Cafe Darakhshan: A Rich Culinary Experience in Karachi
Cafe Darakhshan is one of the most visited cafes in Karachi, Pakistan, for it serves Irani and Pakistani food and beverages. If you are in Karachi and feeling the urge to taste some locally Pakistani cuisine flavours, Cafe Darakhshan is the place for you. Cafe Darakhshan menu offers traditional local foods and the new age fusion and innovative dishes. Their food ranges from spicy biryani to barbeque, to their Irani dishes, meaning there is something for every mood.
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Cafe Darakhshan Menu
Although Cafe Darakhshan menu continues to offer traditional Irani dishes on in its buffet it has added other Pakistani main courses like the Biryani and Karahi. 
Darakhshan Specialties
| Item | Price (PKR) |
| Darakhshan Chicken Pulao Plate | 490 |
| Darakhshan Chicken Pulao Dish | 700 |
| Darakhshan Fish Pulao Dish | 850 |
| Darakhshan Prawn Pulao Dish | 1200 |
Biryani
| Item | Price (PKR) |
| Chicken Biryani Single | 320 |
| Chicken Biryani Thali | 490 |
| Chicken Tikka Biryani | 500 |
| Beef Biryani Plate | 650 |
| Beef Biryani Thali | 750 |
| Fish Biryani | 500 |
| Prawn Biryani | 700 |
BBQ (Barbecue)
| Item | Price (PKR) |
| Chicken Tikka Leg | 420 |
| Chicken Tikka Chest | 450 |
| Chicken Boti (Boneless) | 500 |
| Seekh Kabab | 450 |
| Malai Boti | 500 |
| Reshmi Kabab | 540 |
Chicken Dishes
| Item | Price (PKR) |
| Chicken Karahi | 550 |
| Chicken Masala | 490 |
| Chicken Qorma | 490 |
| Chicken Lacha | 490 |
| Chicken Ginger | 490 |
| Chicken Palak (Boneless) | 490 |
| Chicken Dal (Boneless) | 550 |
| Chicken Cutlet | 450 |
| Chicken Liver Masala | 300 |
| Chicken Soup | 300 |
| Chicken Chana | 400 |
| Chicken Haleem | 250 |
Vegetables
| Item | Price (PKR) |
| Vegetable Curry | 150 |
| Vegetable Pulao | 260 |
| Dal Makhni | 300 |
| Dal Chawal | 250 |
| Dal Gotala | 280 |
| Egg Curry | 300 |
| Aloo Palak | 350 |
| Plain Rice | 120 |
Burgers
| Item | Price (PKR) |
| Chicken Burger | 390 |
| Beef Burger | 450 |
| Zinger Burger | 450 |
Sandwiches
| Item | Price (PKR) |
| Chicken Sandwiches | 380 |
| Club Sandwiches | 450 |
| BBQ Sandwiches | 450 |
Broast
| Item | Price (PKR) |
| Broast (Quarter Leg) | 550 |
| Broast (Quarter Chest) | 550 |
| Broast (Half) | 750 |
| Broast (Full) | 1200 |
Mutton/Beef
| Item | Price (PKR) |
| Brain Masala (Mutton) | 590 |
| Kofta (Beef) | 400 |
| Geema Gotala (Beef) | 450 |
| Beef Cutlet | 300 |
Fish & Prawn
| Item | Price (PKR) |
| Fish Fry | 590 |
| Finger Fish | 650 |
| Fish Masala | 650 |
| Fish Cutlet | 300 |
| Fish Palak | 500 |
| Prawns Masala | 700 |
| Prawn Palak | 650 |
| Prawn Karahi | 650 |
Chinese Dishes
| Item | Price (PKR) |
| Egg Fried Rice | 290 |
| Chicken Fried Rice | 490 |
| Prawn Fried Rice | 660 |
| Chicken Jalfrezi | 480 |
| Chicken Shashlik | 480 |
| Chicken Chilli | 480 |
| Fish Chilli | 590 |
| Chicken Manchurian | 480 |
| Chicken Manchurian with Rice | 760 |
| Prawn Manchurian | 660 |
| Prawn Manchurian with Rice | 800 |
Irani Dishes
| Item | Price (PKR) |
| Chillo Murgh | 680 |
| Chillo Kabab | 660 |
| Chillo Mahi | 690 |
| Chillo Tikka | 640 |
| Chillo Joja | 740 |
Extras
| Item | Price (PKR) |
| Raita | 60 |
| Salad | 60 |
| Cheese | 60 |
| Extra Bun | 50 |
| Naan | 30 |
| Chapati | 15 |
| Plain Fries | 180 |
| Masala Fries | 190 |
Location and Contact Information
Location: Cafe Darakhshan Karachi, MA Jinnah Rd, Preedy Quarters, Near Garden Square, Karachi.
Phone: (021) 32750004
Timings: 12 pm – 10:30 pm
A Unique Culinary Journey
Although many modern cafes are now found all over the country, Cafe Darakhshan can be distinguished by its menu and the genuine taste of the food. Regardless for what type of Pakistani food lover you are, be it for the classics, or something fresh, the cafe does not disappoint.
Cafe Darakhshan menu has Dara Khar specialties such as Darakhshan Chicken Pulao and Darakhshan Fish Pulao that are always requested by guest. If you venture you can try the Prawn Pulao which is a seafood version of the same rice dish.
History and Ambiance of Cafe Darakhshan
We have only few Irani cafes, Darakhshan being one of the oldest cafes in Karachi and established by Zoroastrian migrants from Yazd. Wooden panel on the door adds to the expectation and the interior shows a true style of a traditional cafe. Inside you will see the bentwood chairs, the house was extended and there is the family section up the stairs with a great view of the cafe.
The interior is cozy, representing traditional Pakistani interior with optimal decorations while combining comfortable seating. Whether their guests are lunching or dining in the evening the atmosphere gives a gentle signal to free the minds from the busy city life.
Darakhshan Specialties: The Stars of the Menu
And the Darakhshan Chicken Pulao is also famous for a combination of cooked fluffy basmati rice with tender chicken. No wonder it is one of the favorite dishes prepared by the restaurant most of the time. As delicious as the Fish Pulao is equally famous and this is a dish about tender fish fillet and flavored rice.
The Iconic Biryani Selection
To talk about the Biryani about which we cannot remain Neutral Cafe Darakhshan is a popular Pakistani restaurant and rightly so since the Biryani didn’t fail to impress. Their biryani options cater to a variety of tastes:
Chicken Biryani: The sweetness of chicken enjoyment from a traditional tasty recipe with the help of tender chicken pieces.
Beef Biryani: It suits those who like beef so much, this rather dense meal is a perfect fit.
Fish Biryani: A lower calorie, sea food version of the classic biryani.
The Chicken Tikka Biryani at the cafe is also infused with a hint of BBQ as the Biryani’s star ingredient, chicken tikka.
BBQ Delights
For BBQ lovers, Cafe Darakhshan offers a range of smoky, flavorful dishes:
Chicken Tikka: Definitely good to be bought already marinated and grilled for leg and chest cuts.
Seekh Kabab: A tasty combination of meat, could be beef or chicken spiced up well.
Malai Boti: Delicate chicken morsels that are rich in creamy flavors which makes it so easy for them to dissolve in the mouth.
For each BBQ dish, they serve it with naan bread or paratha bringing out the total package that you consider as a meal.
Chicken Dishes
The range of chicken dishes at Cafe Darakhshan menu is quite extensive. It includes all the favorites that one would expect, such as Chicken Karahi and then some; there are Chicken Ginger and Chicken Palak to name but two. Some of you may enjoy your chicken with special thick gravy while others may want it stir fried with some vegetables.
Seafood Specials
For seafood lovers, visit will be worth to try Fish Masala and Prawn Karahi that contain fresh sea foods cooked with spicy masalas. It will be appreciated that these dishes have a unique proposition of a blending of traditional Pakistani style of cooking seafood and new age approach.
Conclusion
The Cafe Darakhshan menu contains delicious food options. You will not forget the tastes and atmosphere of this cafe. The cafe is based in Karachi if you decide to visit it either as a resident of the country or a tourist. The favorites of the locals include rice pulao which is specially prepared in this Cafe and the delicious BBQ products.
FAQs About Cafe Darakhshan
Q. What are the cafe’s operating hours?
A. Cafe Darakhshan is open daily from 12 pm to 10:30 pm.
Q. Does Cafe Darakhshan offer catering services?
A. Yes, they provide catering services for private events and gatherings.
Q. Is there a vegetarian option on the menu?
A. Yes, there are several vegetarian options in Cafe Darakhshan menu, including Dal Makhani, Vegetable Curry, and Aloo Palak.
Q. Does Cafe Darakhshan serve seafood dishes?
A. Yes, their seafood specials include Fish Masala, Prawn Karahi, and Fish Biryani.
Q. What is the most popular dish at Cafe Darakhshan?
A. The Darakhshan Chicken Pulao is one of the cafe’s most popular dishes, loved for its rich flavor and generous portions.