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Affordable and authentic Qishmisch goes to great lengths for original taste. Thanks to the open kitchen, you can see what’s going on inside.
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Qishmisch – This restaurant with a unique name might have intrigued you passing by Jinnah Supermarket in Islamabad which is why we decided to visit it.
The capital city now has an array of restaurants offering such variety that it’s hard to find a taste that satisfies the taste buds of the desi food lovers. This local restaurant, with a unique and traditional name, is, however, catering specifically to this group of foodies looking for authentic Pakistani food.
Located in the heart of the city in Jinnah Supermarket in F-7 Markaz, Qishmisch is offering and preserving Pakistani traditional dishes and its authentic tastes.
As you make your way into the restaurant, you are welcomed by friendly staff and a gorgeous, spacious setting. The restaurant is well suited for private dinners as well as large parties as it can fairly accommodate around 100 people. The eatery is popular among youngsters, families as well as foreigners looking for original Pakistani cuisine. It is also great for best for corporate lunch and dinner events. The restaurant also has a prayer room so you need not finish your meal hurriedly to go home for prayers.
The delightful shades of plum, mulberry and hazelnut are pleasing and welcoming. The décor is modern yet traditional with comfy seating and lovely yellow lighting. The interesting Urdu alphabets wall décor add a unique and traditional touch to the eatery.
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Qishmisch has an Open Kitchen
Eating out is an enjoyable experience but food hygiene is something that keeps some foodies away because you don’t know what’s going on behind those closed doors. If you are one of those cautious foodies, then need not fear. At Qishmisch, you can have a wonderful view of the lovely kitchen where you can see the chefs working and even the food being so amorously prepared for you.
Open kitchen is one of the admiring aspects of this place. The aroma of fresh blend of spices is the first thing you will notice in the kitchen. The clean stoves, sinks, utensils; tidied up refrigerators; well-dressed chefs; organized ingredients and sparkling food counters were simply impressive. The head chef Ahsan Mubashir informed about the strict food hygiene rules followed by the staff. Mubashir has been in the food business for 14 years, is expert in Mughlai dishes and BBQ.
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Restaurant Menu
Now let’s come to the best part. The food of course. The menu offers a wide variety of mouth-watering dishes. The possibilities are endless— including delectable and innovative matrimonies such as Chinnioti Kunna, Chilman Gola kabab, Tawa chicken Tarka masala, Shahi Murgh curry, Madrasi chicken.
The place offers delectable daals and veggies too for health-conscious foodies which includes Daal Makhani, Daal Maharani, Bhindi sabut, Shahi Palak Paneer, Saag Sarson.
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Recommended dishes
Tawa Chicken Tarka masala is basically tender pieces of boneless tandoori chicken, cooked in creamy tomato gravy on a Tawa flavoured with fresh spices. This special dish is simply heaven in your mouth.
Chinnioti Kunna is lamb shanks cooked in an authentic way on low heat in lamb trotter’s stock with the blend of garam masala and homemade spices. This delicacy is served traditionally garnished with chili, lemon, ginger and coriander.
The Hi-tea platter which is served like a beautiful bouquet with an assortment of food from such as Gol Gapa (Pani Puri), Chana Chat, Fruit Chat, Dahi Bara, Chana, Aloo Bhaji, Puri & Suji Halwa. The manner of serving and the oh-so-delicious look will sway you away.
Despite the high price of the food and the not so attentive waiters´ service, I had a pleasant dining experience with food of the most exquisite flavours. For this reason I highly recommend going to the Open House Polo restaurant.
In terms of value for money and expectation, Qishmisch offers delicious Pakistani food at affordable prices in a charming environment.
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Chit Chat with the owners aiming to revive Pakistani food culture
There are few restaurants where you will be greeted by the owner of the restaurant, who spends his evenings facilitating guests, checking orders and food quality. Haroon’s dedication and love for the place can be observed with his approach toward the customers.
Opened in February 2016, Qishmisch had a slow but encouraging beginning with a consistent fan following. This is the first food venture of husband and wife, Haroon Anwar and Faiza Haroon, who have been associated with the food industry for more than a decade in Islamabad. “I wanted to do what I understand best and Pakistani food is what I am good at” said Mr Haroon in an interview with Islamabad Scene.
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Talking to the couple, you will instantly feel their passion and love for quality food. “We wanted to introduce authentic Pakistani food that is fresh, healthy looks great and tastes amazing” says Mrs. Faiza.
“Apart from using fresh and quality food, we have to carefully choose real spices which have the specific characteristics” she adds. When asked the specialty, she said “everything is special.” Guests, however, are fond of the special desi breakfast menu.
Food quality and taste are the two key focus areas for those who work at Qishmisch, including owners, chefs and service staff. “To bring quality food, we go to great length to offer fresh ingredients, like meat, vegetables and spices, which takes a lot of time and personal attention but we do it for the love of food and for our customers” Mr. Haroon explained.
“The aim of Qishmisch is to revive Pakistan food culture and become the perfect place to enjoy traditional Pakistani cuisine” maintains Mr. Haroon.
At a time when most brands are busy focusing on social media fans, Qishmisch is actually connecting with them. “We believe in the time-tested method of word of mouth advertising. Our food quality and taste is our publicity.”
If you are still intrigued by the name of restaurant like us then we will make it easier for you. “The restaurant is named Qishmisch (raisin) because just like taste of Qishmisch, the taste of this restaurant will remain with you for a long time” Mr. Haroon shared the secret.
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Restaurant at a glimpse
- Delicious Pakistani cuisine
- Friendly staff
- Open kitchen
- Comfortable seating
- Good service
4 out of 5 stars
Address: 3rd floor, Chaudhry Plaza, Bhittai Rd, Jinnah Market, F7 Markaz, Islamabad.
Phone: 0333 1904050