Desi cuisine: Lahore’s famous ‘Andaaz’ opens its doors to Isloo

The opening was different from the usual red-carpet drag.

ISLAMABAD:

Andaaz, Lahore’s famous restaurant, opened its doors to Islamabad with its tantalising traditional food and ethnic décor. The twin cities’ patrons, who have always complained of a lack of stylish outlets that serve spicy Lahori food at reasonable rates, finally got a real taste of Lahori food as well as other sub-continental cuisine at its launch on Friday.

The opening of Andaaz was different from the usual red-carpet launches where guests pose for photographers and are served hors d’oeuvres on a platter.

Situated on three levels in Saidpur village, the restaurant sticks true to its ethnic feel with lots of handicrafts, wind chimes tingling with the summer breeze and wooden tables and chairs; however the chairs and tables gave a contemporary touch to the place with straight lined design and comfortable feel.

The menu is mainly desi with a wide array of tandoori prawns, malai tikka, seekh kababs, and desi desserts such as chilled ghulab jaman, kheer and ras malai.

Guests helped themselves to second and third helpings of the freshly-cooked spicy food, while appreciating the friendly ambience of the place.

“Everyone’s enjoying the sit-down dinner which is so much more comfortable and appealing than the usual red carpet drag,” said Zahra Raza, a guest at the launch.

The average price range at the restaurant is around Rs550 per dish, the serving is enough for two people.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 3^rd, 2012.