Hidden away at a quiet and peaceful street at Khayaban-e-Nishat is Tau, Karachi’s latest food offering. The restaurant offers local delicacies like varieties of BBQ and karahi, and some popular items like BBQ rolls, naan with different fillings and types of fries. Apart from the food, what’s particularly impressive about this restaurant is how they have spruced up the small space; it has the same area that most other new eateries have initially, one that holds a kitchen, a counter and sometimes a dine-in space for around 10 people. Tau is dimly-lit, fully air-conditioned, offers comfortable seatings, proper cutlery, servers in uniform, as well as take-out, dine-in and delivery services.

I started off with their cheese and kebab naans. The naans were very soft, piping-hot and had a delicious filling of simple cheese and well-marinated seekh kabab, each. I will make a special mention of their finger-licking chutney, a mix between sour imli and acidic red, garlic one, with a kick of spice in it. The naans and chutney are a meal on their own! I went for Handi Biryani, beef Bihari Kebab and Paneer Reshmi Chicken. Biryani-in-a-handi concept is a good way to make a menu-staple look and sound exciting. I particularly like this biryani because it wasn’t too hot and laden with spices like others offer – the chicken used in it is boneless and the spices are kept simple and tasty, to the point that even kids can enjoy it. Wrapped in a foil came the Bihar kabab; they were soft and well-seasoned, but I personally think that they could use just a bit more spice. The star of the meal was undoubt-edly the paneer reshmi handi; creamy and mildly spicy, the boneless chicken dish came sizzling to the table and did more than satisfy everyone. If you like trying out the same dish from different places to compare the taste, don’t miss Tau’s handi!•

TASTE

Most of the dishes I tried were a big hit. The chef deserves a pat on the back for making the food stand out, even when the dishes aren’t exclusive.

AMBIENCE

It is really impressive how well they have presented the space considering the small area. Not for a minute do you feel any inadequacy in the ambience. Kudos!

SERVICE

Even in a small space like this, there are multiple servers standing there throughout your meal and going in and out to serve you. They are courteous and on their toes if they see you in need of any assistance.

PRESENTATION

The food is perceivably mouth-watering even before it reaches the table for the strong aroma coming from the kitchen. But the presentation, simple at times, will kick your appetite up a notch.

VALUE FOR MONEY

Tau is one of the better new additions to Karachi’s food scene and definitely deserves a visit for everything it offers; the taste, service, ambience and value for money!