Kublai’s Kitchen: Mongolian stir-fry brings a nutritious alternative

Eatery offers three meal size options, unique selection


Huma Choudhary January 16, 2016
A unique selection is offered by the restaurant for those trying Mongolian-styled cuisine for the first time. PHOTO: EXPRESS

ISLAMABAD:


Mongolian barbecue gives even the pickiest eater full control to create their own uniquely meal with a “build your own bowl” stir-fry concept. Islamabad’s food market mostly comprises of fast food joints and Chinese restaurants, giving foodies few options for ‘novelty’ cuisine.


Kublai’s Kitchen, Islamabad’s first Mongolian stir-fry takeaway and delivery service, located in Allah Wali Market, Sector F-8/1, opened its doors to customers on Friday. It brings a nutritious alternative to fast food, where each meal combines nourishing protein with fresh vegetables, giving the capital’s residents a real taste of Mongolian flavours.

This takeout set-up is a collaboration of three childhood friends who grew up in the capital and saw a gap in healthy delivery options in their home city.

“My mother travelled to South Asia recently and brought home some ingredients that we tried and experimented with at my place,” shared Samar Husain, one of the partners. I would often prepare stir-fry for my friends over the weekend and realised that it’s quick, healthy and delicious, so we decided to open a delivery service,” she added.

The eatery has three meal size options and offers a selection for people who are trying Mongolian for the first time, including sesame peanut chicken, black bean beef, spicy garlic prawn and the guilt-free teriyaki ginger beef and sesame basil chicken.

The mild but flavourful sesame peanut chicken tossed with noodles is something which will be appreciated by everyone who enjoys South Asian flavours. The crispy beef in oyster sauce with a hint of roasted garlic and green beans served with either garlic rice or noodles melts in ones mouth and is probably the best dish on the menu. A homemade tangy chilli sauce is served with all meals.

“Our chilli sauce is completely homemade, using organic chillies dried over the summer months and crushed using olive oil and a few other secret ingredients. I guarantee spice aficionados will love it,” Husain said while speaking about using farm grown vegetables.

“Having done a corporate job for a few years now, I know how hard it is to get a wholesome yet delicious meal on busy days,” shared Fawad Haider. We want to give people options that leave them feeling healthy and satisfied, he added.

“I love the selection of ingredients and choices Kublai’s is offering because you can try something different each time. The spicy garlic prawn is definitely my favourite,” said Sana Rahim, a customer.

Kublai’s also gives vegetarians and healthy eaters a lot of options as they offer tofu as a protein choice, as well as brown rice and whole wheat noodles.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 17th, 2016.

COMMENTS (1)

Haroon | 8 years ago | Reply Technically, it is not Mongolian cuisine. So you will not be trying Mongolian food for the first time (sorry author). Nevertheless, it tastes great and is healthy as well! Keep up the good work!
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