Pakwan Dining Hall — Restaurant in Gujarat

Pakwan: A Thali Triumph

Pakwan in Ahmedabad is a true testament to the power of doing one thing exceptionally well. They focus on a single dish – the Gujarati thali – and they absolutely nail it. Here's why I'm still in awe,

Pakwan's thali is a symphony of flavors and textures. The menu changes seasonally to incorporate the freshest produce, but the core components remain constant:

Savory Delights: Dhokla, a Gujarati staple, is always a delicious starter. Then comes a rotating cast of curries, dals (lentils), and vegetables – kadi (yogurt-based curry), rice, khichdi (lentil and rice dish), and papad (crispy flatbread).

My personal favorite was the bindi (okra) poriyal with coconut shreds – absolutely divine! I (shamelessly) admit I lost count of how many times I requested refills.

Sweet Endings: No Gujarati thali is complete without a sweet dish. During my visit, the star was the chico halwa, It was so unique and flavorful, I couldn't even figure out what it was made of. And their Amras was out of the world, so thick and flavorful

Dahi vada was showing topper, however in the dessert, butterscotch Icecream with tutty fruity was a bit let down.

One of the best things about Pakwan's thali is that everything is unlimited for just 350/-

Go ahead, indulge in your favorites! You won't leave hungry. For beverages, they offer refreshing options like muskmelon juice with jaggery and chaas (buttermilk).

The ambiance at Pakwan is impressive. It's well-lit, elegant, and feels luxurious. The only downside to the otherwise serene environment was a rather curious service practice. Instead of calling a waiter, the supervisor would literally snap their fingers to get their attention. It felt a bit rude and out of place in such a refined setting.

However, Pakwan redeems itself on the service front with their incredible selection of mouth fresheners! They offer a staggering variety of over 10 different options, ensuring a fresh and satisfying end to your dining experience.

Despite the snapping supervisors, Pakwan's thali is an absolute winner. The delicious food, beautiful ambiance, and unlimited portions make it a must-visit for anyone in Ahmedabad looking for an authentic and indulgent Gujarati dining experience. Just be prepared to politely request your waiter's attention

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I visited the restaurant today with my wife as we wanted to have authentic Gujarati food. However, the food quality, as well as the restaurant service, was not up to the mark. Firstly, the food quality was not up to the mark in comparison to other competing restaurants, especially considering they charge for the food. For example, the kind of sweets they were serving of very average quality. There is also no wow factor at all as their food is concerned. Secondly, I found their service also not at par. Their serving speed was fast, but they need to understand that you cannot hand over the food bill to a customer if he has not completed his meal. It is not a proper hospitality etiquette. Additionally, the bill was not given to me in a cover or holder and the manager just give it to me in the form of a piece of paper. If that was not enough, he also asked me whether I would pay bills in cash or use a credit card. I found this behaviour awkward. Lastly, the restaurant refresh rooms were in pathetic condition. They were not clean and tidy. Some of the tapes were broken too! All in all, I did not expect this experience at the restaurant as I paid for the food as high as other equally competing restaurants having better service and quality of food. Hence, I would not say that the restaurant food and service were bad, but not up to the mark. They need drastic improvement if the restaurant needs to stay in a cut-throat business...

A Delightful Thali Experience

Pakwan Dining Hall located on Judges Bungalow Road in Ahmedabad, offers a fantastic Gujarati thali experience in a cool and comfortable setting. The spacious seating, including cozy sofas, adds to the relaxed dining atmosphere.

The thali is a feast for the senses, featuring an array of traditional dishes. We particularly enjoyed the Turiya Patra and Vaal, which were bursting with authentic flavors. Having Vaal after ages made the meal even more special, bringing back nostalgic flavors. The meal began with some delicious refreshing welcomedrink and chaat, adding a tangy twist before diving into the main course.

The desserts were a highlight – Gajar Halwa was rich and perfectly sweet, the hot Balushahi was crisp yet melt-in-the-mouth, and the Aam Ras was simply outstanding, adding a refreshing end to the meal.

The staff was cordial and well-mannered, making the dining experience even more enjoyable. Their hospitality and attentiveness added to the warm and welcoming ambiance of the place.

Overall, Pakwan Dining Hall is a great place for anyone craving an authentic Gujarati-Rajasthani thali in a comfortable and inviting setting. I am already waiting for another Ahmedabad visit to have thali at Pakwan one more time! Definitely...