Was the need for Lebanese food in Karachi Paramount? Yes!

Its extensive menu consists of genuine Middle Eastern recipes that have been passed down from generation to generation

Recently, there has been a surge in restaurants promoting atypical food in Karachi. Middle Eastern food is one such example. This cuisine in particular is enjoyed and recognised by people all over the world. 

If you’re interested in discovering the classic flavours of the Middle East, Lebanese in particular, then Paramount Fine Foods is your ultimate destination. The Mississauga, Ontario based franchise, has recently opened its first-ever branch in Karachi.

The ambiance of the restaurant is traditional.

Opened at 31-C, Khayaban-e-Shamsheer, the new restaurant with its simple yet fancy décor is a pleasant addition to Karachi’s fine dining clique. The ambiance of the restaurant is traditional; the plain, dark brown wooden tables, lamps, woody serving trays, soft music, and casual mood are some  things you will notice as soon as you step in.

Paramount Fine Foods is completely inspired by the Middle East. Its extensive menu consists of genuine Middle Eastern flavours and healthy recipes which have passed down from generation to generation. The menu is a mix of nourishing ingredients such as olive oil, sesame seeds, olives, chickpeas, meat, and zaatar which is a true blend of Middle Eastern herbs. The restaurant offers a wide range of sweet and savoury treats such as kebabs, shawarma, falafel, manakeesh, baklawa, and kinafe.

We opted for a fattoush salad.

After going through the lengthy list of appetisers and main courses, we opted for a fattoush salad, zatar manakeesh and hummus that was served with hot airy ballooned pita bread. The hummus glop, with sufficient olive oil and a scoop of chickpeas, was literally divine. The pizza style zatar – manakeesh is a real treat; its topping comprising of only three ingredients; thyme and sesame seeds mixed with olive oil, made it mouth-watering. I absolutely loved the combination of the slightly tangy salad with the zatar and hummus, it was truly tantalising.

The hummus glop, with sufficient olive oil and a scoop of chickpeas, was literally divine in its taste.

The pizza style zatar.

For the main course, we selected the mixed combo platter, a perfect blend of Lebanese food with ample quantity to serve four to five people. The platter comprised of four golden fried falafels, two skewers of char-grilled chicken shish tawouk, two skewers of kofta, chicken and beef shawarma, two skewers of BBQ beef, and pieces of spicy pizza-like-bread along with tahini sauce and barbecued tomatoes. The platter was garnished with mixed pickles, tomatoes, and lettuce. The overall presentation made it quite alluring.

For the main course, we selected the mixed combo platter.

To complement the enormous platter, we also ordered the plain rice, fries, as well as the tabliyeh saj chicken wraps. It was served on a wooden board with handful of fries, pickles, and garlic sauce. Saj wraps can be ordered in chicken, beef or sujuk sausage.

To complement the enormous platter, we also ordered the plain rice, and fries.

The tabliyeh saj chicken wraps.

However, the BBQ beef was a little dry and unsavoury; but when paired with tahini sauce, it developed some flavour. The beguiling fast-food of the Middle East – crispy falafels – made from grounded chickpeas and sesame seeds were mouth-watering and full of flavour. The shish tawouk meat was perfectly tender and succulent. Every little nibble was juicy and appetising. The seekh kabab style smoky grilled kofta, made from minced meat, was moist and aromatic. Packed with the strip-loin meat, the simple but rightly seasoned saj wraps were enough to satisfy anyone.

Paramount Fine Food’s speciality is definitely their dessert bar. There is a wide range of freshly baked Middle Eastern pastries that are sweet and subtle in flavour. The dessert menu includes one of the most delicious and desired Lebanese handmade sweetmeats – baklawa – which was stuffed with chopped pistachios and cashew nuts. It also includes finger baklava, birds nest baklava, shaibiyat, and kinafe (cheese danish).

The dessert menu includes one of the most delicious and desired Lebanese handmade sweetmeats – Baklawa.

In conclusion, it was a wonderful experience; and I’d definitely go back again. Not only is the food attractive to the eye, but it also hits your taste buds with just the right notes. The pricing oscillates between Rs350 to Rs4000. The ambiance of the restaurant is comfy yet cosy, making it look like it’s packed at all times.

The aromatic Middle Eastern cuisine and lavish desserts of this eatery encourage you to spend your money dining out more often.

The ambiance of the restaurant is comfy yet cosy, making it look like it’s packed at all times.

Food and presentation – 4/5

Ambience – 2.5/5

Service – 3.5/5

Worth the money – 4.5/5

The bottom line is, if you’re looking for a fine-dining experience that satisfies your Lebanese cravings, Paramount Fine Foods is the perfect choice.

All photos: Tanveer Khadim.