After getting off to a rough start on Vanfoodster's Curry Challenge (more on that in future posts), we are finally off and running. The great thing about this challenge is that we have never been to three of the four participating eateries and we love trying new places. Karakoram is a Pakistani restaurant which fact really caught our eye. We are acquainted with most Indian regions and their cuisines but we have never eaten at a Pakistani restaurant (and we know that it is not a part of India). We found the menu to be somewhat familiar but partly with some dishes that were new and different to us.
Located at Victoria and E54th and open from 4 o'clock until surprisingly late 7 days a week, we made a reservation and were seated right away upon our arrival.
Karakoram's entry in the curry challenge is their Karahi Chicken Lahori. It took us a while to figure out that the karahi is the metal dish that the chicken was cooked and served in. It is like a smallish steel wok that is used on the stovetop over high heat. This was a wonderful dish with an amazing depth of flavour featuring tomato with ginger, jalapeno, cumin and coriander. BTW, we were given the mild, medium or spicy chice on most menu items.
A half chicken for two comes with rice and some of the best naan that we have ever had for only $26!. This is a ridiculous deal and you don't need anything else to make it a filling and delicious meal for two! There are 6 other Karai meals for two on their menu each at only $26!
Of course, I always order too much and we love Fish Pakora. Again, I am obliged to drag out a superlative as this might be the best fish pakora that we have ever eaten! The basa itself was deep yellow and flavourful with the tumeric from the marinade, the batter was crispy and the mint chutney delicious.
From one of their own blog posts which lists the top Pakistani dishes that you should try, came the Stuffed Naan. You can choose the filling and we chose lamb. With the ground lamb were ginger, onion, coriander and spices, this was not a thick stuffing but a thinnish affair to be dipped in the accompanying raita. Excellent!
We drank a Mango Lassi as well which was as good as dessert.
Karakoram is a comfortable place and the staff are excellent, friendly and efficient. Social distancing protocols are in place and carefully followed. It would have been embarrassing if we had finished all the food that I ordered. We took at least half of it home for the next day as the portions are generous and reasonably priced! We will definitely be back to try more off of their varied menu. Put this place on your list for sure!
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