Najia’s Pakistani Tawa and Grill, Solaris, Mont Kiara

Najia’s Pakistani Tawa and Grill 

Words: Rebecca Cannon
Photos: Rich Callahan

Having recently moved to Malaysia, I have enjoyed getting to know my way around curry. I have discovered the pleasure of learning the subtleties between Malay, Indian, Thai and more recipes from the region. Needless to say, I was excited to add Pakistani to my list with the opportunity to visit Najia’s Pakistani Tawa in Mont Kiara. However, it wasn’t just curry that expanded my palate; we delighted in a whole gastronomical tour.

Najia’s Pakistani Tawa and Grill Location

Driving through the swish neighbourhood of Solaris, Mont Kiara should have given me a heads up on the calibre of restaurant I was heading to. Walking into Najias’s Pakistani Tawa and Grill, the eye is caught by the riotously colourful feature wall on the left, and you cannot help but stop and gaze. This writer was incredibly thankful for the effect. It seems a year of almost never-ending lockdown has removed a lot of colour from the world. Owner, Najia, has smartly chosen to keep this level of décor to a single feature wall. Your eyes can take a break and instead take in the sleek hipster design, with a splash of Pakistani that dominates elsewhere.

The staff are handpicked by Najia herself to create a slice of home for her staff and customers. Whether the food is as authentic Pakistani as the name suggests, I, unfortunately, cannot pass judgement, having never been to the country. However, if this is what Pakistani food tastes like, I’ll be on the first plane there once borders open!

Najia’s dedication to her goal doesn’t just extend to her staff, who can helpfully guide you through the dish selection if you’re a complete novice like me (pulao, what?). Najia and her head chef spend months working and reworking recipes to get them just right. The rendition of nihari that made it to the menu, for example, took eight months to lock in! Many spices are imported to ensure flavours are authentic. The team attempts to offer dishes from multiple regions of the country, highlighting the diversity found within. 

Drinks Menu

We started with Mint Lemonade (RM 10) whilst we poured over the menu. I couldn’t help but keep coming back to this fresh homemade drink for someone who is not fond of mint and prefers water to lemonade. It was a perfect mix of refreshing and lightly sweet. Fresh juices, lassis and traditional coffees and tea are also available.

Pakistani Cuisine in Mont Kiara

Starters

After agonising over our dish choices, we decided to start with Pani Puri (RM 10) and Mixed Chaat (RM 14). For those of you not inaugurated to the Pani Puri club; Pani Puri is a crispy deep-fried flatbread filled with a spoonful of curried vegetables, to which you then pour in a mixture of sweet and spicy sauces in a ratio of whatever your taste buds desire. I cautiously added a teaspoon of each until Najia corrected me. The proper way to eat it is to fill it, so the sauce reaches the top. This way, you must quickly eat it in one bite, embracing the dripping trail you leave behind, and appreciating the explosion of liquid in the mouth. What an introduction!

Najia’s Pakistani Tawa and Grill caters to customers’ differing tastes without compromising on food quality. For example, many of the dishes, such as the Char Pai Dal (RM 12), come with a spicy sauce on the side and some dried chillies on top if you wish to add more heat. I found I preferred the spice level as served. Each recipe had its own zesty to fiery appeal without overpowering other ingredients.

Main Meals – Najia’s Pakistani Tawa and Grill

After our vegetarian starters, I was ready for the meat. The Kadhai Mutton Karachi (RM 32) and Tawa Keema Hari Mirch (28RM) did not disappoint. The Kadhai Mutton Karachi is served still sizzling in its pan, the meat already falling off the bones before melting further in your mouth. The Tawa Keema Hari Mirch pairs as perfectly as red wine and cheese with the Lahori Paratha (RM 5), a flatbread style. While we are talking bread, the Quetta Paratha (RM 6) is the star of the basket. Imagine a roti canai with less fat but the same wonderful swirl of flattened layers. 

Be warned with the Tawa Keema Hari Mirch (green chilli lamb). Before you break open those chilli pods, make sure you’ve swallowed your first mouthful. It starts off mild, but the heat increases quickly, reaching the back of your throat on the way down. A delight for lovers of spice, but if the heat catches you by surprise, pull off a piece of Roghni Naan (RM 6). The thicker bread will help bring the heat down. 

While there was much to love in this platter, the house speciality, Prawn Masala (RM 36), was the highlight. This dish brings joy to your entire mouth, from the crisp, firm prawns to the pleasant tingle dancing across the tongue. Our stomachs couldn’t help but be satisfied. The abundance of butter and cream not only makes it superbly tasty but also quite heavy. We think it best shared. 

Vegetarian Options

For the vegetarians amongst you, Najias’s Pakistani Tawa and Grill offers several vegetarian rice and curry options, including the Bhindi (okra) Masala (RM 14) and Char Pai Dal (RM 14). For me, the Char Pai Dal is a must. The mild, creamy flavour from the butter really shone through. That, combined with perfectly cooked and spiced split peas, made it highly satisfying.

Biryani

We wouldn’t have done justice to the restaurant without sampling some of the biryani. Najia instructs her chefs to cook each biryani ordered separately to ensure everyone who orders the Chicken Biryani (RM 25) gets the same number of juicy drumsticks and fat potatoes. The biryani can be ordered with any meat you like or as a vegetarian dish. Once again, there’s a side sauce if you want your biryani to be genuinely spicy.

Dessert

We finished off a wonderful feast with a serving of Malai Kulfi (RM 10). After all, who can resist what tastes like the happy love child of ice cream and a Turkish Delight?

Najia’s Pakistani and Tawa Grill Review

The team at Najia’s Pakistani and Tawa Grill aims to make Pakistani food so authentic that it transports nationals back to happy food memories from home. For me, however, new memories have been created. I won’t be able to eat Pani Puri again without thinking of my time spent chatting with Najia here. It was an excellent introduction to Pakistani cuisine and a journey I hope to further continue.

Reasons to visit Najia’s Pakistani Tawa and Grill: authentic Pakistani cooking in a relaxed and cheerful setting; several vegetarian options; all dishes are halal; Prawn Masala and Char Pai Dal are a must-try; reasonably priced; great service.

Najia’s Pakistani Tawa and Grill
6, Jalan Solaris 5, Mont Kiara,
50480, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
www.najias.com
www.facebook.com/najiaspakistan
+ 6 03-6206-1236
+ 6 019-2456 172

Najia’s Pakistani Tawa and Grill Opening hours
Tuesday to Sunday 10 am – 10 pm

Find more restaurants in Mont Kiara here and stay up to date with the latest happenings around Malaysia here and here.