Adil Najam
Note: Updated post, with reader suggestions for Pakistani Restaurants, here.
I will be in Chicago next week. As a Pakistani in America, the first thought that comes to my mind when I think of 
Chicago, is Devon Avenue; or ‘Dewan Street’ to us desi types. How can you not be intrigued by a street one part of which is called Mohammed Ali Jinnah Way, another is called Gandhi Marg, and yet another is known as Golda Meier Boulevard! Notwithstanding the sociological and political nuances of the multi-ethnic immigrant community that lives and works in and around Devon Avenue, for me the real significance of Devon Street is the food. Good food. Some would say great food.
My friends in Chicago insist that the very best Pakistani food to be found outside of Pakistan is to be found at ‘Dewan Street’. Some swear by Sabri Nihari, others prefer Usmania. Of course, my friends in Houston disagree; at least one of them believes that La Sani deserves the title. Those from New York will just 
laugh it off and rant out their own long list, and Shaheen Food and Sweets will nearly always be on that list. On the West Coast of the US, you have Shahnawaz both in Los Angeles and in the Bay Area. Another common favourite is the inconspicuously titled Food Factory in the Washington DC area which is Afghani-Pakistani and serves great freshly baked naans.
But this is just in USA. Tokyo is rich in Pakistani restaurants, including the Gandhara and Toronto has its own ‘little Pakistan’ with a street full of authentic Pakistani eateries. London, I would not even hazard a guess on because of its amazingly rich culinary offerings. I remember having some of the best seikh kabab’s I have ever had in Copenhagen, great nihari in Cardiff, rass malai in Cape Town kulfi in Vienna and, yes, pullao in Brasilia.
I am guessing I have already offended many readers by either mentioning what they consider the wrong choice, or not mentioning what they would consider the right choice. After all, the only thing that Pakistanis get more passionate about than politics, is food. Except, we tend never to compromise on the latter.
In that very spirit, lets hear from you about where you think we can get the BEST PAKISTANI FOOD OUTSIDE OF PAKISTAN?
Tell ATP your favourite Pakistani restaurants outside of Pakistan. If you live outside Pakistan, what are the best Pakistani restaurants in your area?
Do send us your favourites and nominations and we will start compiling a list and maybe put it up for permanent display somewhere on ATP.
Readers in Pakistan, we apologize; with you we cannot even compete!
Toronto - well if Tikka is your flavour you have to go the expanded Lahore Tikka house. Actually owned by a Lahori! The food is probably the most famous in Toronto and I have gone there many times after horrible wedding dinner experiences! Iqbal’s Tikka House is also quite good and equally as busy. Downtown and uptown best of both!
Btw, Shalimar (San Fran) is probably the best (and the CHEAPEST) pakistani food I have ever had!
If you are every in New York, you have to go eat at Agra, and Indian restaurant. Its located at East 63rd Street and Lexington Avenue, in the upper east side. It is on the second floor and overlooks Lexington Avenue. The scenery is beatufiul, and the food is delicious and reasonably priced. The service is also very good.
There aren’t many fancy Pakistani restuarants in New York City. Most of them are in Brooklyn and Queens, and are more like social clubs.
If you are every in New York, you have to go eat at Agra. Its located at East 63rd Street and Lexington Avenue, in the upper east side. It is on the second floor and overlooks Lexington Avenue. The scenery is beatufiul, and the food is delicious and reasonably priced. The service is also very good.
Ravi kabab in VA has the best checken and kabab karahi.
I am sorry I didn’t mention it. It is in London at KNIGHTSBRIDGE.
Sallo’s owned by Salahuddin family of foormer Sallo’s in WAPDA Building Lahore was one of the best meals I’ve ever had. And I grew
in Karachi.
I’m Indian American (Punjabi), but did not enjoy any Desi restaurants in London. They were horrible. Of course this is Pakistani restaurants, but if its the same, I would guess Pakistani cuisine sucks in London too. Bangladeshi chefs mixing their own masalsas and stuff, and gasp.. coconut pieces in Chicken Makhni. South Indians also try to cook the food and mess it up (no offense to anyone).
Houston has some good desi restaurants, but lots of restaurants also have South Indians or Gujuratis try to cook, and it doesn’t turn out quite right. People don’t realize the great restaurants in Texas, probably up there or better than NYC.
I would have to say Ravi Kabob although located in Northern VA, has the market cornered in the DC area for the best karhai chicken and chapli kabob. Hands down.