The Aftaar platter was compulsory to order, they told us that a la carte items won't be served if we don't take the platter. Although I prefer to skip Aftaar platters/buffets, I had no choice!
They served us one platter for 3 people.
The platter included (I might not be able to recall the exact names here):
Bang Bang chicken 4.5/5 - The orange dip with the chicken was amazing.
Honey chicken wings 5/5 - THE BEST THING I had on the entire order
Spring rolls with sprinkled sesame seeds 3/5 - These were okayish. The roll patti was heavy and the filling wasn't a lot.
Plain pakoras 3/5 - Didn't find them very tasteful
Onion ring pakoras 3/5 - They were okayish
Fried chicken strips 2/5 - These were fine. Nothing special about them
Fried fish strips 3.5/5 - Tasted good
Lemonade 2.5/5 - tasted average
Dates 5/5 - credit goes to Allah ta'ala for his creation! Just kidding, they were stuffed with little peeled almonds and tasted good :)
Apart from the platter, we ordered these chicken dishes:
Raco's Singaporean Chicken 2/5 The menu says it is a spicy dish. I found it rather sweet. In my head this is one of those dishes that I usually think of as 'meetha Chinese' and try to avoid. Very average in taste. It had some broccoli on top and green beans. I wouldn't love to try this again.
Thai Chicken with Bird Chillies and Scallions 3/5 The menu says it is a spicy dish. It wasn't very spicy. It did have some crispy coated fried bird chillies, but to my surprise they weren't spicy at all! This was comparitively good amongst the dishes that we ordered, but I still think it didn't have a depth of flavor to it. I have had better.
Thai Stir Fried Soya Chicken with Vegetables 2.5/5 This one had a very average taste to it. Taste is all about personal preference and I didn't find anything special about the flavors.
Chowmein (came along with the main dish) 5/5 Tasted lovely, the menu said it would be vegetable chowmein but mine had chicken in it. Really liked the little surprise on my plate! It also tasted good and had a great flavor to it.
Jasmine tea 0/5 It was a complimentary drink at the end but tasted somewhat bitter, literally it did. Something better tasting as a complimentary drink would have been nicer.
Furthermore, THE LEFTOVER FOOD PACKAGING NEEDS A LOT OF IMPROVEMENT
Now, I would come to the most important part of the review and say why I would give 2 star to the place even when the food deserved 3/5.
I have a habit of reading Google Maps reviews before visiting a place. I realize how much they mean both to the owners and the customers.
Most of the reviews stated how visitors were generally annoyed by the behavior of the restaurant staff. I even read through the owner's essay-length responses to those reviews trying to justify their side of the story to weird extents saying that we have strict policies and people should abide by the rules set by us. Rules are good for keeping discipline but I don't think it is against rules to be a little less intrusive to people's personal space while they eat.
I thought of peoples' reviews as an exaggeration...until I visited. I found the staff quite intrusive of my personal space. I like to eat in peace, not with a waiter coming in to check if everything at the table is positioned at the right place, in the right angle every two minutes.
A person would randomly step in after every short while and fix the empty chair where we had kept our bags. The candle at the table blew out and he instantly came to light it again, we didn't ask him to, we didn't even want him to!
Generally, I found the staff demeanor quite annoying and I would not like to visit the place again. If I don't have the freedom to dine at a table with peace, why would I pay so much for an annoying experience when I can dine in at better places with polite staff and better tasting food. Kindness costs nothing.
Thanks for reading till the end, have...
Ā Ā Ā Read moreVeera 5 the Thai and Chinese Delights
Located in the heart of the city, Veera 5 is a delightful fusion restaurant that offers a mouthwatering experience to satisfy both Thai and Chinese cuisine lovers. Whether you are craving the bold spices and flavors of Thai dishes or the comforting and diverse range of Chinese delicacies, this restaurant promises to transport your taste buds on a tantalizing culinary adventure.
The ambiance of Veera 5 is inviting and cozy. The soft lighting and tasteful decor create a welcoming atmosphere for diners looking to unwind and enjoy a delicious meal. The staff is friendly and attentive, providing prompt service and offering recommendations from the extensive menu.
The menu at Veera 5 is diverse and offers an extensive selection of dishes from both Thai and Chinese cuisines. Each dish is prepared with precision and attention to detail, ensuring an authentic and flavorful experience.
For Thai food enthusiasts, the restaurant offers staples like Pad Thai, Green Curry, and Tom Yum soup. The Pad Thai, with its perfect balance of savory and sweet flavors, is a standout dish. The noodles are cooked to perfection and accompanied by generous servings of fresh shrimp, chicken, or tofu, providing a hearty and satisfying meal. The Green Curry is another must-try, with its rich, aromatic flavors and creamy coconut milk base. Each spoonful is a burst of flavors that will leave you craving for more.
The Chinese section of the menu is equally enticing, featuring classic dishes such as Sweet and Sour Chicken, Kung Pao Shrimp, and Mapo Tofu. The Sweet and Sour Chicken is a crowd-pleaser, boasting crispy and tender chicken pieces coated in a tangy sauce. The dish is beautifully presented, and the combination of flavors leaves you wanting to savor every bite.
In addition to the main courses, Veera 5 offers an array of appetizers, soups, and side dishes that perfectly complement the main dishes. The spring rolls are crispy, flavorful, and served piping hot. The Hot and Sour Soup is a delicious blend of tangy and spicy flavors, guaranteed to awaken your taste buds.
The portion sizes at Veera 5 are generous, ensuring you leave the restaurant content and satisfied. The prices are reasonable, considering the quality and quantity of the food provided. In terms of value for money, this restaurant does not disappoint.
Whether you are looking for a cozy spot to enjoy a romantic dinner or a place to gather with friends and family, Veera 5 offers an ideal dining experience. The restaurant's fusion concept allows you to explore the diverse flavors of Thai and Chinese cuisine under one roof, making it a perfect choice for those who appreciate the best of both worlds.
Overall, Veera 5Ā is a fantastic restaurant that successfully combines the bold and vibrant flavors of Thai cuisine with the comforting and diverse offerings of Chinese cuisine. With its inviting ambiance, attentive service, and mouthwatering dishes, this restaurant is undoubtedly a delightful dining destination for...
Ā Ā Ā Read morePan-Seared Prawns in Hot Thai Chili: 5/5 Bian Chao Beef with Chillies: 4.5/5 Thai Green Curry with Prawns: 4.6/5 Chow Mein: 4.75/5 Egg Fried Rice: 4.5/5
Veera 5 is a fine-dining gem, and my first visit there was nothing short of spectacular. Yes, itās on the pricier sideāaround 5000 PKR per personābut every bite made it worth the indulgence. We ordered three main courses, but even with a starter swapped in, I imagine the cost wouldāve been the same.
The Pan-Seared Prawns in Hot Thai Chili were the absolute star of the night. Iāve never tasted anything quite like itāa perfect balance of heat, sweetness, and texture. The prawns were seared to perfection, plump and juicy, nestled in a sauce that played with my taste buds in unexpected ways. The addition of beans, corn, and pineapple in the sauce added layers of flavor, elevating the dish to another level. I often get a stuffy nose when I eat food I enjoy, but this dish went further. Not only did my forehead break into a sweat, but I also felt the heat tickling the back of my neck. It was an experience, not just a mealāan easy 5/5.
Next up, the Bian Chao Beef with Chillies was equally memorable in its own way. The beef was succulent, practically melting in the mouth, while the slightly charred onions brought a subtle sweetness that beautifully complemented the heat. It was rich and bold, and though it didnāt quite reach the heights of the prawns, it came closeā4.5/5 for sure.
The third dish, Thai Green Curry with Prawns, initially seemed milder compared to the bolder flavors of the other dishes, offering a comforting, soup-like consistency with a subtle heat that built gradually. However, after having it on its own as a takeaway, I realized how good it really was. The dish had both green and red chillies, providing a well-balanced kick of heat, and while the prawns were on the smaller side, the overall flavor was fantastic. It deserves a solid 4.6/5 ā a delicious and satisfying dish that held its own once it wasn't overshadowed by the stronger flavors of the Pan-Seared Prawns.
To accompany the mains, we had egg fried rice and chow mein. Now, the chow mein deserves a special mentionāit was the best Iāve had in Pakistan, hands down. The noodles were perfectly cooked, and the flavor was rich, savory, and deeply satisfying. A 4.75/5 without hesitation. The egg fried rice was also very good, offering a slightly lighter option that paired well with the more intense dishes.
If you're a fan of pan-Asian cuisine, Veera 5 is an absolute must-visit. Every dish feels carefully crafted, and the flavors leave a lasting impression. Itās more than just a mealāitās an experience that stays with you long after...
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