5 Picks for Sehri by an Islamabadi Foodie

Rozaydaaron! It’s time for Sehri! And it’s time for the unique atmosphere it brings during this holy month. A cozy sehri at home remains unmatched, but sometimes you might be tempted to try one from outside your humble abode. With so many options and so many new places in the city, one is often overwhelmed with choices. But worry not, we’re here to help make things easier for you! I present to you five places to try for sehri this Ramazan in Islamabad.

1. Kublai’s Kitchen

Image: Kublai’s Kitchen

Tired of those heavy parathas? Want a filling and healthy sehri? And if you’d rather stay in and have your sehri delivered to your doorstep, then this one is the best (and the healthiest) alternative. Kublai’s Kitchen offers authentic stir-fried Mongolian cuisine in their ‘Warrior’, ‘Conqueror’ and ‘Emperor’ bowls, which you can customize to your liking. Order up! Kublai’s Kitchen is perfect for any healthy eater looking for equally delicious and fulfilling alternatives to the traditional sehri.

2. Chaaye Khana

Photo: Chaaye Khana

A Chaaye Khana breakfast at sehri? Any time! It’s recommended to make a reservation though, this place gets crowded fast! And why wouldn’t it be, with their mouthwatering a la carte menu to choose from? They have everything from qeema parathas to lassi if you’re in the mood for something desi. If not, try their famous pancakes, waffles and mushroom omelettes! Good food and a great environment await you.

3. Dilli Darwaza

Photo: Dilli Darwaza

Legend has it that Dilli Darwaza makes the most authentic nihari in town – so if you’re a enthusiast, this is the place to be! Choose from one of their assorted platters a sehri and thank me later, because you might just be craving for more at iftar. It’s filling, it’s delicious, and it’s affordable.

4. Khoka Khola

Photo: Khoka Khola

Khoka Khola is like that new kid on the block who ends up being everyone’s favorite, and then later you realize that you underestimated the kid. Eating out at Khokha Khola is an experience. Their tandoori parathas, butter chicken and lassi are a must try! (We’re not responsible for the continuous post-meal burping). Make sure to get there early though, because of their increasing popularity, their first-come-first-serve policy means that seats are taken up pretty quickly.

5. La Montana

Photo: La Montana

If you’re looking for sehri with a view, then La Montana is for you. With captivating sights of Islamabad from Pir Sohawa, La Montana will leave you fulfilled both in terms of appetite and beauty. They offer both traditional and continental items on their menu, so no matter what your preference you will find something to your liking. Oh, and did I mention there’s a buy-one-get-one-free offer? Get out there – Pir Sohawa awaits you!