Bet you didn’t think a place as minuscule as Islamabad had over 80 restaurant options that DELIVER right to your doorstep? A bunch of these places you’ve probably seen while randomly scrolling down on foodpanda, ones that you’ve either been meaning to go to and just couldn’t or ones that you were completely oblivious to altogether. So, we made it our personal mission to dig out the ones that could serve as a change of palate for foodies like us while putting a price cap for the urban-poor millennials aka mufta khors. Here are a few that made the cut (in no particular order):

1. Phat Panda

You know how Chinese take-out should always arrive in cute and nifty takeout boxes you’ve seen on TV, thanks to all those Hollywood movies? Phat Panda does JUST that. The Kung Pao chicken is bang-on, what with the glazed chicken and crunchy peanuts all coming together in a mouthful — definitely worth trying. A close second would be Orange Chicken, one that’s so on the mark, even Sheldon would approve.

“Orange Chicken at 9, your place or mine?”

2. Kublai’s Kitchen

There’s chicken, beef, prawn and tofu and you get to play Gordon Ramsay. Throw in diced broccoli, some zucchini and bell pepper, keep off onions and tomatoes if you’d like and go big with green beans, baby corn and basil. Or flip it around. Sauce it up with hoisin and teriyaki or lay off those all together and go heavy with the peanut sauce. But hey, maybe you’re watching what you eat and want to go for zucchini noodles or brown rice? There’s something for everybody and more.  I rest my case.

Recommendations: Warrior beef bowl, sesame peanut chicken.

3. Char Grill Central

No grub can get as basic as a good ol’ Riding Shotgun of meaty goodness thrown smack in between a sliced bun with a strategic layer of sauce holding it all together. Yet, not everyone can get this medieval meal right. People from Islamabad can bear witness to the flavor blessing CGC burgers, from the counter to your table. The prime no-frills beef patty in the classic cheeseburger is a clear winner but if you’re going to go all white meat on us, Chicken Overdrive is the way to go.

4. Cafe Day Dreams

While experiencing some notorious hunger pangs past midnight, Cafe Day Dreams just dived into the pool with the big fish and they’re already catching on, thanks to the smart economical standpoint. The burgers are good, rather than sensational – nicely done but pretty straightforward. The Macho Nacho has a handsome helping of nacho sauce and a few crisps spread quite sparingly, but the bun is fresh and it’s a hot meal at your doorstep well before the promised delivery time. Pesto Pasta is a little on the rich, creamy side but that’s just the way I like it.

5. Bun Kabab

While on the subject of burgers, we mustn’t forget the street food culture dominated by the usual desi flare of bun kababs. Here, you will find a potent combination of signature sauce combined with the secrets passed down from every bun kabab street vendor mushroom clouding Pakistan since the imperialist era.  At times, you will find the burger crumbling halfway on account of the sauce and its own size. Another complaint is the choice of bun. Call me old-fashioned but I like my bun kabab to look the part: long, slender and fluffed with condiments.

The original bun kabab goes with an egg on top while you can play with the options and go for the stuffed bun kabab and let it surprise you.

6. The New Yorker Pizza

Keeping aside Rahat/Tehzeeb pizza’s cult following, many have moved past Pizza Huts and Papasallis to embrace the American rendition of this Italian pie. This ridiculously well-engineered slice of thin-crust pizza boasts a perfect harmony between the sauce, crust and cheese. It’s crispy, delicate, never oily – New Yorker Pizza definitely excels in the single slice offering worth every rupee. If you’re a die-hard garlic enthusiast like me, this will be your pick, what with the garlic butter on the side and stuffed in the crust.

7. Cock N’ Bull

The special shawarma platter should be your first pick from this humble establishment. Borrowed from Lahore, Cock N’ Bull was probably the first to bring garlic mayo and chicken combo to Islamabad. Their desi rendition of Chinese isn’t half bad, the rice helping is always ginormous and you’ve got to try their chicken shashlik. YUM!

8. Al-Insaab Lebanese Cuisine

Not sure about you all, but I’m a big fan of Lebanese food. Hummus, Shish Tawook, Kabsa – you name it. Which is why this one is my go-to Lebanese home delivery place. I like the hummus straight, no-messing-around and without the lamb meat (no offense but, eukh). Wholesome chickpeas blended with tahini, garlic and a pinch of lemon – great vegan option for days. Chicken shawarma platter fits right in our price cap unless you’re willing to try Kabsa with chicken?

9. Capital Delights

A humble delivery-only establishment making home-made food just a call away, capital delights is the fix for when you’re craving food inspector certified ghar ka khaana or when you want to impress the Saas by faking it till you make it. The biryanis and karahis are flavorful and you can also treat yourself to some lip-smacking homemade gooey chocolate brownies.

10. Cafe Naan

Since assorted naan has taken over Pakistan like froyo had a couple years back, you may add this one to the long list, especially for lazy days when getting out of bed might be a tad bit hard.

Is there something we missed? We’re human, after all. Comment and add to the list, why don’t you?

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Cover image via Chefling Tales