Houston Restaurant Guide

I have been going to Shahnai since it opened and was just there again tonight. I've never written a review for it before, but really they deserve it, so I will! I've never been disappointed at Shanai. The buffet always has an ample selection which is neither overly oil-laden (as you often get with Pakistani food), nor overly spicy so that it is too hot for those not used to this type of cuisine. And yet it is flavorful and never tastes old either.

I would like to see more in the salad section of the buffet, but this IS Pakistani food, and I guess that's just the way it goes. More vegetables would also make it a healthier meal, but the dishes they do have are very tasty and always send me back for seconds. They also include the full range of soft drinks and several desserts with the buffet price of $8.99 (weekdays, $9.99 weekends). The kheer is exceptionally good! An unlimited supply of fresh, warm naan is delivered to your table as needed as well. What a deal! I've gone to other places and paid way more for less food that wasn't as good. Then I kick myself for not going to Shahnai in the first place.

I've always found the staff pleasant and helpful and the bread delivered or offered without having to ask.It doesn't have the ambience of a fine dining establishment (glass covered tabletops, little decoration, mediocre lighting, and a TV in the front room), but it's not horrible either and the food more than makes up for that to me. My hat's off to Shahnai for providing such great food for such a great price!