Planning on eating out in Peshawar and hoping to move past the delicious but overdone chapli kebabs and namkeen gosht? While the specialties in town remain as scrumptious as ever, it is sometimes wise to take a step back and scrutinize what else the food scene in the city can offer you.
Read on for a comprehensive list of where to head for what craving. From fast food to delicacies, Peshawar offers it all and more to those ready to venture out beyond the stereotypes.
Café Crunch
Previously called Masoom’s, the café has since rebranded and established a name for itself in its own right. It is perfect for a casual hang-out and is a frequent haunt for most. A great starter option here is the Buffalo wings doused in the best sauce in town, while the platters with mozzarella cheese work just as well. The copious quantity and satiating quality of the Nachos have it feeling more like a main course than an appetizer; however, while the tortilla leaves much to be desired, the chicken chunks and dressing more than make up for it.
The Supreme Chicken has the most tantalizing cheesy sauce topping chicken fillets done to perfection and served aplenty; you will be in a food coma soon but feel unable to stop your knife and fork. Steer clear of the burgers and the grilled options, and you are good to go. Whether you opt for a soup or the Chili Chili Bang Bang, or practically anything fried here really, you will not regret it. The menu laid out in a newspaper format, and the tasteful décor with plenty of framed vintage black and white pictures is a definite plus!
Khyber Charsi Tiikka
Either the place has “Charsi” in the name because of its addictive nature or they add a certain special ingredient in their food that we are unaware of. Either way, it is impossible not to get hooked if you are a carnivore.
While I feel ill-equipped to comment on the décor and seating arrangements here, it suffices to say that it is the sort of place you order whole lambs from and roll up your sleeves as far as they would go before digging right in. Their barbeque is to kill for, and they are the master chefs when it comes to anything with the tiniest amount of meat on it. If there is one recommendation you want, it would be the dum pukht. Peshawar is famous for its namak mandi, and after a taste of a Tikka, you will know why.
Jan’s Deli
Despite their recent space extensions and renovations, you would be hard pressed to find a table to sit at for larger groups without a reservation beforehand. The folks here know how to do a Calzone right; it is piping hot, stuffed right and each bite is an ode to your taste buds. While their appetizers and main course are all satisfying and delicious, their real expertise lies in the baked goods! You cannot leave without having a go at their famous Chocolate Mug cake; the chocolate is molten, the cake is well done, and the ice cream is truly creamy. If you are not a chocolate person, their New York cheese cake is not to be missed either. If you are watching your waist line, their salad bar has a great variety of savory and spicy salads as well.
Looking for something a lot different? Try their Cake pops; buy them in bulk and these little cakes on a stick could make the most adorable party favors you could ever hope for!
Mr. Cod
Best fish and chips in town! Unlike most of the other food places on this list, Mr. Cod is truly fast food and the quick service bears testament to the fact. While the fish it is named after is all good and yum, and the tartar sauce is up to mark as well, their burgers deserve a special mention. They also serve a truly generous helping of McDonald-esque fries which are reason enough to warrant a repeat visit.
It is one of the few places with copious amounts of sunlight brightening up the entire space. The staff is also super helpful and offer a selfie stick if you are in the mood to take advantage of the aforementioned great natural lighting for some memorable pictures.
Chief Burger
This is arguably Peshawar’s best known and favorite restaurant. It has somehow been around for as long as anyone can remember, and anyone even vaguely familiar with the city has eaten here at some point. The appeal is understandable and a visit is a must for anyone wanting a classic glimpse into the food scene in town.
While everything is worth a taste at Chief, you might want to make a note of the Chief Special burger for a truly fulfilling experience.
Darvesh
This is perhaps the most underrated place on this list that offers the best desi food. Their salted lassi activates all the right pleasure centers in the brain, and their biryani and karhais are amazing. Somehow, their food feels full of barkat, and each taste will leave you wanting to praise the lord. This is also the only place in Peshawar that currently offers the best tantalizing Cheese naans that can rival those of Monal any day! The hearty seekh kababs deserve a special mention here as well.
The restaurant is currently closed for dine in but their home delivery is thriving as always. Give them a go and you will want them catering for your next big event!
Shiraz
Shiraz owns three excellent restaurants and several wedding halls in town, and does justice to all of them. While à la carte is as good as anywhere else, the special appeal of Shiraz lies in its buffet. Boasting upwards of 50 dishes, it features a number of cuisines, including but not limited to Chinese, Pakistani and Afghani, along with desserts. If you are hoping to eat here, a reservation is a must!
image credit: dawn
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