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    Food Review: Dilli Darwaza

    Written by: Zainab Hasan
    Posted on: October 07, 2016 |

    A plate full of heaven (photo: Mian Ali Humayun)

    The increasing demand for quality food in the capital of Pakistan has resulted in restaurants popping up all over the city. However, there seems to be a shift away from restaurants offering the usual fare of burgers and pasta to those catering to the desi (South Asian) palate, starting with a number of naan eateries, Khoka Khola and now Dilli Darwaza.

    Traditionally, the most famous nihari in the twin cities was found in Rawalpindi, at Majid Nihari (Sabzi Mandi) and Muhammadi Nihari (Commercial Market). In Islamabad, there were a few outlets serving nihari, the most notable one being found in Aabpara. However, for the gourmet nihari, Islamabadis would have to wake up at 5 am and make a thirty-minute trip to Rawalpindi, and wait in line for long periods. Not many people and families got a chance to enjoy this culinary wonder. There were many congested nihari shops lined up by roadsides. Yet due to a limited supply, people had no guarantee that they would get to enjoy their beloved nihari. This changed when a group of entrepreneurs decided to open a restaurant in Beverly Centre and give the residents of Islamabad unrestricted access to freshly prepared, mouth-watering nihari. Dilli Darwaza has managed to beat all odds, thanks to a young trio who work day in and out to gratify our insatiable nihari cravings.

    “Being nihari enthusiasts, we wanted to introduce this delicacy in its truest taste by following a traditional family recipe from Delhi,” says Taha Abbas, who happens to be one of the youngest entrepreneurs on the block – he completed his Bachelor’s degree just a few months back. Upon graduating, he followed his instinct and went on to open a nihari outlet in Islamabad. The restaurant has made a smart move to cater to all of its customers by adding the facility of takeaway, as there is limited seating capacity.

    Dilli Darwaza Restaurant Islamabad

    Little place, big taste

    Dilli Darwaza Restaurant Islamabad

    Say kheer!

    As soon as you enter the venue, you’re welcomed by the tantalizing aroma of fresh nihari. The place has quite a cozy feel to it, perhaps in part due to its small size, and the décor is simple yet formal. The soft tunes of an instrumental score playing in the background take you back to olden times when the magic of nihari was first introduced.

    Dilli Darwaza’s biggest strength is that they serve five kinds of nihari according to your preference: Aam (the signature beef nihari), Khaas (served with nulli or bone marrow), Mughlai (served with maghaz or brain), Shahi (contains both nulli and maghaz) and Raj (chicken nihari).  Each generous helping is made using the finest ingredients and quality meat cuts. The assorted options for naan are to die for, each one of them complementing the nihari in a different way. It would be a sin to miss out on their hot favorite, meetha naan. After devouring this delectable goodness, save room for dessert! The kheer is a ten on ten. The restaurant is a complete package; you don’t need to go elsewhere to satisfy that sweet tooth. Surprisingly, the rates are also quite affordable, considering the posh location in the heart of the capital. It’s heavier on the stomach and lighter on the pocket!

    Dilli Darwaza Restaurant Islamabad

    Fresh, crispy and satisfying

    Although Dilli Darwaza offers a limited variety on the menu, it strives to bring the highest quality food to your plate. These people don’t believe in compromising quality over quantity. Most importantly, however, they consider customer feedback as their top priority, and make amends according to your needs. No wonder they’re the new buzz in town. It would be a shame not to give this place a try!


    As the new year begins, let us also start anew. I’m delighted to extend, on behalf of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and in my own name, new year’s greeting and sincere wishes to YOULIN magazine’s staff and readers.

    Only in hard times can courage and perseverance be manifested. Only with courage can we live to the fullest. 2020 was an extraordinary year. Confronted by the COVID-19 pandemic, China and Pakistan supported each other and took on the challenge in solidarity. The ironclad China-Pakistan friendship grew stronger as time went by. The China Pakistan Economic Corridor projects advanced steadily in difficult times, become a standard-bearer project of the Belt and Road Initiative in balancing pandemic prevention and project achievement. The handling capacity of the Gwadar Port has continued to rise and Afghanistan transit trade through the port has officially been launched. The Karakoram Highway Phase II upgrade project is fully open to traffic. The Lahore Orange Line project has been put into operation. The construction of Matiari-Lahore HVDC project was fully completed. A batch of green and clean energy projects, such as the Kohala and Azad Pattan hydropower plants have been substantially promoted. Development agreement for the Rashakai SEZ has been signed. The China-Pakistan Community of Shared Future has become closer and closer.

    Reviewing the past and looking to the future, we are confident to write a brilliant new chapter. The year 2021 is the 100th birthday of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Pakistan. The 100-year journey of CPC surges forward with great momentum and China-Pakistan relationship has flourished in the past 70 years. Standing at a new historic point, China is willing to work together with Pakistan to further implement the consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, connect the CPEC cooperation with the vision of the “Naya Pakistan”, promote the long-term development of the China-Pakistan All-weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership with love, dedication and commitment. Mohammad Ali Jinnah, the founding father of Pakistan said, “We are going through fire. The sunshine has yet to come.” Yes, Pakistan’s best days are ahead, China will stand with Pakistan firmly all the way.

    YOULIN magazine is dedicated to promoting cultural exchanges between China and Pakistan and is a window for Pakistani friends to learn about China, especially the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. It is hoped that with the joint efforts of China and Pakistan, YOULIN can listen more to the voices of readers in China and Pakistan, better play its role as a bridge to promote more effectively people-to-people bond.

    Last but not least, I would like to wish all the staff and readers of YOULIN a warm and prosper year in 2021.

    Nong Rong Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of
    The People’s Republic of China to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan
    January 2021