Second best indian food in the city~ second location that is!
I've been frequenting Pakwan for a while. To a point that I'd plan my work/personal trip around this area so I can stay close by and eat here!! It's no secret that I loveee the food from here. I'm pretty sure almost everyone that knows me know about this spot. They are pretty magic!
Came to this place on a Saturday morning after we arrived in the city. It was empty! And it is byob so we came prepared with our own bottle of wine and such!
Ambiance- much smaller than mission location.
Self-serve place with smaller kitchen. They call your number, you go get your food. So you definitely need to have a table especially if you want to order many dishes like me.The menus are at the counter- it's cash only!
Food-
There may or may not have been a vegetarian section on the menu but seriously? Who'd look at it when you have so many amazing meat choices.
They have kebobs, chicken /beef/lamb curries, biryanis (chicken, mutton) and $1 chai!! Zomg. So many to choose. It is also a mixture of North Indian and South Indian food. Talk about the best of both world.
1. Biryani - it was well spiced! So tasty and spicy!! Need to be a little hotter in temp but it was tasty!!Two non indians including me tolerated that spice really well, if not loved it.
2. Kabobs- nicely spiced. Tasty with loads of fresh onions and jalapenos.
3. Chicken curry - with jalapenos and fresh ginger slices on top. This was probably the spiciest dish we had on the table.
4. Nihari with lamb shank- yummmm! This one came with a huge lamb shank. Again, so well spiced that curry is. Nice, thick, tasty with a kick.
The portions were nice and big. Massive even!! And the best part- they were all around $9-$11 per entrée. I mean, wow! I'd probably skip the super spicy chicken next time. Or try a dish chicken dish but the rest were totally point on and mind blowing.
Did I mention that they give you a pile of peppers with every dish? It's like an added bonus heat to already nicely spiced dishes. Actual spicy peppers. So hot, you wont stop eating! Yes, SF has so many Indian restaurants and yes, you can find amazing biryani else where. But since I've had their food in Mission, I've been hooked. And this place actually delivers for free. I've been there during a cold chilly spring time and didn't want to walk to this area, they delivered it.
Minus one star for location/ambiance and for the service. I've yet to come here and see this place busy. But I did see some shady deals going down as we sat and enjoyed our food by the windows! Love the food though!!