Basti is a food street in Rawalpindi, Pakistan, that offers a unique dining experience with a village theme and authentic flavors. Basti, which means a small settlement or hamlet, is a place where you can indulge in rural charm and enjoy traditional dishes like biryanis, kebabs, and desserts. Whether you are looking for a casual meal, a family outing, or a special occasion, Basti has something for everyone.
What makes Basti different from other food streets?
Basti is not just a food street, but a cultural hub that showcases the diversity and richness of Pakistani cuisine. Here are some of the features that make Basti stand out from the crowd:
- Ambiance: Basti is designed to resemble a typical Pakistani village, with mud houses, thatched roofs, lanterns, and colorful decorations. You can sit on charpoys (traditional beds), dine under the stars, or enjoy live music and performances by local artists. Basti also has a kids play area, a mini zoo, and a souvenir shop for your entertainment and convenience.
- Menu: Basti offers a variety of dishes from different regions and communities of Pakistan, such as Sindhi, Balochi, Punjabi, Pashtun, Kashmiri, and Mughlai. You can savor the spicy and aromatic biryanis, the succulent and tender kebabs, the creamy and sweet desserts, and many more delicacies that will tantalize your taste buds. Basti also caters to vegetarians, vegans, and gluten-free customers with a range of options to suit their preferences.
- Quality: Basti prides itself on using fresh and organic ingredients, sourced from local farmers and suppliers. The food is prepared by experienced and skilled chefs, who follow the traditional recipes and methods of cooking. Basti also maintains high standards of hygiene and cleanliness, ensuring that you have a safe and satisfying dining experience.
- Service: Basti is more than a food street, it is a family. The staff at Basti are friendly, courteous, and attentive, they treat you with respect and hospitality. They are always ready to assist you with your orders, queries, and feedback. They also provide you with complimentary items, such as salads, raita, chutneys, and water, to enhance your meal.
How to visit Basti?
Basti is located on Main Boulevard, Phase 4, Bahria Town, Rawalpindi, Islamabad. You can easily access it by car, taxi, or public transport. Basti is open from 12 pm to 12 am, seven days a week. You can also make reservations online or by phone if you want to avoid the rush or plan a special event. Basti also offers delivery and takeaway services, if you want to enjoy the food at your home or office.
What are some of the best dishes to try at Basti?
Basti has a wide range of dishes to suit every palate and occasion. Here are some of the most popular and recommended dishes to try at Basti:
- Chicken Biryani: Biryani is a rice dish that is cooked with meat, spices, and herbs. It is one of the most famous and loved dishes in Pakistan, and Basti makes it with perfection. The chicken biryani at Basti is made with basmati rice, tender chicken pieces, saffron, nuts, and raisins. It is served with raita (yogurt sauce) and salad and is enough for two to three people.
- Mutton Karahi: Karahi is a dish that is cooked in a wok-like pan, with meat, tomatoes, onions, ginger, garlic, and green chilies. It is a spicy and flavorful dish that is best enjoyed with naan bread or roti. The mutton karahi at Basti is made with fresh and juicy mutton, cooked in a rich and thick gravy. It is garnished with coriander and lemon and is enough for two to three people.
- Seekh Kebab: Seekh kebab is a dish that consists of minced meat, mixed with spices and herbs, and grilled on skewers. It is a succulent and tender dish that melts in your mouth. The seekh kebab at Basti is made with beef, lamb, or chicken, and is served with mint chutney and onion rings. It is a great starter or snack and can be eaten with naan bread or paratha.
- Gulab Jamun: Gulab jamun is a dessert that consists of fried balls of dough, soaked in sugar syrup. It is a sweet and soft dish that is a perfect end to a meal. The gulab jamun at Basti is made with khoya (milk solids), flour, and cardamom, and is dipped in rose-flavored syrup. It is served hot or cold and can be eaten with ice cream or cream.
Why should you visit Basti?
Basti is a food street that offers you a unique and memorable dining experience, with a village theme and authentic flavors. You can enjoy the ambience, the menu, the quality, and the service, that make Basti different from other food streets. You can also try some of the best dishes, such as chicken biryani, mutton karahi, seekh kebab, and gulab jamun, that will make you come back for more. Basti is a place where you can celebrate your culture, your taste, and your life. So, what are you waiting for? Visit Basti today, and discover the true essence of Pakistani cuisine.
