Androon Lahore – Za’abeel

Sometimes some of the most unassuming places surprise you with the most amazing food. Whilst I wouldn’t call the food at Androon Lahore amazing, it was very good. Located opposite the Belhasa Driving Centre in Al Jaddaf, the fact that there were police car, driving school car and several RTA taxis parked in the dusty parking area outside suggested to me that this was somewhere to try. There’s a shaded outdoor dining area, complete with fans fixed to each corner of the rudimentary pergola. The inside is functional rather than fancy. I was shown to a table which still had too many tell tale signs of the previous meal. It took the waiter a couple of seconds to understand that my standing there meant I wanted the table wiped clean before I sat down. He did.

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Feeling a little raw from a night of overindulgence, something told me a full-on Pakistani breakfast was what I needed to set me right. I ordered Channa Masala, Chota Paya (mutton) and Beef Nihari with Parathas. At 7:30 in the morning they were already out of Maghaz (brain) Masala and Haleem (chicken). I would have preferred either (or both) to the Nihari which I associate with lunch/dinner rather than breakfast. It turned out that I liked the delicious, cotton soft Nihari the best. True to the menu, the paya was from a small animal; delicate, dainty and cooked perfectly. The channa too was cooked just the way I like it, slightly overcooked but not mushy. I think what made everything so special was the small condiments plate of finely chopped coriander, strips of ginger, chopped green chili and halves of lime which was served with the food. The difference they made to each dish was unbelievable.

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I was pleasantly surprised by how good the service was. Firstly, both the waiter and supervisor both spoke fluent English which is not always the case. Secondly, food is served a very few minutes after you place your order and is piping hot. And lastly, both waiter and supervisor were extremely attentive, coming to my table twice during my short meal. And it wasn’t just me, they were looking after everyone, especially driving instructors (the cops were outside in their car).

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I really enjoyed my meal here. If you’re in the area and fancy a full-on Pakistani breakfast, this is definitely one to consider. I am told their lunchtime mutton biriyani is worth coming back for too…hmm.

Hey! Now read this –
Xerxes physically dines at, or orders from, each and every venue he reviews. He pays in full for whatever he and his companions eat, drink, take away or occasionally throw at each other. Xerxes accepts no money, gifts, discounts or free meals in return for reviews or favouritism. What you have read was NOT influenced in any way by the venue. Join me on Instagram @ravenousxerxes or email me on xerxes@dellara.com.