Khyber Charsi Tikka: A Culinary Delight of Pashtun BBQ

Khyber Charsi Tikka restaurant is not just a restaurant; it’s a celebration of rich Pashtun culinary heritage, particularly known for its mouthwatering kebabs and grilled meats. Nestled in the bustling streets of Pakistan, Khyber Charsi Tikka has become synonymous with traditional barbecue, attracting food lovers from all walks of life. With a focus on authentic flavors and quality ingredients, this restaurant has carved out a special place in the hearts of many.

Introduction

The name “Khyber” pays homage to the historic Khyber Pass, an ancient trade route that symbolizes the rich cultural fusion of Pakistan. At Khyber Charsi Tikka, diners are invited to embark on a flavorful journey that highlights the best of Pashtun cuisine. The restaurant specializes in a variety of grilled meats, aromatic spices, and traditional cooking methods that deliver an unforgettable dining experience.

From the moment you walk in, the tantalizing aroma of spices and grilled meat fills the air, setting the stage for a feast. Khyber Charsi Tikka is the go-to destination for those seeking hearty, flavorful dishes that showcase the essence of Pakistani BBQ.

Location of Khyber Charsi Tikka

Khyber Charsi Tikka has multiple branches, making it accessible to both locals and tourists. Some prominent locations include:

• Islamabad: Khyber Charsi Tikka, G-10 Markaz
• Peshawar: Khyber Charsi Tikka, Saddar
• Karachi: Khyber Charsi Tikka, Gulshan-e-Iqbal

These locations provide a comfortable setting for diners to enjoy their meals, whether for a casual outing or a festive gathering.

Speciality of Khyber Charsi Tikka

Khyber Charsi Tikka is particularly known for its Charsi Tikka, a dish that embodies the essence of Pashtun BBQ. The restaurant uses high-quality marinated meats, cooked over charcoal for that authentic smoky flavor.

Their Specialty Items include:

• Charsi Tikka: Tender chunks of meat marinated in spices, grilled to perfection.
• Mutton Karahi: A rich and flavorful curry that pairs perfectly with naan or rice.
• Seekh Kebabs: Minced meat skewers seasoned with a blend of spices and grilled.
• Chicken Tikka: Marinated chicken pieces, grilled for a juicy and flavorful bite.

In addition to these, Khyber Charsi Tikka offers a variety of sides, including fresh naan, rice, and traditional dips, making it a complete culinary experience.

The Menu: Appetizers, Main Courses, Desserts, and Beverages

Khyber Charsi Tikka’s menu is designed to showcase the rich flavors of Pashtun cuisine. Below is a breakdown of their offerings, categorized into appetizers, main courses, desserts, and beverages, along with their prices in Pakistani Rupees (PKR).

1. Appetizers

Dish Name	Description	Price (PKR)
Chicken Seekh Kebabs	Minced chicken skewers seasoned with spices	500
Chaat Papri	Crispy dough wafers topped with yogurt and chutneys	300
Vegetable Pakoras	Crispy vegetable fritters served with chutney	250
Mutton Shami Kebabs	Spiced minced mutton patties	600
Tandoori Chicken Wings	Spicy grilled chicken wings	450

2. Main Courses

Dish Name	Description	Price (PKR)
Charsi Tikka	Marinated chunks of meat grilled to perfection	1200
Mutton Karahi	Spicy mutton curry cooked in a wok	1500
Chicken Biryani	Aromatic rice with chicken and spices	800
Seekh Kebab Platter	Assorted seekh kebabs served with naan and chutney	1400
Chicken Karahi	Spicy chicken curry cooked in a traditional pot	1000
Peshawari Naan	Traditional naan stuffed with herbs and spices	200

3. Desserts

Dish Name	Description	Price (PKR)
Kheer	Creamy rice pudding flavored with cardamom	300
Gulab Jamun	Deep-fried dough balls soaked in sugar syrup	250
Gajar Halwa	Sweet carrot pudding with nuts	350
Shahi Tukda	Bread pudding soaked in saffron-infused milk	300
Ras Malai	Soft cheese dumplings in sweetened milk	400

4. Beverages

Beverage Name	Description	Price (PKR)
Lassi	Traditional yogurt-based drink (sweet or salty)	200
Mint Lemonade	Refreshing lemonade with mint leaves	180
Soft Drinks	Assorted carbonated drinks	120
Mineral Water	Fresh bottled water	80
Chai (Tea)	Pakistani tea brewed with milk and spices	150

Recipe for Charsi Tikka (Khyber Style)

One of the most sought-after dishes at Khyber Charsi Tikka is the Charsi Tikka. This recipe captures the essence of the dish, making it easy to recreate at home.

Ingredients:

• 1 kg boneless mutton or chicken, cut into chunks
• 1 cup yogurt
• 2 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
• 2 tbsp red chili powder
• 1 tbsp garam masala
• 1 tbsp cumin powder
• 1 tbsp coriander powder
• 1 tsp turmeric powder
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• Salt to taste
• 4 tbsp oil
• Fresh coriander leaves (for garnish)
• Skewers (wooden or metal)

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, red chili powder, garam masala, cumin powder, coriander powder, turmeric powder, lemon juice, salt, and oil. Mix well to create a marinade.
2. Add the mutton or chicken chunks to the marinade, ensuring they are well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for best results.
3. Preheat the grill or barbecue to medium-high heat.
4. Thread the marinated meat onto skewers, leaving some space between the pieces.
5. Grill the skewers for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally until the meat is cooked through and has a nice charred exterior.
6. Once cooked, remove from the grill and garnish with fresh coriander leaves. Serve hot with naan or chutney.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Conclusion

Khyber Charsi Tikka stands out as a premier destination for anyone looking to indulge in authentic Pashtun barbecue and traditional Pakistani flavors. From the moment you step in, the inviting atmosphere and the aroma of grilled meats promise a delightful culinary journey.

Whether you’re a local or a visitor, Khyber Charsi Tikka is a must-visit for those eager to experience the best of Pakistani cuisine. With its extensive menu, friendly service, and commitment to quality, it’s no wonder Khyber Charsi Tikka has earned a loyal following. So gather your friends and family, head to Khyber Charsi Tikka, and savor the unforgettable flavors of Pashtun BBQ!