Bismillah Tikka & Chargha House — Restaurant in Zone 1

Going for food only will not disappoint you! The rest goes well and leaves a lot to think about!! Mostly it's the location, atmosphere and the ambiance which is a turnoff! You don't get a parking space as the area itself is crowded, people have no parking sense and tend to park wherever they desire as if it's their father's road, the space is largely for bachelors and family section has recently been added via a very narrow staircase where one has to lower themselves to avoid banging their heads against some very low concrete beams. A very desi looking sitting area with mistreated tables and chairs will greet you when you enter the family section, thank god they have simple split air conditioners that offer respite from summer heat, although you have to come in fully clad with winter clothes in winters as there is hardly anything that can keep you warm. And the recent RGB lighting is a huge turnoff and resembles a cheap murree dhaba that takes away most of the charm of that place. The area outside comprises plastic lawn chairs and tables that are a habitat of stray cats and who will even jump on your table to steal your preferred piece of chicken from the karhai! They need a bloody good thrashing. The whole area is open and over populated by excessive tables and chairs to accommodate a large rowdy crowd. The food however takes all your worry away once you are accustomed to the gaudiness of the place, after all it's the food you are interested in right, who cares about the ambiance, atmosphere and slower than usual service. The food is tasty as hell, however the size of the chicken resembles as if they are cooking baby chickens and recent visits identified the dishes to have lessened in taste and size of the servings. Kebabs are good like before and so are their nans, fresh and fluffy unlike any tandoors here in Islamabad! The old Islamabadians may recall that this Madina market was known for their nans and people all across the city used to order and take away their nans. Although the owner of this nan shop, the one you normally see when you reach this restaurant had the only business of running a tandoor and their roghni nans were always a talk of town, it still is, however after his sad demise, his only son took over and expanded the same ship into offering desi cuisines that have slowly gained a special place in the hearts of desi food lovers. Friends, groups and bachelors all throng this place through late night to enjoy the live food and company of their friends, colleagues and group members and enjoy hot, delicious food at a somewhat...

I have seen many good reviews about this place but this is not true. People give this restaurant good reviews because most of the students from Bahria and Air University and hostels get together over there. So they spent good time. But if we talk about the service, food rating, serving, washrooms it is way too bad. Once in every semester, me and my friends eat from there but the last time experience was hell bad. I was not expecting it from this place. We ordered mutton karahi, raita, drink, naan etc. These are some of the bad experiences:

1. Their service in very bad (slow and bad communication)
2. In mutton karahi the meat was not fully cooked (kacha gosht).
3. In the last picture you can easily see the hairs of animal on meat piece.
4. Washrooms are not well maintained.
5. Prices are more than a normal rate because they know students have only this place near to their university and hostels.
6. They serve disposable glasses instead of normal glass.
7. As I have told you earlier that I have visited this place many times, taste of every recipe is normal. You can even cook it...

I recently had the pleasure of dining at this place and tried their chicken karhai with butter, sajji, and malai botti. I must say that the taste of the dishes was nothing short of delicious. The flavors were well balanced and each bite was a burst of taste in my mouth. The texture of the chicken was tender and juicy, which was complemented perfectly by the richness of the butter and spices used in the dish.

The environment of the restaurant was also quite decent and provided a comfortable atmosphere for diners. The overall aesthetic was pleasing to the eye and the seating arrangements were well thought out, providing ample space and privacy for diners.

In conclusion, I would highly recommend this restaurant to anyone looking for delicious food and a decent dining environment. Whether you're in the mood for a quick bite or a leisurely meal, this place has something for everyone. I look forward to my next visit and trying more of their...