Vardigan
Pakwan
is a great place for an introduction to fine tandoori cooking, if
you ask me. While Shalimar (previously reviewed)
was a tornado and a smokestorm -- in the venue and in the mouth --
Pakwan delivers a tamer atmosphere and taste. The tandoori lamb was
the winner, here. Not quite as spicy as Shalimar, and not as delicious
-- but still great.
Chicken
Masala was good but I would have liked a little more punch. A faithful
standby, though, and we all dipped our nan in the plentiful sauce
-- a nice bonus.
The
spinach and potato appetizer, well, I thought it was pretty good.
I think I remember Judge Turner comparing its flavor to pumpkin pie.
While this may seem bizarre, bizarre comparisons seemed to be going
around, because I found the Bihari Kabab's texture reminiscent of
the shredded beef jerky I chewed as a child, pretending it was tobacco
chaw. Also, it seemed almost like it had...already been chewed. A
very odd feeling. A little off-putting. But great flavor.
Don't
let these comments dissuade you from eating at Pakwan. It's a winner
and a nice addition to the already bountiful 16th Street eating area.
McClure
We
went for a range this session, three meat dishes, chicken, lamb &
beef, with a vegetarian thrown in for good measure. Oooh, the Chicken
Tikka Masala was oh so good. Tender, melt in your mouth chunks of
chicken in a creamy sauce that is nicely spiced. The sauce makes for
great dippin' with the Nan. Now, if you like hot as in spicy the Tandoori
Lamb Chop will do you just fine. It's the priciest item we ordered
and there could have been a bit more lamb on the plate, three hunks
for $8, but it's worth getting a bite or two. The Bihari Kabab, our
beef dish, was a bit odd. The beef was tender but it also had a kind
of chalky texture. Not bad but another beef dish may be a better choice,
you tell me. If you like spinach and potatoes order the Aloo Palak
and that's what you'll get. It's not a spicy dish but it compliments
the fire you get from the others.
Our
meal, the four dishes plus bread and rice, ran about 30 bucks, not
a bad price. I think we all could have used a few more forkfuls but
it's hard to not want more tasty Indian food. Like other inexpensive
Indian joints you order at the counter and pay on the way out. Oh
yea, bring your own beer if you like. I noticed they have other locations
in the area so although I can't vouch for the others if you are ever
in Hayward check out Pakwan. If you are in the Mission....well, eat
out at Pakwan.
Turner
Judge McClure's
pick was Pakwan Pakistani Indian Restaurant. And by gum, it was good.
Moderately priced and fairly fast service. The service being you walking
up to the counter. Hey, it saves on the tip. Fairly loud and chaotic,
but nowhere near the smoky chaos of Shalimar.
We got a good sampling, although missed the tandoori chicken. The
Aloo Palak (potatoes and spinach) was good, but pretty sweet, and
tasted a bit like pumpkin pie. The Bihari Kabab ("very tender beef
marinated in a very special blend of spices & grilled on skewers")
was so-so in my view. Kind of mushy, in a dogfood sort of way. Not
bad, mind you. The Tandoori Lamb Chops were riotously seasoned and
delicious, but so flippin' spicy I felt like I'd taken a header into
the tandoor after a few bites. I know I've got a sensitive palate,
but even my fellow judges had to admit that they were hotter than
the hinges of Hell. Good though.
The Chicken Tikka
Masala had that yogurty sauce that helped ease the mouth-fire. Very
good dish, that one. The basmati rice was good. The nan (bread) was
very good, as well. All in all pretty darn good.
If I had a complaint
it would be the portions. Eight bucks for the chops, and we only got
three fairly small units. And the Tikka Masala was not exactly generous,
either, at seven bucks. So, it's not a super-bargain place, but definitely
affordable and good. And as the menu says: catering available for
"wedding, birthday, graduation parties and all other families ceremonial
function." What more do you want?
