Even though the dining room at Himalaya feels stuck in time, with plastic-covered tables and napkins made of air, there’s a particular charm to this classic Pakistani and Indian restaurant. Everything at this Mahatma Gandhi District spot is no-nonsense and unfussy, meaning you can settle in knowing you’ll be both taken care of and unbothered. Share a spicy, herbaceous chicken hara masala or the sweet mutton biryani with a side of warm, buttery garlic naan.

This Houston institution near the Southwest Freeway offers an Indo-Pakistani menu with a few Texas twists. Proprietor and Karachi native Kaiser Lashkari has been serving mouthwatering dishes for 30 years at the small strip mall restaurant that fills up quickly during peak hours. What the restaurant lacks in ambiance, it makes up for in delicious food.

Be sure to leave a full day just to make a small dent in the city’s diverse Asiatown. Highlights include two cavernous Chinese-Vietnamese dim sum buffets, Kim Son and Ocean Palace, spice specialist Mala Sichuan Bistro, Cantonese eatery Mein, vegan banh mi sandwich shop Duy Sandwiches, Korean barbecue newcomer Hongdae 33, and Viet-Cajun pioneers Cajun Kitchen and Crawfish & Noodles — tossing mudbugs in garlic butter as well as in citrus and Southeast Asian herbs like lemongrass and basil. And if you should find yourself on the west side of town, in the suburb of Katy, check out rising stars like Malaysian restaurant Phat Eatery and Money Cat, a Japanese small plate concept that integrates Houston’s multicultural flavors.

The small storefront in a bustling shopping center in Houston’s Indian-Pakistani business district belies this restaurant with a big menu, big flavors and the big personality of gregarious host and chef Kaiser Lashkari. Classic menu items like saag paneer and chicken tikka masala are consistently and deftly executed, but Lashkari’s restless inventiveness transforms the menu into a uniquely Houston creation exemplified by the addictive skinless whole fried chicken dusted with Indian spices and herbs. What to order: The deluxe BBQ/grill platter is a tour-de-force of tandoori-style cooking, featuring ground lamb and chicken seekh (skewer) kebabs, fragrant with onions and garlic.

In the heart of the Gandhi District, chef Kaiser Lashkari serves up unique takes on Indo-Pakistani cuisine. While Himalaya is known for its fusion dishes like the famous Indian-spiced Southern fried chicken, Indian quesadillas, and Pakistani pastrami (earning Andrew Zimmern’s and Anthony Bourdain’s stamps of approval), its more "traditional" fare is just as daring. Lashkari packs massive flavor in a tour of the subcontinent, offering curries from Hyderabad, Bombay, Punjab, and Peshawar, as well as seafood dishes, such as Goan salmon and shrimp curries.

For dinner where it feels like the owner has added you to his family, go to Himalaya, located in a strip mall in the International District. Featured by major foodie celebs, including Bourdain and Andrew Zimmern, this Indian-Pakistani restaurant run by Chef Kaiser Lashkari still remains true to its roots. Warm-hearted Lashkari is always quick with a wink and a joke, and the menu is filled with interesting dishes like beef tikka, Indian fried chicken, and Paratha-dilla (Indian quesadilla), stuffed with your choice of spicy fillings.

The Himalaya Restaurant is the perfect spot when it comes to the influence of culture, more specifically Indo-Pak cuisine. Visitors can experience this restaurant in the comfort of being Houston’s Best Indian and Pakistani cuisine Authentic Pakistani which offers Lunch, Dinner, and Take-Out, with a casual dining atmosphere wherever you go thanks to its Chef Kaiser Lashkari who offers Houston the richest Indian and Pakistani dishes with surprising combinations that please every taste bud.

What this Indo-Pak powerhouse lacks in curb appeal, it makes up for in flavor in a big way. Helmed by multiple James Beard Award-nominated Kaiser Lashkari, Houston's Himalaya Restaurant combines classic Indian and Pakistani dishes like spicy chicken kababs and biryani with dynamic fusion plates like masala-spiced whole fried chicken. With a popular pre-set lunch menu and equally loved BYOB policy with no corkage fee, the restaurant is abuzz with activity from open to close.

A customer reported experiencing extremely rude customer service when they called to place a take-out order. The unnamed woman put the customer on hold twice and hung up once, ultimately failing to take the order. This behavior is in stark contrast to other accounts of the service provided by this establishment, which have been described as attentive, efficient, courteous, and friendly by some customers.

Himalaya Restaurant is located in the heart of Houston and is known for its flavorful and authentic Indian cuisine. According to Thrillist, the menu features a variety of traditional dishes, such as Himalaya fried chicken that is spiced with masala making it extra-crispy. The garlic naan and curry dishes are also very popular among customers.

A more casual dining spot, Himalaya Restaurant serves a mix of Pakistani and Indian food. The menu includes dishes like Himalaya fried chicken, which is extra-crispy and spiced with masala. Some of the most popular dishes include the lamb Rogan Josh and the creamy Chicken Makhani.

The 2023 judges from left to right: Kaiser Lashkari of Himalaya Restaurant, Mark Holley of Davis Street at Hermann Park and Phaedra Cook of Houston Food Finder. Ryan Baker will judge on behalf of Houston Food Finder this year. Photo by Michael Fulmer.

This Indian restaurant is located in Houston, Texas, at the corner of Kirby and Shepherd. This is a part of the Memorial City center near The Galleria (mentioned above). Himalaya serves some of the most delicious food you can find in Houston.

Since 2004, Himalaya Restaurant has become one of the go-to Indian restaurants of Houston locals. The restaurant serves traditional Indian and Pakistani cuisine. You can choose seafood, vegetarian, and chicken selections on their menu.

I’ve eaten a lot of stuff on the menu at Himalaya (6652 Southwest Fwy), an Indian and Pakistani restaurant in a strip mall, and it’s all been great. But if it’s your first time trying the place, order the fried chicken.

6652 Southwest Fwy, Houston, TX 77074Phone: 713-532-2837 Visit Website. View this post on Instagram. A post shared by Himalaya Restaurant Houston (@himalayahouston)