Media Magick

Kebabi is a fine desi dine restaurant located in the heart of Gulshan-e-Iqbal near disco bakery. As evident from the name, this is a restaurant that takes pride in serving Pakistani cuisine. That doesn’t mean that they don’t serve anything else. They have a little bit of Chinese food, fast food, and Afghani food. It opened this branch (second) a couple of months ago and our team decided to check it out and see the quality of their food and service standard.

The ambiance of Kebabi is good, pristine white walls with white décor gives the appearance of spaciousness. Another thing that we noticed as soon as we entered was the absence of music which is generally played in every eatery; sometimes loud and sometimes just a slow background sound. The silence was a welcoming change. We didn’t have to shout to be heard.

Coming to the food, we ordered Lebanese boti, Beef Dhaga Kebab, Beef Fry (in butter) Kebab and Mix Katakat with roghni naan, plain naan and a paratha. The server named Annas was very helpful and insightful. It is very rare that servers have such good knowledge about the ingredients and recipes of the dishes served. Once we told him that we wanted to try BBQ dishes, he proved to be very helpful.

Food was served piping hot after a wait of 18 minutes. We thought serving size could be better. The Lebanese boti looked mild but tasted really good. Mild spices with very soft, creamy texture.

Beef Dhaga kebab were as they are supposed to be; spicy and delicate to touch. The spices used were great and dhaga kebab were as good as any we have eaten at burns road. Yes, they were that good.

The beef fry kebab was a letdown for my friends because it did not have the same taste as the ones we have tasted at Ghaffar’s, Waheed or Burns Road. They didn’t taste bad in any way, just not like the usual fry kebab available everywhere else. Fry kebab are made in butter which takes the edge off the spices used in the kebab, the fry kebabs at Kebabi were very spicy. And they had added green chilies, finely sliced ginger and coriander leaves on the top which totally changed the taste. They tasted good but not like typical Burns Road type Fry kebabs. For a spice lover they are perfect.

Mix Katakat was okayish. Not the best we have had. Not what I’d recommend from their menu.

If you live in Gulshan or Gulistan e Johar, this place is definitely worth a try. Nice ambience with good quality of the food. Easy on the pocket too.