Qasim Restaurant

I went to Qasim’s as a food reporter, a fellow called Lon Binder took me. Qasim, the proprieter, is a class act — cabbies all over the city call out his name joyfully. He gets spices from Spain, his cook worked for the army, the place is on Soul Food AND Kosher food tours as it is so Halal. This food is such a cut above that I’m mostly missin’ out by living in the EV and not making it a destination dining spot. They have a lot of seating room, whereas a lot of Pakistani places are small take out spots where one can feel invasive cutting into important break and bonding time for the homesick. If I ever get married, Qasim’s is so there.

I’ve been here twice now, each time leaving 110% satisfied and %200 stuffed… The managers are really nice, and the woman who works behind the counter is almost unbelievably sweet and patient and generous… For main dishes I’ve had the lamb biriyani, the chicken tika masala, the lamb kidneys, the stewed goat, and the curry fish… For side dishes I’ve had the chicken kebab, the beef kebab, the meat samosa, the vegetable samosa, the lentil soup, the black-​eye-​peas, the eggplant, the cauliflower, basmati rice, and a roti… All the food is really good… They always bring you out a complementary rice-​cake desert sort of thing, plus a huge pitcher of water… The atmosphere is very calm and relaxed, non-​judgemental, they sort of spoil you with little treats and goodies, but they’re never ever smothering or invasive.

Bones in the boneless chicken! Bones in the boneless chicken! That makes me so mad.