A Pakistani restaurant in Strasbourg : Shahi Mahal

Shahi Mahal offers a wide selection of flavorful dishes from Pakistan and India in a relaxed atmosphere.

We had been craving Indian food for a while and headed to Shahi Mahal. Our meal in this long-standing Pakistani place in the heart of la Krutenau – right between the river Ill and the University of Strasbourg – really hit the spot for us.

There is a variety of Indian and Pakistani specialties on the menu: traditional starters, dishes with lamb, chicken or fish, vegetarian mains (with vegetables, lentils or paneer), biryanis (rice-based dishes made with 25 different spices), as well as different naans, chapatis and parathas (traditional round breads baked in a coal-fired oven).

Fritters (pakoras, samosas), curries, chicken tikka masala, butter chicken, lamb jalfrezi, daal (a classic lentil dish), grilled meats served still steaming and sizzing on hot pans… something to satisfy every taste. There are also several set menus.

The menu specifies that all the food is halal.

We both choose the same main course: butter chicken with naan (leavened flatbread made with white flour), with saffron basmati rice to share (1 serving of rice is enough for two).

The chicken, cooked in a tandoor (charcoal oven commonly used in the Indian subcontinent), is incredibly tasty and slightly charred.

We tear off pieces of bread to dip in the sauce, which is rich, creamy and lightly spiced. With its strong orange color, we challenge each other not to stain the crisp, white tablecloth. Stéphanie lost!

The saffron rice, cooked to perfection, goes perfectly with the curry.

We decide to finish our meal with a mango lassi – wonderfully fragrant and with a strong mango flavor.

Since its opening over 30 years ago, Shahi Mahal has been a solid spot for a delicious meal in the center of Strasbourg. Reservations are recommended.

We particularly enjoyed

• The no-frills, quick and efficient service
• The perfectly cooked tandoori chicken
• The indulgent mango lassi
• The simple interior with murals and objects from the Indian subcontinent (vases, pictures, statues of elephants and dromedaries…)

Shahi Mahal
📍9 rue des Orphelins, Strasbourg