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Welcome to Karahi House

At Karahi House, authentic Pakistani cuisine meets a vibrant atmosphere on Polk Street. This Asian fusion gem specializes in traditional karahi dishes, expertly served in sizzling iron woks that amplify the rich flavors. Diners can indulge in a variety of offerings, from tender tandoori chicken to aromatic biryanis, all crafted with freshly ground spices. The casual setting welcomes both groups and pets, boasting outdoor seating that enhances the dining experience. With a commitment to quality and spice, Karahi House has quickly garnered a reputation as a hidden treasure in San Francisco, inviting food lovers to savor each unforgettable bite.

Karahi House: Reviews & Ratings

Brian L.
Brian L.

Best pakistani restaurant in the city. Better than 99% of the indian/ pakistani places in san jose ive tried also. Karahi plates are cooked on sizzling woks in a nice authentic way which is new to me and tastes epic. Naan is crisp and fluffy with delicious amounts of garlic, and sikh kebabs were incredibly tender and flavorful. Just the right taste, not dry and hard. Goat curry has very good variety of spices, warm and hearty with great portions. 5/5 would definitely recommend a try - this new spot is a true hidden gem (for now) !

Olivier G.
Olivier G.

Karahi House is a Pakistani restaurant that opened a few months ago on Polk Street. They serve karahi dishes, tandoori items, biryanis, and some vegetarian options. The waiter mentioned they might add nihari to the menu in the near future. The restaurant also has a small terrace on the street side. Given the restaurant's name, I decided to try their chicken karahi, a very popular dish in Pakistan. I was pleasantly surprised that the dish was served directly in a karahi (a type of Indo-Pakistani iron wok). The chicken was perfectly cooked, and the thick gravy had subtle and flavorful spices. Overall, it was a delightful experience at Karahi House.

Cassandra J.
Cassandra J.

We were excited to see a new Indian restaurant open up near us, especially since the previous Indian restaurant in this spot closed down! My partner was also really interested in getting the chicken karahi, as they're one of the few restaurants that has a boneless option. I ordered my standard paneer tikka masala as I use that for my initial barometer for my first time at an Indian/Pakistani restaurant, along with a side of rice and garlic naan for the two of us. The karahi came out first and it was sizzling! It was ok waiting for the rest of our food to come out since the dish needed some time to cool down for consumption. The rest of our meal came out not long after, pretty much perfect timing with the karahi being ready. The tikka masala was good, not as sweet as I usually expect it but was silky smooth. The chunks of paneer were large and soaked up the sauce nicely. Huge shout out to the rice which had a really nice flavor (despite most of it being coated in masala). My partner though the karahi was perfect, a lot of intense flavours and the cumin really jumped through. I was happy that the portions weren't *huge* like some other Indian restaurants we go to, as we wind up eating too much (because it's so delicious). We cleaned out most of what we ordered and felt just full enough. I love the huge room and space they have, you don't feel crowded at all, plus there's outdoor seating (with a barrier between the seating area and sidewalk and an overhang above). We're going to put this on our list of regular Polk Street restaurants for lunch/dinners.

Sanna A.
Sanna A.

First time here for dinner with a group of friends. First thing I noticed it was super clean and spacious inside. The food was freshly made. It took about 20-30 mins. So beware, it does take time when eating here. They were nice and as quick as one could be. Price is very comparable to any Pakistani/ Indian restaurant. 4/5

Renny T.
Renny T.

It was late and i was back from a trip and starving! Karahi House saved my night! Because, hey they are OPEN LATE! I wanted rice, meat and vegetables so i ordered their Lamb Karahi which came out soooo huge in a hot stone pot. I absolutely loved it. It tasted amazing and i am sorry i ate the whole thing all on my own and even forgot to take a picture of it. My mouth is watering already just by thinking about the dish. People there are friendly. Atmosphere is nice and calm. Clean and organized. They have outdoor seating also. Everything was exceptional! I wanna try their desserts too. Lastly, this place totally deserves to be packed and busy! Why aren't you guys coming? Come try!!!

Shalin B.
Shalin B.

We went to this place on a Wednesday evening, we were the only ones there. We were greeted with such kindness and given menus and seated immediately. They gave us ample time to pick and even gave some recommendations. At the end we chose the Chicken Seekh Kabob Karahi and damn if it wasn't delicious. We didn't expect it to come out on a sizzler but when I tell you I bit into that thing and transcended, I'm not lying. The chicken was moist, the herbs was incredibly fresh with the chili kick that you want. Practically caramelized onions, too. Delicious. And then if that wasn't enough, they gave us some watermelon slices on the way out on the house. Juiciest watermelon i've ever had, didn't even regret dripping it all over my hands while walking down the street after. check this place out. lovely people and good ambiance, will be going back.

Joseline M.
Joseline M.

What a great new spot on Polk street. The restaurant has been open for a few months now and I'm glad I finally got to try it. The inside is very modern and new! You can seat inside but also have the option of seating on their patio. We were greeted by a very nice man that guided us to a table and served us water immediately. We did ask for recommendations on what to eat but ultimately went with something we were familiar with. Food came out very fast and it was warm, it smelled amazing and portions were perfect for 2. The lamb karahi was one of the best I've ever had! The lamb was tender, the curry was full of flavor and well balanced, peppers were not overcooked and it had the right amount of fresh herbs. We found ourselves sitting in complete silence and finishing our meal in minutes from how good it was. This place hasn't received the hype it definitely deserves. I hope to come back soon and try other yummy items

Christine V.
Christine V.

i really enjoyed my time and meal here; i could tell that they just opened and are still figuring out the best way to do things. the man that took my order was very polite and welcoming. my partner and i were the only ones in the empty restaurant, and he made sure to take care of us. he brought us two cups of complimentary chai, which we were grateful for on such an unusually cold evening. i am not too familiar with pakistani food, but the two entrees we ordered were new to us and tasted like a warm, home-cooked meal. i do wish that both were seasoned a bit stronger, and less oily/greasy--they were a bit heavy handed on that front.

Location

  • Karahi House
    1409 Polk St San Francisco, CA 94109 United States Hotline: (415) 757-0940

Welcome to Karahi House, a vibrant new addition to San Francisco's culinary scene located at 1409 Polk St, San Francisco, CA 94109. This delightful eatery brings the rich flavors of Pakistani cuisine infused with an Asian fusion twist, promising an authentic dining experience that appeals to both newcomers and seasoned enthusiasts of South Asian flavors.

What sets Karahi House apart? Let's delve into its standout features:

  • Diverse Menu: Karahi House boasts a wide array of dishes that highlight traditional Pakistani cooking methods, with specialties including flavorful Goat Curry and tender Lamb Butter Masala. Their signature dish, the Chicken Karahi, served sizzling in a traditional iron wok, is a testament to their commitment to authenticity.
  • Casual Yet Inviting Atmosphere: With its spacious layout, outdoor seating, and a clean, well-organized interior, Karahi House provides the perfect backdrop for a relaxed meal. It's equally suitable for groups or a casual outing with friends, and it's dog-friendly!
  • Convenient Dining Options: Whether you're in the mood for takeout or prefer to dine in, Karahi House accommodates all preferences. They are open late to satisfy those late-night cravings, offering a comforting haven for anyone looking for delicious food after hours.
  • Rave Reviews: Diners have lauded the impeccable flavor profiles and generous portions. Patrons like Brian L. have called it the "best Pakistani restaurant in the city," praising the authentic cooking methods and impeccable flavors. From the crisp, fluffy naan to the warm, hearty goat curry, the dishes are crafted with love and expertise.

An exciting element of Karahi House is its ever-evolving menu. Guests can expect a touch of novelty, as the owner has hinted at adding nihari, a beloved traditional stew, to their offerings soon. This promise of variety keeps customers coming back for more, turning first-time visitors into regulars.

In essence, Karahi House is a true hidden gem in the heart of San Francisco, serving up mouthwatering dishes that stay true to their roots while inviting a modern twist. Whether you're seeking a hearty meal after a long day or a new favorite spot for lunch or dinner, Karahi House deserves a place on your culinary exploration list.

For reservations or inquiries, feel free to contact them at (415) 757-0940. Don't miss the chance to savor the rich, flavorful offerings at Karahi House — your taste buds will thank you!