Pindi Dhaba by Chai Khan — Restaurant in Surrey

Rating: 3/5 (down from 5/5 last year).

I recently visited Pindi Dhaba for the second time, and while I had an amazing experience during my first trip in May last year, I noticed some changes in their breakfast service that left me a bit disappointed.

Last year, I enjoyed a truly authentic Punjabi breakfast at Pindi Dhaba. Their Alloo Paratha served with Makhan (butter) Tikki, yogurt, and pickle was absolutely delicious and felt like a hearty, traditional meal. The flavors were rich, and it was a perfect representation of Punjabi cuisine. However, this time, the breakfast offering had changed. The Alloo Paratha was now served only with raita and pickle, and the absence of the Makhan Tikki and yogurt made the meal feel incomplete and less flavorful. The raita, while decent, didn’t elevate the dish as much as the previous combination did.

I understand that businesses sometimes need to make changes, but this shift felt like a step away from the authentic Punjabi breakfast experience I had come to love. It seems like the owner might be trying to cut costs or simplify the menu to make more profit, but in doing so, the quality and authenticity of the meal have taken a hit. The previous version was much more satisfying and true to its roots.

That said, I must commend the staff at Pindi Dhaba. They are incredibly polite, friendly, and cooperative, which makes the dining experience pleasant and welcoming. Their service is a big reason why I would still consider returning.

In conclusion, while the service and ambiance at Pindi Dhaba remain top-notch, the changes to the breakfast menu have unfortunately diminished the quality and authenticity of the meal. I hope the management considers bringing back the original Punjabi breakfast offering, as it was truly special and set them apart. For now, I’ll miss the old flavors but will keep an eye out for any positive changes...

Papri chaat - 8.5/10 Soya chaap roll - 7.5/10 Aloo paratha 6/10

The chaat papri was good. They should introduce vegan options. It was a lunch date we went for, so it’s good for take out as the chairs aren’t comfortable and the place is small. We had chaat papri for the first time. The chickpeas were so good, the chutney was amazing and so was the quantity. Some onions and tomatoes were missing. There was a bit too many puri, some more chickpeas would have been good. Overall it was tasty and it’s enough to share between two people.

Soya chaap roll - our first time trying that. The roti was really thick and had no taste. They could have added more veggies other than soya chaap and onion. The soya chaap is very tasty from here, but the roti was too thick and more veggies would have been great. However, for the price this is a good deal.

The paratha - the achar that came with it was so raw. It was not fresh or ripe, you couldn’t even eat it with the paratha, because it wouldn’t break unless you had a knife. The paratha itself didn’t have enough taste. It could have been more flavourful. It tasted like it had enough dough for two paratha and enough stuff for half of one. But it was good.

The server was nice. She cleaned the table when we asked and she was very busy. The location is good for take out, because there’s no parking.

The chairs are stiff and not comfortable, so it’s better to order takeout from here. Inside they have a colourful wall which is endearing and lovely.

The price is really good. We will definitely be back, and hope to see more vegan options...

I recently visited Pindi Dhaba, a Pakistani restaurant known for its delicious chicken biryani and rolls, and I have to say, I was blown away by the flavours and textures of the food.

First, let's talk about the chicken biryani. This dish was outstanding – the rice was perfectly cooked and seasoned with fragrant spices, and the chicken was juicy and tender. The dish was served with a side of raita, which provided a cool and refreshing contrast to the heat of the biryani. The portion size was generous, making it perfect for sharing or taking leftovers home.

Next, I tried the rolls, which were equally impressive. The rolls were stuffed with tender chunks of chicken, crisp vegetables, and a spicy sauce that tied everything together. The bread was soft and pillowy, with just the right amount of chewiness. The rolls were served with a side of tangy and slightly sweet tamarind chutney, which complemented the spiciness of the filling perfectly.

The ambiance of the restaurant was cozy and inviting, with warm lighting and tasteful decor. The service was friendly and attentive, making for an enjoyable dining experience.

Overall, I highly recommend Pindi Dhaba for anyone looking for authentic Pakistani cuisine with bold and vibrant flavour. The chicken biryani and rolls are definitely the stars of the menu, but there are plenty of other dishes to explore as well. I can't wait to come back and try more of what this restaurant...