Absolutely disheartened by KARIM'S. Expectations were pretty high as the big name came close to my home and nationwide popularity but all went in veins after my very first visit.
When I visited this Sunday Evening the queue was huge and i had to wait for more than 45 mins. That honestly did not bother me as the brand name demands some patience and on the other hand that boosted the expectations a bit more. Ambiance was cozy and comfortable, they managed the sitting pretty well within a relatively small place.
We ordered Tangdi Kebab, Butter Chicken, Badsahi badam Pasanda (boneless mutton), khamiri roti and fresh lime soda (as no other mocktail were available). Took my first bite on the Tangdi Kebab and my heart got filled with utter disappointment. The kebab was hot only outside and cold inside. It was a precooked kebab served after reheating. I did not pay Rs.380/- for this nonsense. I did not find the butter chicken as buttery as I expected (the image says it all). Badsahi badam pasanda was better compared to other dishes. Best gain was the Khamiri Roti which we really enjoyed. Very light fluffy bread tasted lot better than Tandoori Roti.
Prices are pretty high compared to any Regular Mughlai restaurants in Kolkata but yet to reach the level of service and taste of those. Quantity was quite less compared to cost and I did not feel that smoking hot warmth for any of the dishes. Staffs were polite and service was fast.
This was my very first visit and unfortunately very...
   Read moreThis branch of Karims is rated 2.8 on Zomato and 4.5 on Google Maps, that means a platform is inflated with fake reviews. So here’s my honest take...
The first impression of the place is positive—decent ambiance with a beautiful view and comfortable seating. The staff is courteous, which adds to the overall experience.
Karims is known for its Biryani and Kebabs, and I ordered both, though I must say the Kebabs are quite on the pricey side.
Several reviews across both platforms have mentioned finding hair in their food, but after a thorough inspection, I didn’t spot any, thankfully!
Murgh Tangdi Kebab 4pc @ Rs.400 (2/5) The kebabs were disappointing. They were overly oily, to the point where oil was literally dripping off them. Kebabs should typically be roasted with just a hint of butter on top, but these felt like they were submerged in oil. On the positive side, they were cooked well and tasted okay, but they weren’t anything special.
Kolkata Ghosht Dum Biryani @ Rs.580 (4/5) Now, this is where Karims really impressed me. Despite being a Delhi-based brand, they’ve nailed the Kolkata-style Biryani. The rice was aromatic and flavorful, and the mutton was juicy and tender. The egg and potato were a nice touch, and it felt authentic in terms of flavor. It's on the richer side, but honestly, this Biryani stands up well next to some of Kolkata’s top places like...
   Read moreKarim’s is a great place for a dine-out, mainly for lunch, and my overall experience here was pretty good. We went as a group of four people and luckily there was no wait time, which made things even better. The first impression was positive—the ambiance is decent with a nice view, comfortable seating, and a relaxed vibe. The staff were courteous and attentive, which added to the overall experience.
Coming to the food, Karim’s is known for its Biryani and Kebabs, and we ordered both. The Kolkata Ghosht Dum Biryani (₹580) was the highlight. The rice was aromatic and flavorful, the mutton piece was big, juicy, and properly cooked, and the portion size was more than sufficient for the price. The addition of egg and potato gave it that authentic Kolkata touch. Despite being a Delhi-based brand, they’ve done a fantastic job of capturing the essence of Kolkata-style biryani. It’s slightly on the richer side, but honestly, it holds up really well against Kolkata’s big names like Arsalan and Aminia.
The kebabs were also delicious, though priced on the higher side. For dessert, we tried the Phirni, which was smooth and tasty, but again felt a little overpriced.
Service was quick, and our food was ready in good time. Overall, the experience checked all the boxes—delicious food, good quantity, worth the price, and efficient service. Definitely a place I’d like to return to, especially for the biryani, which left a...
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