Written by: Mehr Jan
Posted on: January 14, 2022 | 
| 中文
Chappal Kabab at Jalil Chappal Kabab, Bar B-Q & Karahi
When it comes to satisfying our taste palate, there is no denying Pakistan serves as a melting pot of flavors and delicious cuisines. Food is that common language which brings everyone together and nothing gets the good times rolling as well as street food, which defines generations of perfected recipes. While Lahore and Karachi may have always taken the lead when it comes to providing a plethora of exciting places to go for a nibble, Islamabad serves as a place which has its own fair share of eateries that are paying homage to some of the most delectable food spreads.
A view of the Melody Park where Jalil Kabab House is situated in Islamabad
One such place is the Melody Food Park. A happening spot which for years has been welcoming those who crave quality street food. With its signature seating of red chairs and tables, it has become the ultimate spot for foodies to go to with friends and families. It is quiet in the mornings as it is not popular for breakfast, but with the advent of evening , the Melody Food Park comes alive.
Over the years, the radius of this place has definitely been increasing, as there have been a range of new outlets added to its popular choices. However, one of the earliest, and most popular food selections at this happening street is the 'Jalil Chapli Kabab.' Originally originating from Peshawar, this recipe is one which is unlike any other. With the perfect blend of spices and herbs, the kababs have been attracting large visitors since the 1960s. Throughout the years, the recipe has remained intact with no changes to it. And while many would travel to Peshawar to get their hands on this defining creation, it was in 2001, when the Jalil Family decided to create a branch in Islamabad. And with that, came a range of delectable additions, allowing for residents to indulge in a complete menu and be spoiled for choices. This includes a variety in BBQ, Handi and Karahi selection as well as their now famous Kabuli Pulao.
Jalil Chappal Kabab, Bar B-Q & Karahi, at the Melody Food Park, Islamabad
We went on to try some of the most happening items of the menu, and with the current weather, the aroma itself was inviting. The signature beef chapli kabab was all that it was hyped up to be. Usually, such creations came with a zealous addition of spices, making it really hard to enjoy the taste of the minced meat itself. But Jalil knows how to strike the right balance, between not being too bland and not aiming for a pro-spices extravaganza. It's flavorsome with a hint of egg, and with their freshly oven-baked bread and 'podina' chutney, you would feel food can speak the language of bliss. We were even offered the choice of having the kebabs served in burger form, which suggests that the outlet is paving the way to cater to a different demographic, but we preferred the signature style and were not disappointed. At just 130 rupees a piece, we were satiated. "We have tried keeping the recipe as true to its origin as possible. And the founder always wanted to keep the prices reasonable, but to earn with the number of customers. This is why after so many years, we have only raised the price by Rs.20 to cover the expenses," Mushtaq Ahmed, the head chef at the outlet told us.
A chef busy in making Chappal Kabab
Aside from the chapli kabab, the aroma of the chicken tikka and seekh kabab, being cooked on coals at a calculated temperature was equally tantalizing. However, while the chicken was enriching and had a lot of flavor, the seekh kabab left something to be desired. It felt it wasn't really cooked well and the flavors were rather flat. The kind of magic that the chappal kabab and the barbeque chicken tikka had, the seekh kababs did not measure up.
Tikka Boti
But the major element of surprise which really made the whole experience end on a high note was the 'Kabuli pulao'. It was soft, there was just the right amount of meat and a beautiful balance of sweet with savory, as the raisins were also the right amount. Pulao has recently been added to the menu and is a very satisfying experience. This is one of those fine places which is effectively holding onto its roots, while ensuring that it will attract its customers to something new and defining every now and then.
The making of karahi at Jalil Kabab House, Melody Food Park, Islamabad
The Melody Food Park is open 7days in a week, and timings are 10 am till midnight.
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