Karachi, Pakistan’s culinary capital, blends traditional Pakistani flavors with global cuisines. From sizzling street stalls in Burns Road to upscale dining at Do Darya, this Karachi Food Guide highlights must-visit spots for spicy Karachi street food, aromatic biryanis, and fine dining.

Complete with locations, vibes, tastes, and prices, this guide is perfect for travelers and locals seeking the best restaurants in Karachi and beyond.

So, let’s start.

Why Karachi’s Food Scene Stands Out

Karachi’s cuisine reflects its diverse heritage, drawing from Punjab, Lahore, Sindh, Bihar, and Afghani influences. Expect hearty breakfasts like halwa puri, smoky evening kebabs, and late-night chai. 

This guide aims to rank high for Karachi food guide, showcasing top street food and restaurant experiences to ensure no culinary gem is missed.

Top Street Food Spots

Explore the heart of Karachi street food with this Food Guide of Karachi! From smoky biryanis on Burns Road to crispy pakoras in Babar Market, these iconic stalls offer bold flavors and vibrant vibes for every foodie in 2025.

1. Juma Biryani – Saddar

• What: Spicy beef biryani with potatoes, served Fridays after Juma prayers (~12 PM-3 PM).
• Location: Saddar, near Empress Market.
• Vibe: Bustling market with long queues and lively chaos.
• Taste: Hot, wet masala rice with tender beef and Karachi-style tadka. Chacha’s Lahori-style is milder; the original balances spices.
• Price: ~300-500 PKR per plate.
• Tip: Arrive by 12:30 PM to avoid crowds; pair with a cold soda.

2. Allah Raji Nalli Biryani – Lyari

• What: Beef pulao (called biryani) with nalli (marrow) and yakhni (broth).
• Location: Lyari, near Ali Muhammad Street.
• Vibe: Busy street with an open kitchen, buzzing with locals.
• Taste: Shiny, juicy rice with melted fat, salty beef, tender nalli, and crispy onions.
• Price: ~300-500 PKR for ½ kg.
• Why Visit: A craveable, saltier take on traditional pulao.

3. Ghosia Nalli Biryani – Burns Road

• What: Bone marrow biryani made with broth from four cows daily (unverified claim).
• Location: Burns Road, near Food Street.
• Vibe: Legendary spot with smoky, bustling energy; known as the “father of biryanis.”
• Taste: Light, flavorful rice with melting marrow, no extra oil or ghee.
• Price: ~300-500 PKR per plate.
• Note: Claims to produce ~1 ton daily in 35 pots, a Karachi staple for best biryani in Karachi.

4. Silly’s Bakery – Parsi Colony

• What: Pineapple and chocolate cream cakes in a 100-year-old building.
• Location: Parsi Colony, near Soldier Bazaar.
• Vibe: Nostalgic, quiet Parsi house with broken stones and gardens; order through a window.
• Taste: Creamy pineapple cake (3300 PKR for 2 pounds) with soft sponge and chunks; frozen chocolate cake like brownie-ice cream.
• Price: ~3300 PKR for cakes.
• Legacy: 50 years old with a Houston branch (status unverified for 2025).

5. Khwaja Garib Nawaz Hotel – Landhi

• What: Sulemani kaleji (camel liver), served since 1971.
• Location: Landhi, near Korangi Road.
• Vibe: Crowded with sizzling tawas and shared tables.
• Taste: Soft, juicy liver with black pepper, green chilies, and special masala; melts in the mouth.
• Price: ~300-600 PKR (estimated); ~160 kg sold daily.
• Highlight: A bold dish for adventurous eaters.

6. Mazedaar Haleem – Samanabad

• What: Beef and chicken haleem, expanded from a cart to a global brand.
• Location: Samanabad, near Gurumandir.
• Vibe: Massive open kitchen with nihari, BBQ, pizza, and Chinese; multi-floor setup.
• Taste: Sticky, bland beef haleem; lighter chicken version. Rolls (beef bihari, chicken tikka, malai boti) are decent but soggy.
• Price: Haleem ~300-500 PKR; rolls ~200-300 PKR.
• Tip: Add mint, ginger, and chilies for flavor.

7. Bismillah Lasani Murgh Cholay – Bahadurabad

• What: Murgh cholay (350 PKR), paye (350 PKR), anda chana (200 PKR), plain chana (150 PKR) with Lahori qulchas.
• Location: Bahadurabad, near Char Minar; branch in Hussainabad.
• Vibe: Bustling breakfast spot, 8-9 years old (~6 AM-12 PM).
• Taste: Rich, fatty Lahori chanay; Punjabi paye with flavorful marrow.
• Why Go: A hearty breakfast for budget-friendly eats in Karachi.

8. Naubahar Sweets – Block 16 Roundabout

• What: Halwa poori (40 PKR poori, 20 PKR kachori) with qeema kachori, daal kachori, chanay, tarkari, and halwa.
• Location: Block 16 Roundabout, Federal B Area, opposite K Bakers.
• Vibe: Long queues, clean oil, breakfast hotspot (~6 AM-1 PM).
• Taste: Crispy pooris; Lahori chanay with chicken broth-like flavor.
• Tip: Qeema kachori is spicy with onions; great for vegetarians.

9. Qalandari Pakoray – Babar Market

• What: Pakoras (120 PKR/250g), kachoris (15 PKR) with chutney and tarkari.
• Location: Babar Market, Landhi.
• Vibe: 45-year-old stall, crowded during rain (~3 PM-8 PM).
• Taste: Fresh, crispy pakoras with chaat masala and coriander chutney, like Abbottabad’s Ilyasi Masjid pakoras.
• Why Visit: A vegetarian-friendly rainy-day snack.

10. Tehzeeb Bihari Kabab – Bangla Bazaar

• What: Bihari kabab with kachori and daal kachori.
• Location: Bangla Bazaar, Orangi Town.
• Vibe: Started in 1987 at 1 PKR/skewer, with Bihar roots (~4 PM-10 PM).
• Taste: Soft, mustard oil-infused kababs that melt in the mouth.
• Price: ~200-400 PKR.
• Tip: Pair with kachoris for a complete meal.

Top Restaurants of Karachi

Experience fine dining with this Karachi Food Guide! Discover the best restaurants in Karachi, from seaside elegance at Do Darya to upscale Mediterranean and Thai flavors in Zamzama, perfect for a memorable 2025 meal.

1. Kolachi – Do Darya

• What: Skewers (chicken, beef, lamb), curries, Pakistani ice cream (almond, pistachio).
• Location: Do Darya, Seaview Road, DHA Phase 8.
• Vibe: Stunning seaside wooden architecture with gardens and Arabian Sea views (~6 PM-1 AM).
• Taste: Expertly grilled meats, flavorful curries, creamy ice cream with a welcoming touch.
• Price: ~1500-3000 PKR per person.
• Why Go: A top pick for the best restaurants in Karachi.

2. Barbecue Tonight

• What: Grilled meats, naan, and curries.
• Location: Clifton, near Two Swords Roundabout; multiple branches.
• Vibe: Legacy since 1988, founded by a Jordanian-Pakistani couple, open till 4 AM.
• Taste: Juicy, expertly grilled meats with fresh naan.
• Price: ~1000-2000 PKR per person.
• Tip: Perfect for late-night dining.

3. Okra – Zamzama

• What: Mediterranean fine dining with elegant classics.
• Location: Zamzama, DHA Phase 5 (~6 PM-11 PM).
• Vibe: Stylish, contemporary, open since 1999.
• Taste: Refined Mediterranean dishes with a sophisticated touch.
• Price: ~2000-4000 PKR per person.
• Why Visit: A classy dining experience.

4. Fuchsia – Zamzama

• What: Modern Thai cuisine with tapas-style sharing.
• Location: Zamzama, DHA Phase 5 (~6 PM-11 PM).
• Vibe: Upscale with artistic presentation.
• Taste: Creative takes on Thai classics.
• Price: ~1500-3000 PKR per person.
• Tip: Ideal for group dining with shared plates.

5. La Mamma – Sheraton Hotel

• What: Italian pastas, pizzas, risottos, and comfort food.
• Location: Sheraton Hotel, Club Road (~12 PM-11 PM).
• Vibe: Fine dining with an extensive menu.
• Taste: Gourmet Italian with authentic flavors.
• Price: ~2000-4000 PKR per person.
• Why Go: A taste of Italy in Karachi.

Hidden Gems and Unique Eats

• Joji Pehelwan Biryani Center – Urdu Bazar: Spicy Khatri biryani (200 PKR half-plate, 450 PKR special) with tangy tomato chutney. A 1990 legacy with warm hospitality (~12 PM-10 PM).
• Muhammad Idrees Nihari – Ranchore Line: Special nihari with brain (1700 PKR for 4), rich with Old Delhi flavors (~6 AM-10 PM).
• Biryani of the Seas – Clifton Bridge: Prawn biryani and makhani (500-1000 PKR), bold and rustic seafood (~5 PM-11 PM).
• Chai La! – Clifton (Multiple Locations): Milk-based chai (50-100 PKR) at a late-night hangout (2 AM-4 AM) with music and card games.
• Unnamed Fruit Chaat Stall – Gulshan-e-Iqbal (Estimated): Masala (140 PKR) or cream (160 PKR) fruit chaat with bananas, papayas, and strawberries; vegetarian-friendly, open 11 AM-11 PM.

Subscribe to my YouTube channel

The Globe Vista

Subscribe Us

This channel is for travel lover, and its also for general knowledge of different areas of the world.

10K

SUBSCRIBERS

Subscribe Us

Conclusion

Karachi’s food scene in 2025 blends tradition and innovation. From Burns Road’s spicy chaos to Kolachi’s serene elegance, this Karachi Food Guide uncovers the city’s culinary treasures. 

Whether seeking authentic Karachi street food or the best restaurants in Karachi, these spots deliver unforgettable flavors.

So pack your appetite and hit the streets; Karachi’s flavors are waiting!

FAQs for Karachi Food Guide 2025

Please Write Your Comments

Comments (0)

Leave your comment.

Add Comment +

INSTRUCTIONS:

• Be Respectful
• Stay Relevant
• Stay Positive
• True Feedback
• Encourage Discussion
• Avoid Spamming
• No Fake News
• Don't Copy-Paste
• No Personal Attacks