Khokha Khola – Bringing dhabas back in vogue!
Their menu may be extremely limited but that’s where the beauty of it lies
PHOTO: HUMA AKRAM
Just when you thought the trend of dhabas and truck art is gradually fading away, Khokha Khola opened up in the upscale and posh location of Blue Area’s Beverly Center compelling you to change your mind. This fancy dhaba style restaurant is modern yet boldly desi and offers some finger licking food!
Quality – 5/5
Islamabad badly needed a restaurant that serves delicious good old fashioned desi food. While there are several places in the city that offer delicious prawns and pastas, one would often feel restricted for choice when cousins and friends visiting from abroad would ask for exceptional Chicken Makhni. Thanks to Khokha Khola, that problem no more exists!
Café M is ‘freaking’ amazing
Khokha Khola is unlike other traditional restaurants with a diverse menu. Their menu is really restricted, comprising a few regular entrées including Paapri Chaat, Dahi Bhallay, Qeema Naan, Aloo Naan, Achari Naan and Cheese Naan. The three main courses served everyday include Butter Chicken, Daal Chawal and a thali that has channay, qeema, aloo, achaar and salad served with naan.
That’s not it though; Khokha Khola does a special of the day where the two owners cook what they feel like in the morning, like at any traditional dhaba. It could be Chicken Biryani, Beef Haleem, Dam Kebab, Gola Kebab or just about anything. Interestingly, the restaurant also features guest chefs. So far they have featured the cooking of Amna Akram and Shagufta Farooq.
The famous Butter Chicken that is the talk of the town in Islamabad lives up to the hype. It is the perfect blend of creamy gravy and a rich tomato sauce that smells of the delicious herbs used in it. Garnished with cashew nuts, cream and cumin to perfection, this dish is an absolute delight.
Phenome-Naan: A contemporary twist on a timeless classic
The Daal Chawal is delicious. One wouldn’t expect the dish to be served at an upscale restaurant and that’s where the surprise lies. Try it and you’re bound to be impressed by these two ex-corporate sector junkies who have perfected the daal. With just the right soupy consistency, the daal is perfectly creamy and spicy with an aromatic tarka, which makes such a sizzling garnish. Served with white rice and shami kebab, this dish makes up for the perfect comfort food.
The thali left us a little disappointed. While all the individual items tasted perfect, it lacked the variety one expects from a thali considering three of the bowls on the platter constituted salad, achaar and raita. A barbecue item or a kebab on the thali would have added that oomph.
Leaving Khokha Khola without devouring their Kulfa is a sin though because this could possibly be the best kulfa your taste buds will ever experience. Made with whole milk and filled with nuts, the kulfa is rich, velvety and the perfect amount of sweet.
Presentation – 4/5
The presentation of food at Khokha Khola is simple and the beauty of it lies in its simplicity. While they garnish the Butter Chicken with cashew nuts to ensure it becomes an even tastier treat, they also serve the Lassi in a simple steel glass reminding you of the theme of their space.
Restaurant Review: Hoagies serves up a long sandwich gone wrong
Atmosphere – 3.5/5
Brick walls, old-school blinds instead of curtains, vintage bulbs and wooden chairs give an unapologetically desi and antique feel to the space. Thankfully, Khokha Khola has not overused truck art and used it only for the coasters, which adds a lot of innovation to the space unlike other dhaba style eateries. The ambiance is beautiful and a heaven for anyone who appreciates art, culture, music and the golden era of qawwalis. With RD Burman’s beautiful music playing in the backdrop, Khokha Khola is bound to please anyone who enjoys the simple pleasures of life.
Service – 3/5
The only place where Khokha Khola needs a little more work and efficiency is service. Sometimes, orders get delayed due to huge demand and people get turned away or have to wait to get a table. It is understandable given they have a small space and the demand for their food is high but with a little more efficiency, these service issues can be resolved to a great extent.
Verdict - 4/5
Khokha Khola is highly recommended! Their menu may be extremely limited but that’s where the beauty of it lies; pick anything from the menu and you’re bound to be delighted with the dish.
Quality – 5/5
Islamabad badly needed a restaurant that serves delicious good old fashioned desi food. While there are several places in the city that offer delicious prawns and pastas, one would often feel restricted for choice when cousins and friends visiting from abroad would ask for exceptional Chicken Makhni. Thanks to Khokha Khola, that problem no more exists!
Café M is ‘freaking’ amazing
Khokha Khola is unlike other traditional restaurants with a diverse menu. Their menu is really restricted, comprising a few regular entrées including Paapri Chaat, Dahi Bhallay, Qeema Naan, Aloo Naan, Achari Naan and Cheese Naan. The three main courses served everyday include Butter Chicken, Daal Chawal and a thali that has channay, qeema, aloo, achaar and salad served with naan.
That’s not it though; Khokha Khola does a special of the day where the two owners cook what they feel like in the morning, like at any traditional dhaba. It could be Chicken Biryani, Beef Haleem, Dam Kebab, Gola Kebab or just about anything. Interestingly, the restaurant also features guest chefs. So far they have featured the cooking of Amna Akram and Shagufta Farooq.
The famous Butter Chicken that is the talk of the town in Islamabad lives up to the hype. It is the perfect blend of creamy gravy and a rich tomato sauce that smells of the delicious herbs used in it. Garnished with cashew nuts, cream and cumin to perfection, this dish is an absolute delight.
Phenome-Naan: A contemporary twist on a timeless classic
The Daal Chawal is delicious. One wouldn’t expect the dish to be served at an upscale restaurant and that’s where the surprise lies. Try it and you’re bound to be impressed by these two ex-corporate sector junkies who have perfected the daal. With just the right soupy consistency, the daal is perfectly creamy and spicy with an aromatic tarka, which makes such a sizzling garnish. Served with white rice and shami kebab, this dish makes up for the perfect comfort food.
The thali left us a little disappointed. While all the individual items tasted perfect, it lacked the variety one expects from a thali considering three of the bowls on the platter constituted salad, achaar and raita. A barbecue item or a kebab on the thali would have added that oomph.
Leaving Khokha Khola without devouring their Kulfa is a sin though because this could possibly be the best kulfa your taste buds will ever experience. Made with whole milk and filled with nuts, the kulfa is rich, velvety and the perfect amount of sweet.
Presentation – 4/5
The presentation of food at Khokha Khola is simple and the beauty of it lies in its simplicity. While they garnish the Butter Chicken with cashew nuts to ensure it becomes an even tastier treat, they also serve the Lassi in a simple steel glass reminding you of the theme of their space.
Restaurant Review: Hoagies serves up a long sandwich gone wrong
Atmosphere – 3.5/5
Brick walls, old-school blinds instead of curtains, vintage bulbs and wooden chairs give an unapologetically desi and antique feel to the space. Thankfully, Khokha Khola has not overused truck art and used it only for the coasters, which adds a lot of innovation to the space unlike other dhaba style eateries. The ambiance is beautiful and a heaven for anyone who appreciates art, culture, music and the golden era of qawwalis. With RD Burman’s beautiful music playing in the backdrop, Khokha Khola is bound to please anyone who enjoys the simple pleasures of life.
Service – 3/5
The only place where Khokha Khola needs a little more work and efficiency is service. Sometimes, orders get delayed due to huge demand and people get turned away or have to wait to get a table. It is understandable given they have a small space and the demand for their food is high but with a little more efficiency, these service issues can be resolved to a great extent.
Verdict - 4/5
Khokha Khola is highly recommended! Their menu may be extremely limited but that’s where the beauty of it lies; pick anything from the menu and you’re bound to be delighted with the dish.