Trying Pakistani food for lunch for the first time can feel exciting, but a large menu can also make choosing difficult. So, what should you order for Pakistani lunch? A great first meal can include grilled chicken, kebabs, flavorful rice, naan, Chana Masala, and other savory dishes that introduce you to different Pakistani flavors without requiring you to know the cuisine beforehand.
At Shahi Nihari & Chopsticks in Villa Park, the current Desi Lunch Special makes exploring several flavors especially easy. Diners choose two items served with Chana Masala, rice, and naan.
Here are 10 lunch choices first-time diners can consider, from creamy Chicken Malai Boti to Seekh Kebab and Chicken 65.
What Is a Pakistani Lunch Like?
Pakistani lunch can include grilled meats, kebabs, curries, rice, lentils or chickpeas, vegetables, and fresh bread. However, there is no single meal that represents every Pakistani lunch.
Different dishes also provide very different experiences. Some focus on grilled meat and smoky flavors, while others feature masala, sauces, or warming spices.
For beginners, choosing a few contrasting items is one of the easiest ways to discover what you enjoy.
What Should a First-Time Diner Order for Pakistani Lunch?
A first-time diner can start with Chicken Malai Boti or Chicken Boti for grilled chicken, add a kebab such as Seekh Kebab or Reshmi Kebab, and enjoy the meal with naan, rice, and Chana Masala.
Those who prefer stronger or spicier flavors can explore options such as Chicken 65 or Frontier Chicken.
Here are 10 dishes and lunch choices worth considering.
1. Chicken Malai Boti
Chicken Malai Boti is an excellent starting point for diners who prefer creamy, tender, and flavorful chicken rather than intense chili heat.
“Malai” refers to cream, and Malai Boti generally uses a creamy marinade to create a softer flavor profile. The grilling process adds another dimension to the chicken.
If you are new to Pakistani grilled food, Chicken Malai Boti can provide an approachable introduction.
2. Chicken Boti
Chicken Boti offers bite-sized pieces of seasoned chicken with the character of Pakistani grilled food.
Compared with creamy Malai Boti, regular Chicken Boti can provide a different balance of seasoning and grilled flavor.
Choosing Chicken Boti alongside another item also lets beginners experience more than one style in the same lunch.
3. Seekh Kebab
Seekh Kebab is another classic choice for diners exploring Pakistani food.
Seasoned minced meat is shaped around a skewer and cooked until flavorful. The result combines savory meat, spices, and grilled character.
Seekh Kebab pairs naturally with naan, rice, and Chana Masala, making it a useful choice for a complete lunch.
4. Reshmi Kebab
Reshmi Kebab is a good option for someone who wants to compare different kebab styles.
The word “reshmi” means silky, which reflects the softer character associated with this style of kebab.
A combination of Reshmi Kebab and Seekh Kebab can be particularly useful for a first-time diner because it highlights how two kebabs can deliver different textures and flavors.
5. Chicken 65
Diners who enjoy bolder seasoning can consider Chicken 65.
Chicken 65 is known for its punchier flavor profile and provides a noticeable contrast to milder grilled options such as Chicken Malai Boti.
If your goal is to experience different flavors during one lunch, pairing Chicken 65 with a milder item can create a balanced combination.
6. Frontier Chicken
Frontier Chicken gives diners another chicken option when they want to move beyond familiar grilled choices.
Because seasoning and preparation can vary, first-time diners should ask about the current preparation if they have specific preferences regarding spice.
Pairing Frontier Chicken with naan, rice, and Chana Masala creates a filling lunch with several textures on the plate.
7. Chicken Koobideh
Chicken Koobideh provides another grilled-meat option for diners who prefer chicken.
Its minced-meat format makes it different from pieces of Chicken Boti or Chicken Malai Boti, giving first-time diners another texture to explore.
It also works naturally with rice and naan.
8. Beef Koobideh
If you prefer beef, Beef Koobideh offers a savory alternative to chicken.
Choosing Beef Koobideh with a chicken item can help you compare two different proteins during the same meal.
For example, Beef Koobideh and Chicken Malai Boti can provide contrasting flavors and textures while still pairing well with the same sides.
9. Gyro Meat
Gyro Meat is another option on the current lunch selection at Shahi Nihari & Chopsticks.
It works particularly well for diners who enjoy seasoned sliced meat and want something familiar alongside Pakistani-style sides such as Chana Masala, rice, and naan.
A spicy version is also available for diners who prefer additional heat.
10. Chicken or Steak Pilly Meat
For diners looking for something different, the lunch selection also includes Chicken Pilly Meat and Pilly Steak Meat.
These options broaden the lunch selection beyond traditional kebabs and boti dishes and give groups with different preferences more choices.
Before ordering, ask about the current preparation if you want details about flavor or spice level.
What Comes With the Desi Lunch Special at Shahi Nihari & Chopsticks?
The current Desi Lunch Special lets diners choose two items served with Chana Masala, rice, and naan.
The listed Desi Lunch Special runs on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday from 11:30 AM to 3:00 PM.
Because restaurant menus and specials can change, check the current lunch page or contact the restaurant before visiting.
What Are the Best Lunch Combinations for First-Time Diners?
If you are unsure what to choose, start by combining two items with different flavor profiles.
For a Milder First Lunch
Try Chicken Malai Boti + Reshmi Kebab. This combination is a good starting point for diners who prefer softer flavors.
For a Classic Grilled Combination
Try Chicken Boti + Seekh Kebab. You get two different styles of grilled meat while keeping the meal easy to enjoy with naan and rice.
For Someone Who Likes Bolder Flavor
Try Chicken 65 + Seekh Kebab. Chicken 65 provides a punchier flavor while the kebab gives the meal a savory grilled element.
For Chicken and Beef Together
Try Chicken Malai Boti + Beef Koobideh. This combination lets you compare different proteins, textures, and seasonings.
What Is Chana Masala?
Chana Masala is a savory chickpea dish seasoned with spices and aromatics.
It adds a plant-based component to the lunch plate and works well with both rice and naan. It also provides a different texture from grilled meats and kebabs.
Should I Eat Pakistani Lunch With Rice or Naan?
You do not necessarily have to choose between them.
Rice provides a soft base for meats and Chana Masala, while naan makes it easy to scoop up different components of the meal.
Since Shahi’s current Desi Lunch Special includes both rice and naan, first-time diners can try each pairing and decide which they prefer.
Is Pakistani Lunch Very Spicy?
Not every Pakistani dish is extremely spicy. Pakistani cuisine uses spices for aroma, warmth, and flavor as well as heat.
For example, Chicken Malai Boti can provide a different experience from a dish with a stronger chili profile.
If you do not normally eat spicy food, ask about the current preparation before ordering and begin with a milder option.
What Should I Order If I Don’t Like Spicy Food?
For a first lunch, consider starting with options such as Chicken Malai Boti or Reshmi Kebab, while confirming the current spice level when ordering.
Rice and naan can also complement the main items and give you several flavors and textures within one meal.
What Should I Order If I Love Spicy Food?
If you enjoy more noticeable heat and bold seasoning, consider Chicken 65 or ask about the Spicy Gyro Meat.
Since preparations can change, asking about the current spice level remains the best way to choose according to your heat preference.
Should I Try Nihari for Lunch?
Nihari can also introduce diners to a completely different side of Pakistani cuisine.
Unlike grilled boti and kebabs, Nihari features tender meat and rich, deeply seasoned gravy. Diners traditionally enjoy it with bread and fresh garnishes.
If you have never tried it, read What Does Nihari Taste Like? and Is Nihari Spicy? before ordering.
What Other Pakistani Foods Should Beginners Try?
Pakistani cuisine extends well beyond lunch specials. Biryani, Nihari, karahi, BBQ, Haleem, and traditional breakfast dishes all provide different ways to explore the cuisine.
For a broader introduction, see our guide to what to order at a Pakistani restaurant for the first time.
You can also explore the Shahi Nihari & Chopsticks menu for additional choices.
Where Can I Get Pakistani Lunch in Villa Park?
Shahi Nihari & Chopsticks is located at 541 W North Ave, Villa Park, IL 60181 and serves Pakistani, Indian, and Indo-Chinese selections.
The restaurant uses HFSAA Certified Halal meat. The current Desi Lunch Special is listed for Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday from 11:30 AM to 3:00 PM.
Visit the Lunch Special Menu before your visit to confirm current hours, selections, and availability.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pakistani Lunch
What should I order for Pakistani lunch for the first time?
Chicken Malai Boti, Chicken Boti, Seekh Kebab, or Reshmi Kebab can provide an approachable introduction. Pairing two different items with rice, naan, and Chana Masala lets you experience several flavors in one meal.
What is a good Pakistani lunch for someone who doesn’t like spicy food?
Consider Chicken Malai Boti or Reshmi Kebab and ask about the current spice level before ordering. Recipes and preparations can vary.
What should I order if I like spicy Pakistani food?
Chicken 65 or Spicy Gyro Meat may appeal to diners who enjoy stronger flavors and heat. Ask about the current preparation when ordering.
What is Chicken Malai Boti?
Chicken Malai Boti is a creamy style of marinated chicken that offers a softer flavor profile than many chili-forward dishes, making it a popular choice for diners exploring grilled South Asian food.
What is Seekh Kebab?
Seekh Kebab consists of seasoned minced meat shaped around a skewer and cooked for a savory, spiced, grilled flavor.
What is Reshmi Kebab?
Reshmi Kebab is a softer style of kebab. Its name refers to a silky character, and it can be an approachable choice for first-time diners.
What comes with the Desi Lunch Special?
The current Shahi Nihari & Chopsticks Desi Lunch Special allows diners to choose two listed items served with Chana Masala, rice, and naan.
When is the Desi Lunch Special available?
The current menu lists the Desi Lunch Special on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday from 11:30 AM to 3:00 PM. Check the current lunch menu before visiting because restaurant specials can change.
Is Pakistani lunch always spicy?
No. Pakistani dishes vary considerably in heat level. Spices also create aroma and flavor, so a heavily seasoned dish does not necessarily have to be extremely hot.
Where can I try Pakistani lunch in Villa Park?
Shahi Nihari & Chopsticks serves Pakistani food at 541 W North Ave, Villa Park, IL 60181. Check its current Lunch Special Menu for available lunch selections.
Try Pakistani Lunch in Villa Park
Your first Pakistani lunch does not need to be complicated. Choose two contrasting items, try them with rice, naan, and Chana Masala, and pay attention to the flavors and textures you enjoy most.
For beginners, combinations such as Chicken Malai Boti and Reshmi Kebab or Chicken Boti and Seekh Kebab provide an easy introduction. Diners who prefer bolder flavors can explore Chicken 65 and other seasoned selections.
Visit the Shahi Nihari & Chopsticks Lunch Special Menu to check the current selections before visiting.
