Overview
Lal Qila's dedication to Pakistani culinary excellence has attracted many of Australia's pickiest diners, including Neil Perry, Mark Nicholas, Mushtaq Ahmed and Greg Chapel. Now, the Surry Hills institution is bringing its uncompromisingly traditional flavours to inner-city mouths, with the opening of a second branch at King Street Wharf.
"We don't do fusion," said Namir Mirza, Lal Qila's founder and restaurateur. "We're about bringing the real flavours of Royal Mughlai cuisine to Sydney… It's about transporting the heat, passion and culture into our food, so that people feel like they're sitting in Pakistan for the evening."
You'll find the new Lal Qila at 30 Lime Street. Just as in Surry Hills, much-loved Pakistani classics dominate the menu, such as Chicken Karahi, a mild curry with coriander, cumin and a unique blend of spices, and Sultani Saag, a clay pot curry with baby spinach, ginger, garlic and spices. Match your choice with a traditional naan bread, be it chilli cheese, pashawari (stuffed with dried fruit, coconut and nuts) or a doughy rogani.
Bring your own wine or beer or go for a lassi, which comes in mango, sweet and salted varieties. Finally, polish your feast off with a dessert, like Khoye De Gulab Jamun — fried milk dumplings, soaked in sugar and cardamom syrup.
Lal Qila is open seven days a week for lunch and dinner. Find their King Street Wharf store at 30 Lime Street, and check out their website for more information.