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    Shahi Cafè

    4.1 (141 reviews)
    InexpensiveHalal, Indian, Buffets
    Closed 11:00 am - 10:00 pm

    Shahi Cafè Photos

    SHAHI CAFÈ ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Quiet
    Good for groups
    Good for kids

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    Recommended Reviews - Shahi Cafè

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    Honey Naan
    Sonia G.

    Found this authentic South Asian cuisine in a tiny strip on Austin's north side. If you blink, you will miss it. The Chicen Tikka was juicy,spicy and delicious and accompanied with cucumber salad and yogurt sauce. It appeared to have been grilled fresh and the platter was sufficient for two meals. I have never gotten so much naan with a meal and it was almost too much. It is attached to a grocery store so one can shop while waiting for a meal. There is a decent sized dining area.

    Chicken Biryani
    Shayer S.

    My previous review still remains true, however Shahi is the ONLY place in Austin to have Bangladeshi style Beef Tehari (call first and check, it's usually over the weekends) so I have to add a star just on that alone! Their catering prices are also reasonable and highly customizable. Chicken Roast, Korma Chicken and Shami Kababs are all really good.

    Mixed Plate - Beef and Chicken Kafta Kabab with Rice, Grilled Veggies, Salad and Cucumber Sauce
    Chanel M.

    Still on my adventurous kick I decided to try some Middle Eastern cuisine for lunch today after watching several Food Ranger episodes on YouTube lol. I did a little Yelp search and ended up at Shahi Cafe on North Lamar. I have to point out that upon entering the establishment there is a bit of an interesting smell, however, that's only because the Cafe is within the International Grocery/Meat Market. So don't let that deter you from trying the food out. I decided to try out a Mixed Plate which included a Beef and Chicken Kafta Kabab, Rice, Grilled Veggies (Onion, Tomato & Bell Pepper), Salad and Cucumber Sauce. The plate came with the choice of rice or naan but I knew I still wanted to try their Naan so I also picked one up. There was quite a bit of food stuffed into the plate. The kababs were tasty, tender and not too spicy. I can't say if I'd choose one over another because they were both good. The rice was fluffy and went so well with the grilled veggies. The salad consisted of cucumbers, onions and tomatoes and was such a nice, refreshing side with the kababs. I do wish I had asked for a little extra cucumber sauce because it was a great accompaniment to everything. The naan was huge and tasted like it was freshly baked. The prices were reasonable too... it was about $12 for everything. Definitely worth the try!

    Lyla A.

    *******DEFINITELY AS GOOD AS IT GETS!******** Thank you Yelp for another winner. I hit the search nearby feature while we were out of our 'hood' and found this place. We are of Indo-Pak descent and have eaten this food our entire lives (Mostly in Houston, where the options of Indian/Pakistan restaurants is endless) This place was out of their leagues. Just different and delicious. It may sound cliche but you could taste the love in the food. We ordered: beef & lamb schwarma platter - impressive and delicious. Tasted nothing like any other schwarma we've ever had. It tasted much more middle eastern with different flavors and very tender. Chicken tandoori kabob skewer - excellent - our almost 3 year old gobbled up every bit of it while dunking it in his dal (soup). The dal was exceptional. Such delicate flavors yet bursting full of them. I had the goat haleem. I mentioned that I couldn't eat beef due to an allergy and she said she could do a goat haleem. It was spectacular. Topped with fried onions, cilantro, fresh chopped ginger and very spicy chili peppers on the side if you wanted to add them. We also had baba ganouj and hummus. Both were the best I can remember eating anywhere (and I am kinda known for my homemade hummus!). Every single bite was delicious! I cannot wait to go back. A bonus is, I think it's one family who owns, cooks, and serves. They are so sweet and pleasant and helpful. :) A+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

    Chicken schwarma and chicken tikka.
    Calily B.

    Over the past few months, the restaurant has made small changes that are making a difference. The schwarma plate is now served on a bed of rice along with the two sides. The kebab plate is still the same but they actually lowered the price by $1 or so! it also appears that they have a few more sides added to the roster, which is always a plus.

    C J.

    Amazing! Tried their lunch buffet and was so blown away by how flavorful everything was. My vegetarian friends found a lot of options and was just as satisfied as I was. New fave lunch spot for sure! Follow me on Instagram for more gems

    Chicken shawarma or however it's spelled :-)
    Tiffany S.

    I've come here 3 times now and have never been displeased. Also, I've brought three different people here to try this place out each time and we've always gotten different dished and always are happy. This place is a little hidden and you could easily miss it if you are not looking for it or find it on yelp. It's located in a store right near the corner of Parmer and N. Lamar. They have daily specials M-F for $6.99 and their wraps are very good and inexpensive starting at $5.99. I've had their chicken shawarma, beef and lamb shawarma (amazing and worth the extra dollars), curry veggies, beef stew($5.99 with rice), dolma (grape leaf wraps), and their hummus and everything is amazing! They also have fresh meat that you can buy and they even do catering. You won't be sad that you found this place!! Do it!

    Nice decor

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    12 years ago

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    Jaymee I.

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    8 years ago

    Every time, Every thing awesome... Not a fancy place, but delicious, so better for lunch myb

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    12 years ago

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    12 years ago

    Very flavorful and fresh food, fast service, and friendly staff. This is good Mediterranean food at a great price.

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    9 years ago

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    11 years ago

    Single handedly the beast meat Samosas in town. Worth going out of your way for.

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    12 years ago

    The beef Shawarma wrap was delicious. I cannot wait to try everything on the menu!

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    Jaymee I.

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    7 years ago

    Food is terrible. Misleading posters. They advertise one thing, serve you another. And then they like to argue about it.

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    Page 2 of 4

    Ask the Community - Shahi Cafè

    Do they still have a buffet?

    Are there vegan options available?

    How is the buffet?

    It is kinda small, as far as buffets go, no kebabs on buffet, its definitely worth $8

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

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    Qi Austin

    Qi Austin

    4.4
    (900 reviews)
    10.4 mi
    $$
    Family-owned & operated
    Outdoor seating

    Went to Qi for dim sum brunch and overall had a really enjoyable experience. Qi is know for…read morecombining western and traditional Chinese cuisine by using local organic farming. Did not have a reservation on this occasion, but they always make me feel welcome and manage to fit us in. Sat on the outdoor covered patio that was cool and shaded. The atmosphere is modern and lively, making it a great spot for a weekend brunch. Started the meal with cocktails including Lycheetini with Deep Eddy Vodka, Giffard Lichi-li. lemon, cranberry, I cut the cranberry. Also had a Fresa Paloma with Socorro Reposado Tequila, Contratto, strawberry, lime, grapefruit, five-spice that was very sweet and garnished with a flower. You are given a card where you can mark your dim sum selections. I ordered the Shrimp Pancake, Snow Crab Ball and Chinese Sausage Sticky Rice. The standout was the shrimp pancake that had a really great texture and flavor. The snow crab ball had a strange texture with shrimp surrounding the snow crab claw. The Chinese Sticky Rice is always a favorite. Also ordered the Truffle Egg Fried rice and Birds Nest with Seasonal Vegetable. The Truffle rice is so flavorful like a flavor explosion in your mouth. The Birds Nest is made with fried potato shreds which contain the a variety of vegetables including cauliflower, peppers, mushrooms and asparagus. The nest is also edible and has a crunchy texture. The presentation of the food is amazing and everything came out hot and fresh. The flavors were on point, and you can tell there's attention to detail in the preparation. Service was attentive outdoors and the pacing of dishes felt just right for a relaxed brunch. This restaurant is truly a gem whether you come for brunch or dinner service. Will definitely be back.

    I met a couple of friends here last week for an early (before 5pm) get together that I thought was…read morea happy hour, but turns out they don't have happy hour so we paid regular prices. The place reminded me of Ling Wu in the Grove area because the decor looked similar. Maybe they are owned by the same people? Firstly, I was impressed with the fact they had a FREE parking garage nearby since this is in the downtown area and next to Whole Foods. It took me a bit to find it as I'm directionally challenged, but I did and was just running a bit late. We really enjoyed the food and cocktails. I got the Singaporean noodles, a mezcal drink, and a sake. The serving size was big so I had plenty to take home. We shared many of the other dumplings and dim sum items. Everything was very good! The place wasn't too crowded so after we paid our bill we sat around for a while longer to chat and catch up. Usually someone would come by to see if we needed or wanted anything further, but no one did so we kept chatting and left. I'm happy to know of a central location with easy parking as a future place to meet people. I wish they had a happy hour because the bill for 3 of us was unexpectedly higher than usual.

    Photos
    Qi Austin
    View from the Patio
    View from the Patio
    Qi Austin

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    Clay Pit

    Clay Pit

    3.9
    (2.2k reviews)
    9.6 mi
    $$

    I'm surprised this place doesn't have a higher rating because the experience a friend and I had…read morehere was one of the best experiences I've had with Indian food. The Chakra Martini was refreshing and had a perfect kick of heat. I love spicy food, but not spicy drinks. However, this was just enough heat with a delicious refreshing flavor, it's now one of my new favorite drinks. We started our food experience with the Dahi Puri, which were delightful, popping with flavor. Another new favorite. The main course we shared was the Khuroos-E-Tursh and it instantly became my new go-to dish when I go for Indian food. The magic in that was two-fold: chicken medallions stuffed with a creamy spinach, mushroom, and onion mix, and the pistachio-creamy korma sauce. Absolutely magnificent. Not only was the food a 10, the service was impeccable as well. I will call out that we sat at the bar instead of a table, but we were immediately greeted by the bartenders, who were conversational, charismatic, charming, and all-around helpful. I highly recommend Clay Pit and can't wait to go back for more.

    Celebrated an anniversary with an early dinner this week. Clay Pit is one of my favorite…read morerestaurants in Austin. The folks are friendly, the service as usual was exceptional, and food...so yummy. We started with the garlic naan as an app plus an espresso martini and a Mumbai Mule, we loved both. For dinner I had the butter chicken and my partner had the Biryani, plus an order of the cheesy garlic naan. We each loved ours, and took home enough food for two more meals. Took the chocolate cake to go, which also turned out to be delicious. Thumbs up all the way around. By the way, I used to work with a woman who moved here from India about 20 years ago. I asked her once what her favorite local Indian food was, and she said some Indians don't think it's traditional enough but my favorite is Clay Pit.

    Photos
    Clay Pit
    Clay Pit
    Clay Pit

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    Ciclo

    Ciclo

    4.1
    (113 reviews)
    10.7 mi

    Each year, my husband and I participate in Lent by giving up something meaningful, such as meat and…read moredesserts. Lent is a 40-day period of spiritual preparation for Easter, beginning on Ash Wednesday (symbolizing the need for repentance) and ending before Easter. Its main goals are reflection, repentance, and renewal. After observing Lent, our treat was brunch at Ciclo (Four Seasons Hotel). Ciclo hosted Easter Brunch and an Easter Egg hunt including the hotel's lake-level ballroom. The celebration included live music and lawn activities for hotel and brunch guests. The brunch included a cold buffet, hot buffet, carving station, benedict station, and dessert buffet. You also could order customized omelets from your table. Ciclo's brunch features gluten-free and vegetarian choices. OMG...the Four Season's Hotel and Ciclo restaurant looked as though a lush bright flowered garden had been quietly grown there. Flowers spilled over every surface from the hotel's entrance to the Ciclo restaurant out onto the patio. The floral arrangements were stunning. They also served as a beautiful backdrop for photos. In addition, we ran into ole friends at brunch, which was a pleasant surprise. The standout for us was the lamb chops (one of my favorites) and callosal-sized shrimp. The sweet potatoes and ham were memorable as well with perfectly spiced sweet potatoes. All desserts were good today, however, the Oreo cheesecake and sugar cookies were the highlights. Our server was so attentive and pleasant. Also, Abribal, the restaurant manager, came over to inquire about dining experience. Such excellent service... Dining a Ciclo today was superb! It was fantastic end to our Lenton season.

    Had an amazing experience at Ciclo. We were in town with friends attending an event. For some it…read morewas a return visit and they could not speak highly enough. Outstanding service provided by the staff. Denis was our tables primary attendant. He is super. He provides impeccable customer service which makes your experience even better. The garden backdrop to the restaurants decor is a perfect pairing. Our meals were excellent. We shared the Tomahawk in addition to our individual dishes. My salmon entree was really good. I'm calling it premium surf and turf. Great night with friends and dinner. Ciclo did not disappoint. Well done.

    Photos
    Dessert bar
    Dessert bar
    Tuna tostadas were tasty
    Tuna tostadas were tasty
    16 oz. Prime Bone-In Ribeye was delicious

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    16 oz. Prime Bone-In Ribeye was delicious
    Franklin Barbecue

    Franklin Barbecue

    4.5
    (6.5k reviews)
    10.0 mi
    $$$

    Prolly the best BBQ I've ever had in Texas. Heck, the best BBQ I've ever had anywhere…read more Worth the waiting in line on a hot and steamy summer afternoon, and forever grateful they didn't run out of brisket before we were able to get some. The staff were personable, considering his busy they were. So helpful and engaged with customers. That alone would bring you back. But the smoked meats are hard to beat! I mean, brisket is the movie star, but the sausage and pulled pork weren't to shabby either. Everyone should go here at least 1 time. Then you'll always know how to tell a good BBQ.

    I have had good BBQ brisket before, at least so I thought, until I had Franklin Barbecue. This was…read morethe best barbecue brisket and pork ribs I've ever had. We tried the brisket, the pork ribs and house sausage. The brisket and ribs were fall apart tender and impossibly moist. The moistness was what struck me as different and more delicious compared to other barbecued meats I've had. They did keep the meat wrapped in foil until presented to the customer, which must help. The brisket is only seasoned with salt and pepper so the flavor of the meat and smoke comes through. The ribs are also finished lightly with bbq sauce, still preserving the meat flavor. They do offer four different barbecue sauces that are quite delicious. Bread and pickles are free, as are ice and water. Line wait data point: Went on a Tuesday (they are closed on Mondays) got there at 12:20 PM and it took just 80 minutes to get through the line. Left just after 2pm and there was no line - and few if any meats left.

    Photos
    Inside
    Inside
    Ribs!
    Ribs!
    Front dining room

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    Front dining room
    Wu Chow

    Wu Chow

    3.9
    (1.2k reviews)
    10.4 mi
    $$

    A decent spot for Asian cuisine in Austin. It's a little pricey, but the happy hour menu seems like…read morea great way to sample a few dishes before committing to a full dinner. The xiao long bao were well made, and our group enjoyed the other dishes we ordered as well. They also have a solid cocktail menu, making it a good option for drinks and shared plates.

    We came to Wu Chow after reading all of the great reviews, and they definitely lived up to the…read morehype. The restaurant has a really nice atmosphere with lower lighting, comfortable seating, and beautiful window views that make for a relaxing dining experience. We were seated quickly, and the staff was excellent throughout our meal. Everyone was friendly, attentive, and happy to answer questions and offer recommendations. The food was so good that I barely had time to take photos before we started digging in! We ordered the soup dumplings, pork dumplings, sweet and spicy chicken with a side of white rice, and one of the beef dishes with vegetables. The soup dumplings were good, but they weren't quite as amazing as I expected based on all the reviews. The pork dumplings, on the other hand, were outstanding and one of my favorite items we ordered. The sweet and spicy chicken was absolutely delicious with great seasoning, and the beef with vegetables was equally flavorful and cooked perfectly. If you're visiting or staying in downtown Austin, I definitely recommend adding Wu Chow to your list. Great food, excellent service, and a wonderful atmosphere made for a memorable dinner.

    Photos
    Texas Tiki Week 2014 "Bull Mug"
    Texas Tiki Week 2014 "Bull Mug"
    Special Fried Rice - lots of meat, but lacking flavor
    Special Fried Rice - lots of meat, but lacking flavor
    Thyme Me Up Cocktail

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    Thyme Me Up Cocktail

    Shahi Cafè - halal - Updated August 2026

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