was always here to stay, but now it is wearing its crown with a bit more dash and zing! :)