Pakistani in Dallas

18101 Preston Rd. Richardson & Vicinity

972-381-0003

Indian, Pakistani, Critics' Pick, Best Of, Sponsor, Menu, Slideshow

This versatile North Dallas eatery seemingly does it all, from killer chaat — street snacks — to Desi-style pizzas topped with curry spices and paneer. The chaat is some of the area’s best, and probably the finest within Dallas city limits, but it’s the crisp-bottomed, warmly spiced pizza that has won our hearts and occasionally sends our minds wondering why this inspired fusion of cultures isn’t served at more local restaurants.

4 articles

Al Markaz

1205 W. Trinity Mills Rd. #112 Carrollton/Farmers Branch

972-245-9525

Pakistani, Indian, Critics' Pick, Essentials

For more than two decades years, Al Markaz has been an institution in the Dallas-area Indian and Pakistani communities. Some of the original employees are still here, and the lunch combo is still an outrageously good deal. That long history, and those low prices, are still a big part of the restaurant’s appeal, but there are plenty of good dishes coming out of the kitchen, including lentil stews and probably the best butter chicken within a dozen miles. It’s especially fun to visit in the evening during Ramadan and watch dozens of families arrive simultaneously to order mountainous, fast-breaking meals.

Top pick: The lunch combo includes a piece of naan and appetizer portions of three different main courses. You choose the mains; we recommend the nihari and dal palak (spinach and lentils).

Fun fact: The attached grocery store is excellent, with a wide range of South Asian foods, teas, sodas and English biscuits.

2 articles

BBQ King

3112 N. Jupiter Rd. Garland & Vicinity

972-807-6910

Pakistani, Critics' Pick, Essentials

This spot is one of the best Pakistani restaurants in the Dallas area, which started in Richardson before moving to Garland in 2018. BBQ King serves some great naan — try it stuffed with spiced potatoes or topped with a showering of sesame seeds and cilantro. These are accompaniments to dishes such as haleem, the porridge-like soul food of lentils, wheat, ground meat, ghee, ginger and fried onion.

Top pick: Try the stew-like kunna gosht, made with goat leg, or beef karahi, which sets tomato sweetness against a balanced lineup of spices.

Fun fact: If you’re into paan, the leaf-and-nut chewing stimulant common in Pakistan, BBQ King has what most diners agree is the best paan counter in the area. (We haven’t indulged.)

1 article

Cosmic Café

2912 Oak Lawn Ave. Uptown/Oak Lawn

214-521-6157

Indian, Pakistani, Vegetarian, Critics' Pick, Best Of, Readers' Choice

Cosmic Cafe specializes in first wave vegetarian cuisine, which surely comes as no surprise to passers-by who've taken note of the Tibetan prayer flags lining the front porch or peace-seekers who show up to use the mediation center on the second floor. The food here is plain and artless. There aren't any newfangled vegetables or exotic seasonings on the menu. Instead, Cosmic serves the same bohemian comfort dishes that most co-op members and hostel dwellers have mastered. Tofu, broccoli, bell peppers, ginger, curry, basmati rice and garbanzo beans come together in all the expected ways; a homely "cosmic stir" featuring most of the above is an edible relic of whole earth optimism.

16 articles

Crystal Banquet Hall

6300 Independence Parkway Plano

972-491-6880

Adult, Halal, Indian, Pakistani

rystal Banquet Hall is an elegant event venue in Dallas, TX. We can accommodate corporate events, weddings, rehearsals, birthdays, conferences, fundraisers, Quinceañeras and more! With a touch of modern flair and luxurious atmosphere, Crystal Banquet is perfect for any special occasion. We are a full service event facility in Plano offering you a customized package for your special events.

Roti Grill

4438 McKinney Ave. #100 Park Cities

214-521-3655

Indian, Pakistani, Recommended, Best Of, Menu, Readers' Choice

Leave visions of typical, high-quantity, low-quality lunch buffets at the door. Sure, the menu includes Subcontinental standards like tandoori, biryani and curries. But then diners can order from the "Two Step" section, one with the option of upsizing to the Texas portion. Step 1 is a selection of meats, cheese or vegetables. Step 2 allows patrons to choose a sauce, such as green curry, vindaloo or jalfarezi (bell peppers, onions and tomatoes). The heat of the entrées is customizable, ranging from the pedestrian medium to phall ("extra extra hot" à la a summer day in Kerala) for those with an adventurous streak. The best means of cooling your palate is to drink a mango lassi and scarf some of the namesake roti.

5 articles

Roti Grill

6509 W. Park Blvd., Ste. 420 Plano

972-403-7600

Asian, Indian, Pakistani, Recommended, Menu

Fast food has sped to a higher life form: Indian. Imagine takeout ventilating from the sack with clove, cumin and coriander on its breath. Imagine a plastic clamshell steaming with lamb balti, tandoori chicken and vegetable masala with a side of vegetable samosas or exotic hot wings. Now groom your lip with a cool mango lassi in a clear plastic cup through a straw. Gripping.

5 articles

Taj Chaat House

1057 W. Rochelle Rd. Irving/Las Colinas

214-596-1133

Indian, Pakistani, Vegetarian, Critics' Pick, Best Of, Slideshow

First-timers to Taj Chaat may well be overwhelmed with choices, but that’s a feature, not a bug. Inside this restaurant’s rambunctious dining room, at least four walls are covered with all-vegetarian menu choices ranging from enormous, excellent dosas to trays of tapioca vada (fritters). To try a sampling of dishes, order a thali, although again there are several varieties of thali available, representing different parts of India. Listen carefully after ordering, because your order number could be called from one of several locations depending on the cooking technique you’ve requested. On the way to your table, stop by the chutney bar and load up.

Top pick: Any dosa here is going to be perfectly formed and boldly flavored — and also enormous.

7 articles

Pakistani in Dallas

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