Have you ever heard of getting on a train that doesn’t take you anywhere? With Café Bogie, located right in the midst of the ever hustling and bustling I.I Chundrigar Road, you can catch a train just to relax, have a good time and of course, enjoy delicious food. Innovatively transforming a few rail cars at Karachi city railway station into a restaurant has given Karachiites something exciting to try out. The compartments there are labelled after cities, such as ‘Lahore’ (the biggest one), ‘Sahiwal’ and ‘Multan’. One of the compartments is occupied by a pizza oven. Entering the café, the takht settings and décor gives one an image of an entertainment centre perhaps in a village. There are board games available as well as a small stage and music system set up for visitors’ entertainment while they enjoy their favourite delectables in pleasant air under the open sky. During the day, however, one could occupy one of the air-conditioned train coaches that are good to host around 10 persons. I ordered their red chicken karahi and a mixed bar-b-que platter. The chicken, albeit a bit oily and slightly high on salt, was too tasty to stop oneself from keep having more servings. The masala was a bit less in proportion to the perfectly cooked chicken, or may it just felt that way because I wanted more of it. The fresh rotis made the dish taste even better. The platter, too, had meat grilled to perfection. The half serving that is easily enough for two to three persons had a combination of four different types, including bone-in chicken, seekh and boti. The flavours were all balanced with herbs and spices, the bar-b-que was soft and juicy and each had its own distinct flavour. This platter is definitely a must-try there. Hopefully, the restaurant will now work on their menu for drinks.

Location: City Station, I.I Chundrigar Road, Karachi
Average cost for 2: PKR 500-700

TASTE
From the imli sauce served with the grilled meat to the piping hot rotis, everything was finger-licking good! Café Bogie surely takes you aboard a gastronomical journey on a train of which you just don’t want to get off.

AMBIENCE
The bogies at the café are incredibly peaceful and a perfectly private way to enjoy a good meal with some company. But even the outside seating arrangement comfortable enough to just hang out with friends in open air.

SERVICE
The service there is up to the mark, too. Servers keep checking in with you if you are inside the bogie and make sure you get what you want without delay.

PRESENTATION
Café Bogie gets a pass on this one, as most of its dishes are desi, with some even served directly in the karahi they are cooked in. There is only so much you can do to present a black wok.

VALUE FOR MONEY
One of the best things about the restaurant is how light it is on the pocket. This is easily the place where you could head to when you feel like going out for good food that won’t mess up your monthly budget.