Al-Karam Pakistani Cuisine — Restaurant in Riverside

Lucky enough to come with six other people and ordered a variety of Pakistani specialities. First, Sonya and her husband Aldi (I hope I spelled their names correctly) are incredibly hospitable and gracious. My local friend, highly recommended this place so I had studied the menu prior to coming. I also asked for Sonya's recommendation and she was generous with her time and knowledge. So you are intimidated by Pakistani food and are in the inland Empire, drop in to Al-Karam for a wonderful meal and an education at the same time.

Sonya walked me through the menu so we are sure to order the right balance of variety of taste, texture, and flavors. We started with the Aloo Samosa because they are freshly made and beautifully crafted. What was unexpected was it was paired with yogurt chutney. The yogurt chutney was a revelation, because it was a light avocado green, mixed with yogurt, cilantro, serrano peppers, and garlic. The tangy and spicy with the samosa created nuance and enhanced the samosa, in most other places would have been pedestrian.

And since all the Tandoori dishes sounded fantastic and we didn't want to leave any out, we had the Mix Tandoori Grill (Tandoori Chicken, Chicken boti, Chicken Seekh Kabob and Beef Seekh Kabob). If you like tandoori and kebab, this a well-rounded grilled extravaganza. I was surprised by the tandoori chicken as it was not the typical "red" clay style grill, but more festooned with herbal fragrance and light on the tandoori smoke. We also all enjoyed Pakistani tea that is mixed with cardamom, other spices, and milk.

What followed were the curries, naan, and rice. Chicken Tikka Masala, Dal Gosht (lamb), Achar Gosht (lamb), Bhindi Masala (okra), Bhangan Bharta (egg plant), Aloo Matar (potato). The stand out dishes for me are the Dal Gosht, Achar Gosht, and Bhangan Bharta. Reducing lamb meat with dal is real contrast in flavor and how it reduces down the meat down differently than acid (Achar Gosht). It had a richness that is wholly different. The eggplant was smoky, fragrant, creamy. When you take a bit you taste the 24 hour it takes to makes that dish. The dish stays with you even after the meal because it's keep playing with your palette.

I can't recommend the mango lassi. I don't know why I ordered i since I and others in party had to be rolled out, but it's too sweet and watery for me. I prefer my lassi...

My wife and I were looking for someplace to eat on a Sunday night and stumbled upon Al-Karam Pakistani Cuisine. We've never had Pakistani food before, so we were curious to try it. The restaurant was clean and spacious. It was a Sunday night so it was pretty slow. We were the only ones there for dine in. We were greeted by one of the staff, Sonja (Apologies if spelled incorrectly), and since we came around 830, we weren't sure if they were closing soon. I asked if we had enough time to dine in, and she said we had more than enough time. We spent some time looking over the menu and decided on: Aloo Samoas for appetizers, Chicken Boti for my wife, Achar Gosht for me, rice and 2 garlic naan. We were starving and when our food finally came out, it was soooooo delicious! All the food was made to order and it was evident when they brought out the food. From the samosas still being hot, to the chicken boti still sizzling, the food was fresh and delicious. We got full pretty quick because of how good the food was. We couldn't finish everything and we were able to get some to go boxes to take our leftovers home. The Achar Gosht was delicious - I've never had lamb before and it was so good with their sauce, rice, and even dipping my garlic naan in it was good. My wife really enjoyed her chicken boti. Not too dry, cooked really well, and overall delicious. Oh! She also got a Mango Lassi, which was super cool and refreshing. Like a sweet and creamy mango smoothie. You should definitely get that! After we were finished eating, Sonja spent a few minutes just talking with us, which was nice. I believe this is a family run restaurant, and the food is really delicious. If you're ever curious about trying Pakistani food, you should definitely check...

How to know the good food? If it tastes good hot or cold, If it tastes good fresh or not fresh If it tastes good Spicy hot, mild or not hot. if it always tastes good then it’s good food I didn’t try it frozen but for sure it will taste good😋😋😋

Al Karam Restaurant Best Pakistani food in Southern California, I compare with home food not commercial food, this is a family Restaurant where food is cooked by the father (Great Chef) and served by the smiling and friendly family members.

Every meal you must order their tasty rice or Nan or both are Yummy or as we say Lazeeeeeiz plus drink their Amazing Lasi.

I love the Nihari & Karahi will take you to another dimension. Kabobs & Tikka will take you to the next level. Bengan & Dal is Amazingly delicious.

Never tried the sweets unfortunately I get full before I reach dessert time 😢

My Only sorrow is that I’m on diet otherwise I would have camped in the middle of...