The area got its name from the lake (which is part of Karachi mangrove forests) which has been a favourite boating place. Later on, as the city got bigger the lake clear waters have changed to the today brown waters and the boating has ceased to be. The restaurants have been originally built to serve those who came for boating. Boat Basin has the most trendy restaurants and considered one of the main food streets in Karachi. Today the street is thriving with dozens of restaurants, out of which some are open non-stop. It is the most frequent eat-out place of Karachi for both the middle-class & upper class. Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Park also called Boat Basin Park is also located in Boat Basin.
There are several ethnic groups in the area including Muhajirs, Punjabis, Sindhis, Kashmiris, Seraikis, Pakhtuns, Balochis, Memons, Bohras Ismailis, etc. About 99% of the population is Muslim.
The Boat Basin, the water of which was once naturally replenished with fresh seawater because of its proximity to the sea is gradually drying up and turning into a cesspool due to unplanned constructions in the area blocking its access to the sea. Boat Basin is now famous for its restaurants. There are many national and international restaurants located at this area.
Karachi Broast (1982)
Jan’s Broast (1982)
Nihari Inn
Handi Inn
Thali Inn
Qasr e Al-Nakheel
S. Abdul Khaliq Sweets (1835)
Speciality of Boat Basin Food Street;
1- Handi (Clay Pot),
which was firstly introduced by Tandoori hut, Now available at several restaurants, but the most authentic one is Tandoori hut, In Handi, you can try the most popular & that are Chicken Makhani, Paneer Reshmi, Ch Tikka Masala, Daal Makhani, Palak Paneer & Vegetable Paneer Handi.
2- Barbecue,
It’s available almost every restaurant but there are some special places for it, like Tandoori BBQ which is barbecued in a clay oven it’s unique and only available at Tandoori hut, otherwise, there are plenty of restaurants for local barbecue like Baithak, Thali Inn, Khyber, Handi Inn & Cafe Peshawari.
3- Desi Breakfast,
Not all Market opens for breakfast & lunch, Only Dera Mattam, Handi Inn, Cafe Peshawari, Khyber, Master Broast & Tandoori Hut serves you the best breakfast in town, In desi breakfast, the best thing is Halwa Puri & Variety of Yummy Parathas.
4- Karahi
The best thing about karahi is it’s available almost everywhere in Pakistan and Boat Basin Food Street also have the most authentic karahi makers, Cafe Frontier, Tandoori hut, Baithak & Dera are top of them.
5- Shawarma,
Boat basin have the oldest shops for shawarma, the most authentic Lebanese shawarma only available at Tandoori hut & Qasr Al-Nakheel.
6- Fast food,
There are some of the best local joints for fast food like Karachi Broast, Chick N Chips, Mr Burger, Hanifia, Jan’s Broast & Cafe Roadside.
7- Bakery,
There are some delicious patisseries like Hobnob, Bakelious, Fam’s Patisserie, Marcel’s Patisserie & S. Abdul Khaliq Sweets.
8- Ice cream parlours,
The renowned ice cream parlours are Baloch Ice-Cream & Rajoo Ice-Cream and the new ones are Ice Dream gelato, Peshwari & Happy Rollies.
9- Nihari,
Nihari Inn is best nihari maker and which is quite good in taste too.
10- Bun Kebabs & Pan Shop,
There are many places who have pan & ci******es, and special ones are shirjan’s, 7-star, raja pan shop, and most popular bun kebab is tipu burger.
11- Biryani,
It’s the most popular food in Pakistan, and boat basin has many restaurants who offers biryani, like Jeddah Biryani, White Biryani, Student Biryani & the most unique one which in cooked and served in Clay Pot (Handi) is called Chilman Biryani which is available at Tandoori hut.
12- Desserts,
It’s the best thing to eat after a meal, there are plenty of shops for desserts like Hobnob, Bakelious, Baloch Ice cream, Ice Dream Gelato and even the Arabian Dessert also available at Tandoori Hut, which is called Basbousa.
13- Dine In & Outdoor,
The best dine-in places at boat basin are Tandoori Hut, Dera, Nihari Inn, Chick N Chips, Thali Inn, Balochi Sajji & Karachi Broast but boat basin food street is also quite comfortable & famous for their outdoor seatings.
via - Wikipedia
