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    Shahi Cafè

    4.1 (141 reviews)
    InexpensiveHalal, Indian, Buffets
    Closed 11:00 am - 10:00 pm

    Shahi Cafè Photos

    SHAHI CAFÈ ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Quiet
    Casual
    Good for groups
    Good for kids

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    Recommended Reviews - Shahi Cafè

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    Honey Naan
    Sonia G.

    Found this authentic South Asian cuisine in a tiny strip on Austin's north side. If you blink, you will miss it. The Chicen Tikka was juicy,spicy and delicious and accompanied with cucumber salad and yogurt sauce. It appeared to have been grilled fresh and the platter was sufficient for two meals. I have never gotten so much naan with a meal and it was almost too much. It is attached to a grocery store so one can shop while waiting for a meal. There is a decent sized dining area.

    Chicken Biryani
    Shayer S.

    My previous review still remains true, however Shahi is the ONLY place in Austin to have Bangladeshi style Beef Tehari (call first and check, it's usually over the weekends) so I have to add a star just on that alone! Their catering prices are also reasonable and highly customizable. Chicken Roast, Korma Chicken and Shami Kababs are all really good.

    Mixed Plate - Beef and Chicken Kafta Kabab with Rice, Grilled Veggies, Salad and Cucumber Sauce
    Chanel M.

    Still on my adventurous kick I decided to try some Middle Eastern cuisine for lunch today after watching several Food Ranger episodes on YouTube lol. I did a little Yelp search and ended up at Shahi Cafe on North Lamar. I have to point out that upon entering the establishment there is a bit of an interesting smell, however, that's only because the Cafe is within the International Grocery/Meat Market. So don't let that deter you from trying the food out. I decided to try out a Mixed Plate which included a Beef and Chicken Kafta Kabab, Rice, Grilled Veggies (Onion, Tomato & Bell Pepper), Salad and Cucumber Sauce. The plate came with the choice of rice or naan but I knew I still wanted to try their Naan so I also picked one up. There was quite a bit of food stuffed into the plate. The kababs were tasty, tender and not too spicy. I can't say if I'd choose one over another because they were both good. The rice was fluffy and went so well with the grilled veggies. The salad consisted of cucumbers, onions and tomatoes and was such a nice, refreshing side with the kababs. I do wish I had asked for a little extra cucumber sauce because it was a great accompaniment to everything. The naan was huge and tasted like it was freshly baked. The prices were reasonable too... it was about $12 for everything. Definitely worth the try!

    Lyla A.

    *******DEFINITELY AS GOOD AS IT GETS!******** Thank you Yelp for another winner. I hit the search nearby feature while we were out of our 'hood' and found this place. We are of Indo-Pak descent and have eaten this food our entire lives (Mostly in Houston, where the options of Indian/Pakistan restaurants is endless) This place was out of their leagues. Just different and delicious. It may sound cliche but you could taste the love in the food. We ordered: beef & lamb schwarma platter - impressive and delicious. Tasted nothing like any other schwarma we've ever had. It tasted much more middle eastern with different flavors and very tender. Chicken tandoori kabob skewer - excellent - our almost 3 year old gobbled up every bit of it while dunking it in his dal (soup). The dal was exceptional. Such delicate flavors yet bursting full of them. I had the goat haleem. I mentioned that I couldn't eat beef due to an allergy and she said she could do a goat haleem. It was spectacular. Topped with fried onions, cilantro, fresh chopped ginger and very spicy chili peppers on the side if you wanted to add them. We also had baba ganouj and hummus. Both were the best I can remember eating anywhere (and I am kinda known for my homemade hummus!). Every single bite was delicious! I cannot wait to go back. A bonus is, I think it's one family who owns, cooks, and serves. They are so sweet and pleasant and helpful. :) A+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

    Chicken schwarma and chicken tikka.
    Calily B.

    Over the past few months, the restaurant has made small changes that are making a difference. The schwarma plate is now served on a bed of rice along with the two sides. The kebab plate is still the same but they actually lowered the price by $1 or so! it also appears that they have a few more sides added to the roster, which is always a plus.

    C J.

    Amazing! Tried their lunch buffet and was so blown away by how flavorful everything was. My vegetarian friends found a lot of options and was just as satisfied as I was. New fave lunch spot for sure! Follow me on Instagram for more gems

    Chicken shawarma or however it's spelled :-)
    Tiffany S.

    I've come here 3 times now and have never been displeased. Also, I've brought three different people here to try this place out each time and we've always gotten different dished and always are happy. This place is a little hidden and you could easily miss it if you are not looking for it or find it on yelp. It's located in a store right near the corner of Parmer and N. Lamar. They have daily specials M-F for $6.99 and their wraps are very good and inexpensive starting at $5.99. I've had their chicken shawarma, beef and lamb shawarma (amazing and worth the extra dollars), curry veggies, beef stew($5.99 with rice), dolma (grape leaf wraps), and their hummus and everything is amazing! They also have fresh meat that you can buy and they even do catering. You won't be sad that you found this place!! Do it!

    Nice decor

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    2 months ago

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    2 months ago

    Ordered biryani the other day via doordash. 12 out of 10. Outstanding. Place is a hidden gem

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    4 months ago

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    11 years ago

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    2 years ago

    Absolutely delicious and authentic Punjabi food. Would highly recommend. Their chicken tikka is some of the best I've had.

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    2 years ago

    Best biryani in Austin. The crew there will make many off menu items for you as well..

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    12 years ago

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    3 years ago

    Lamb biryani and Beef tihari are excellent choices here, they make party trays too, try their desi chai as well

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    Page 1 of 4

    Ask the Community - Shahi Cafè

    Do they still have a buffet?

    Are there vegan options available?

    How is the buffet?

    It is kinda small, as far as buffets go, no kebabs on buffet, its definitely worth $8

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

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    Qi Austin

    Qi Austin

    4.4(887 reviews)
    10.4 miMarket District, Downtown
    $$
    Family-owned & operated
    Outdoor seating

    Went to Qi for dim sum brunch and overall had a really enjoyable experience. Qi is know for…read morecombining western and traditional Chinese cuisine by using local organic farming. Did not have a reservation on this occasion, but they always make me feel welcome and manage to fit us in. Sat on the outdoor covered patio that was cool and shaded. The atmosphere is modern and lively, making it a great spot for a weekend brunch. Started the meal with cocktails including Lycheetini with Deep Eddy Vodka, Giffard Lichi-li. lemon, cranberry, I cut the cranberry. Also had a Fresa Paloma with Socorro Reposado Tequila, Contratto, strawberry, lime, grapefruit, five-spice that was very sweet and garnished with a flower. You are given a card where you can mark your dim sum selections. I ordered the Shrimp Pancake, Snow Crab Ball and Chinese Sausage Sticky Rice. The standout was the shrimp pancake that had a really great texture and flavor. The snow crab ball had a strange texture with shrimp surrounding the snow crab claw. The Chinese Sticky Rice is always a favorite. Also ordered the Truffle Egg Fried rice and Birds Nest with Seasonal Vegetable. The Truffle rice is so flavorful like a flavor explosion in your mouth. The Birds Nest is made with fried potato shreds which contain the a variety of vegetables including cauliflower, peppers, mushrooms and asparagus. The nest is also edible and has a crunchy texture. The presentation of the food is amazing and everything came out hot and fresh. The flavors were on point, and you can tell there's attention to detail in the preparation. Service was attentive outdoors and the pacing of dishes felt just right for a relaxed brunch. This restaurant is truly a gem whether you come for brunch or dinner service. Will definitely be back.

    A large group of us came for dinner - the ambience is super fun, modern, and vibey!…read more Service was prompt, friendly, and accurate. As for the food - everyone loved their dishes! The flavors were spot on and delicious. The only challenge we had was that they would not allow split checks or at least partially split checks - so we spend a huge amount of time figuring out what everyone owed. I wouldn't do a large group here in the future, but I'd definitely come back for a date or small group.

    Photos
    Qi Austin
    Qi Austin - View from the Patio

    View from the Patio

    Qi Austin

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    Clay Pit

    Clay Pit

    3.9(2.2k reviews)
    9.6 miDowntown
    $$

    This is a fun upscale Indian restaurant!…read more I wanted my party to be seated in the cellar but they said it was closed (didn't disclose a reason) so they seated us in what I believe was the parlor instead - which was also pretty. Got the Khuroos E Tursh - would recommend! The cream sauce was sweet and delicious. I LOVED the rice that came with the dishes - it already had some flavor and the texture was similar to Thai broken rice. Naan is a great value - 4 pieces for $5. Ordered the Jalapeño cream cheese naan and it had a generous portion of cream cheese inside. However it wasn't spicy which I was expecting - the jalapeño pieces just tasted like bell peppers but it needed a kick of spice. I would try the palak paneer naan next time instead. We were too full for dessert but the options sounded quite tasty. Something was cracked us up a bit was that their straws don't sit in the glasses well - they kept rising to the top of our waters Service was great but it just took a little time for them to set up our table after our reservation time.

    I was check 44 at the bar table t1 I am regular at Clay…read morePit. I get the vegetarian dishes today I got my normal dishes I get. Vegetable korma excellent. Dal Makhani no spices and watered down. And the Puri the wheat cups with chic peas inside all potatoe. I visited at 3:28p and it was way different than normal. I just only liked the Korma today .& spoke to manager who surely would recognize me I am always there and never complained. Ways of money today I don't eat the makhani or puri Server at bar was great and I've had him twice this week. Manager saying he will talk to Cook doesn't help. Manager said see you next time was rude and he's seen me in there a lot

    Photos
    Clay Pit
    Clay Pit
    Clay Pit

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    Ciclo - Crab claws Sunday buffet at Ciclo

    Ciclo

    4.1(110 reviews)
    10.7 mi

    Each year, my husband and I participate in Lent by giving up something meaningful, such as meat and…read moredesserts. Lent is a 40-day period of spiritual preparation for Easter, beginning on Ash Wednesday (symbolizing the need for repentance) and ending before Easter. Its main goals are reflection, repentance, and renewal. After observing Lent, our treat was brunch at Ciclo (Four Seasons Hotel). Ciclo hosted Easter Brunch and an Easter Egg hunt including the hotel's lake-level ballroom. The celebration included live music and lawn activities for hotel and brunch guests. The brunch included a cold buffet, hot buffet, carving station, benedict station, and dessert buffet. You also could order customized omelets from your table. Ciclo's brunch features gluten-free and vegetarian choices. OMG...the Four Season's Hotel and Ciclo restaurant looked as though a lush bright flowered garden had been quietly grown there. Flowers spilled over every surface from the hotel's entrance to the Ciclo restaurant out onto the patio. The floral arrangements were stunning. They also served as a beautiful backdrop for photos. In addition, we ran into ole friends at brunch, which was a pleasant surprise. The standout for us was the lamb chops (one of my favorites) and callosal-sized shrimp. The sweet potatoes and ham were memorable as well with perfectly spiced sweet potatoes. All desserts were good today, however, the Oreo cheesecake and sugar cookies were the highlights. Our server was so attentive and pleasant. Also, Abribal, the restaurant manager, came over to inquire about dining experience. Such excellent service... Dining a Ciclo today was superb! It was fantastic end to our Lenton season.

    Had an amazing experience at Ciclo. We were in town with friends attending an event. For some it…read morewas a return visit and they could not speak highly enough. Outstanding service provided by the staff. Denis was our tables primary attendant. He is super. He provides impeccable customer service which makes your experience even better. The garden backdrop to the restaurants decor is a perfect pairing. Our meals were excellent. We shared the Tomahawk in addition to our individual dishes. My salmon entree was really good. I'm calling it premium surf and turf. Great night with friends and dinner. Ciclo did not disappoint. Well done.

    Photos
    Ciclo - Dessert bar

    Dessert bar

    Ciclo - Tuna tostadas were tasty

    Tuna tostadas were tasty

    Ciclo - 16 oz. Prime Bone-In Ribeye was delicious

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    16 oz. Prime Bone-In Ribeye was delicious

    Franklin Barbecue - Bbq platter

    Franklin Barbecue

    4.5(6.4k reviews)
    10.0 miEast Austin
    $$

    This place was really good. My partner and I arrived at 1:45pm and had waited around an hour to be…read moreseated. We are in the city visiting and did not know it closed at 3pm. This is why the line was not as long as it typically is. They were out of brisket, ribs, and sausage when we were able to order. One should go about an hour earlier if they want to get those. This place is so worth it. The turkey was 12/10. It was nothing like I have ever had. It had flavor and was juicy like chicken. The pulled pork was 10/10. The slaw was not much to my liking but the beans and potato salad were good. There were cups for free water. They had vinegar, normal, espresso, and spicy barbecue sauce. I do not normally like barbecue sauce but Franklins is great. The spicy one was perfect. Overall, I thought waiting an hour was great. With the food we were able to get I understood why people wait hours. I recommend bringing a water for the wait and comfortable shoes while you wait in line.

    So I finally decided to go try Franklins and brave the line. I arrived on a weekday at 1130am and…read morethe line was not bad. Maybe an hour. I love how people are giving this place a 1 star because they are popular and the line is long sometimes, I mean come one so stupid. This place is small and it's amazing how they can crank out as much bbq as they do. It's impressive. I got almost to the front of the line around 1230pm and they were already almost out of ribs, so go early. I got a 1/2lb of Brisket, 1/4lb of turkey, 3 bones of ribs, and one link of the jalapeño cheddar sausage, my side I did was potato salad. I'll give my honest review down below on each item. Brisket- 1000/10, best I have ever had. It was well seasoned, juicy, smoky, fatty in the right way and just so tender and delicious. Spectacular. Turkey- another 1000/10, it's so juicy and and tender. They season it but not heavily which is great since Turkey is a mild tasting meat. I would definitely get this again! Ribs- 6/10, and I love ribs. To me the seasoning on these was so thick it just overpowered the taste of the pork. All I could taste was pepper on it. It was good but I would personally pass on this item next time. Sausage- 1000/10, again so good. It was spicy due to the jalapeños but not overly, the cheese was nice and there was a good snap to the casing. The smoke added a nice touch to the fattiness of the sausage. Potato salad- 3/10, to me this was not a good take on potato salad. Not much texture in it like celery or something like that and all I could taste was vinegar. I like acid in my food but this is all I could taste. So it wasn't for me. Overall when I go next time I will be loading up on brisket, turkey and sausage! These items are amazing, maybe try another side, their beans looked really good. GO OUT AND EAT SOME BBQ!!

    Photos
    Franklin Barbecue - Dining room

    Dining room

    Franklin Barbecue - Pulled pork, cheddar jalapeño sausage, ribs, brisket

    Pulled pork, cheddar jalapeño sausage, ribs, brisket

    Franklin Barbecue - Ribs!

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    Ribs!

    Wu Chow - Vegetable Fried Rice

    Wu Chow

    3.9(1.2k reviews)
    10.4 miWarehouse District, Market District, Downtown
    $$

    What's. It to love? Amazing food. Outstanding playlist (think 90s hip hop but not played at an…read moreinsane decibel level!), amazing service, and tasty cocktails. Wu Chow hits the spot on manny levels. The patio is inviting and the interior is decorated nicely as well. The food reminds me of home cooking meets a new hotspot in atx! The staff does a great job of checking in on tables and making great recommendations for coursing plates for a group (including portions bc in Texas you never know!). I really liked their dumpling and the rest of the meal was tasty as well.

    I sure didn't enjoy my last visit here. We arrived there at 5:30 with a reservation for a group of…read more11. We let them know we all had tickets to the opera at 7:30 so it was our goal to be wrapping up by 6:45. By 6:35, my plate was still bare. By the time my food arrived, I had to just shovel it in and go to the opera with indigestion. My friend sitting beside me fared even worse. His food didn't arrive until we were all paying our bills and getting ready to depart so he just had to get his to go. There were nice aspects of the meal too. My food was hot and tasty, my Welcome To The Jungle drink was epic, and our server was pretty attentive. However, the timing of food coming out just made the experience a catastrophe for my friend and me and I hope to not return.

    Photos
    Wu Chow - Texas Tiki Week 2014 "Bull Mug"

    Texas Tiki Week 2014 "Bull Mug"

    Wu Chow - Crispy Sesame Beef

    Crispy Sesame Beef

    Wu Chow - Special Fried Rice - lots of meat, but lacking flavor

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    Special Fried Rice - lots of meat, but lacking flavor

    Shahi Cafè - halal - Updated May 2026

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