Lahori Grill and Karahi in Portsmouth is a colourful setting for Christmas parties, serving Pakistani and Lahori cuisine in a relaxed desi restaurant. Its menu of sharing platters, street food and charcoal-grilled dishes offers an alternative to the traditional festive roast. Large groups can book a table for a semi-private meal, while exclusive hire accommodates up to 38 seated guests.
The relaxed, child-friendly restaurant welcomes groups of colleagues, friends and family for festive meals. Inside, yellow, red and teal decor gives the dining room a vibrant feel, with large murals, Pakistani-inspired artwork and colourful textiles adding detail. Patterned traditional teapots are displayed on shelves around the room, adding to the homely feel.
Sharing platters and thalis bring together meat or vegetarian dishes with rice, naan and chutneys, making them a good option for larger groups. Smaller bites such as samosa chaat, vegetable pakoras and papads can begin the meal before a selection of curries and grilled dishes arrives for everyone to share.
Karahis are a speciality, featuring mutton, beef or chicken slow-cooked with aromatic spices. The kitchen follows traditional recipes, using carefully selected ingredients to prepare these signature dishes.
Chicken tikka boti, kebabs, lamb chops, salmon fillets and king prawns are cooked over the koyla charcoal pit. Biryanis and beef shin Kabuli pulao offer further choices, while paneer tikka wraps, onion pakora wraps, chana and aloo dishes broaden the vegetarian selection.
Desserts include kheer, a creamy rice pudding topped with pistachios and almond slivers, and gulab jamun served in rose and cardamom syrup.
Guests can bring their own alcohol for the celebration, allowing everyone to choose drinks to suit their tastes. The restaurant also serves lassis, soft drinks and mocktails, including pina coladas and virgin mojitos, alongside alcohol-free beer and cider. Chai, tea and coffee are available to accompany dessert or finish the meal.