Zahid restaurant is famous for its traditional food dish called Nihaari (Thick beef gravy based dish cooked in traditional desi spices and served with hot tandoori Naan). Though it has other dishes too but most of the Karachites often visit the place for only Nihaari.
Its located in busy shopping district at Tariq Road where ample parking space is avaiable at the road at nominal illegal parking fee of Rs.30 per car (fee is self enforced by traffic road mafia there its not from any govt authority).
Taste of Nihari is awesome and was served hot and fresh and we loved it. They have family space upstairs. It's served in steel plates unless you ask them to serve in Glass dishes. Hygiene factor of serving pots and dishes is not of great standard, you will have to mention to waiters how you want to be served e.g. We always mention to serve in glass dishes and serve water in bottles with disposable glasses at nominal additional charges. Water served in steel jugs is filtered water but due to cleanliness issues we preferred bottles water.
Service is typical desi style service i.e. You will have to call waiter and tell order and needs each time verbally in Urdu or Punjabi language. No body speaks English, but nearby people can help you if you don't know the local languages.
No air conditioning, so have to eat in fans but restaurant have excellent ventilation so we didn't feel that hot at all and fans were sufficient.
Its not a fancy ambience, so cheaper food as compared to same quality in other fancy places nearby. One full meal (Nihaari with 3 Naan bread) with additional gravy costs around Rs. 350 (2.5 USD) and is really economical. We were two friends and we paid Rs. 670 with full stomach meal at lunch.
I recommend this as a must eat place for Nihaari but don't expect...
Read moreKarachi’s Zahid Nihari joins list of ‘100 Most Legendary Restaurants’ in the world

January 5, 2024
MM News Staff
Despite all odds, Pakistan is considered one of the most favourite places in the world when it comes to food and affordable living and now it is being acknowledged globally.
In the latest development, a top food review publication in the world has released its list of 100 Most Legendary Restaurants in the world and Karachi’s Zahid Nihari has secured its place on this list.
The list compiled by TasteAtlas ranks Zahid Nihari, located in Karachi’s at the 89th spot on the list of restaurants it recommends one must check out in 2024.
According to the website, “Zahid Nihari specializes in nihari, a slow-cooked beef stew, renowned for its rich flavours and tender meat, served in a basic, no-frills environment. This restaurant is a landmark in Karachi for traditional Pakistani cuisine.”
It further says that out of the 23,751 traditional eateries serving local dishes in the website’s database, these 100 restaurants stood out for their longevity, reliability, and iconic status of the restaurant and its dishes.
“These are not just places to eat, but also cultural institutions for their cities. They are ranked taking into account three criteria: longevity, visitors ratings, and the TasteAtlas ratings of the iconic dishes they offer,” it added. TasteAtlas is considered an encyclopaedia of traditional dishes, local ingredients, and authentic restaurants around the world. Its catalogue includes over 10,000 foods and drinks, while dozens of thousands were yet to be...
Read moreI had the pleasure of dining at Zahid Nihari recently, and I must say, it was an exceptional experience! The moment I walked in, I was greeted with a warm and inviting atmosphere. The aroma of freshly prepared food filled the air, immediately whetting my appetite.
I opted for their signature Nihari paired with a classic naan and a refreshing bottle of Sprite. From the first bite, I knew I was in for a treat. The Nihari was a burst of flavors – rich, tender meat cooked to perfection in a blend of aromatic spices. The naan was the perfect companion, soft on the inside with just the right amount of crispiness on the outside.
What truly stood out, aside from the impeccable taste, was the attention to detail. The presentation was elegant and appetizing, showcasing the care that went into crafting the dish. And the cleanliness and hygiene of the place added to my overall comfort and enjoyment.
The service was top-notch, with the staff being attentive and courteous. I felt right at home, which enhanced the entire dining experience. The fact that I could savor each bite of my meal while sipping on a chilled bottle of Sprite made the experience even more delightful.
Zahid Nihari is undoubtedly a gem for anyone who appreciates authentic flavors and a cozy atmosphere. My time there was not just about the food; it was a journey of taste, comfort, and enjoyment. I left with a satisfied palate, a content heart, and a newfound appreciation for a place that knows how to create a truly memorable...
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