Z Q
We drove 40 minutes to dine here and unfortunately had a very disappointing experience. We ordered the Chapli Kabab and Charsi Lamb Karahi, but neither dish reflected authentic flavors or preparation. The Chapli Kabab tasted more like deep-fried beef patties—overcooked, chewy, and lacking any distinct seasoning. The Charsi Lamb Karahi was similarly underwhelming, resembling a generic curry with tough and dry pieces of meat rather than the tender, flavorful Charsi style it’s known for.
While the restaurant has clearly invested in its décor and ambiance, it seems little attention has been given to the quality of food or the skill of the kitchen staff. Additionally, an 18% service charge was automatically added to the bill, even for a takeout order, which was quite disappointing.
I wouldn’t mind paying a premium for excellent food and service, but in this case, neither met expectations.
… moreHuma Hanif
We have been regular customers at Shinwari in Falls Church for a long time. My husband has always loved their food, But this time our experience was extremely disappointing and honestly concerning.
We ate there last night and brought some leftovers home. When reheating the food today, we found a cockroach inside the dish. I have attached the pictures for proof. This is not something that can be ignored, it directly raises questions about the cleanliness and hygiene in the kitchen.
… moreSadia Saqib
Food was good but very poor customer service. Serving plates are dessert size & preset on all tables calling for all kinds of dust and germs. Ordered chai, was good chai however the cracked mug was a disappointment. Told the waiter who took our payment and he was unfazed. No apologies. Customers service: walked in and instead of being welcomed, we gave them salaam. Didn’t hear a response. Leaving we didn’t get a thank you from anyone. Although we passed a group of the waiters and possibly the manager or owner sitting and chatting. This is while customers are waiting for a waiter. When leaving the heard another customer complain that she has asked for something 3 times and still haven’t received anything. Smells:: although they theme is nice of showing Pakistani truck culture, the place smells moldy like smell.
… moreSam Sung
If Gordon Ramsay walked in here, he’d faint — and not because of the spices. The carpets look like they were last cleaned during the Mughal Empire. The windows have dust so thick you could write an entire novel on them. Cobwebs everywhere — I thought I was dining with Spider-Man’s cousins.
Now, let’s talk about their so-called “Charsi Lamb Karahi”.
Real charsi karahi: tomatoes, oil, magic.
Their version: onion paste and confusion.
If the dining area looks like this, I don’t even want to imagine the kitchen.
One visit was enough for a lifetime. Never again
… moreNaima Rauf
It wasn’t that busy when I visited, I got my food in a decent amount of time. The karahi was just fine. But the decency changed when I was shown the bill just on the card machine (receipt wasn’t presented even) and there is a hugeeee service charge! I did not see any mention of it on their menu even. It definitely wasn’t worth my money. The atmosphere should align with the taste and amount you’re charging people. I won’t be going again.
… moreMike Mills
I heard of Shinwari from some friends that enjoyed it so I decided to invite another couple to dine with us. We couldn’t have been happier! The food was fresh, looked amazing, and was perfectly seasoned. We had a variety of meats, exceptional rice, naan, sweet rice and rice custard desserts as well as a very refreshing mint beverage. Service was impeccable and very attentive to our questions as to selection and spice levels. We will absolutely be returning with more friends to enjoy this outstanding Pakistani restaurant. Well done, Shinwari!!
… moreDr Abdul Bari
It was a wonderful experience to have food at this restaurant. Ambience is exciting. Very well decorated restaurant with pakistani pottery, art, and pictures. Different types of memes. Different types of sitting arrangements, chair and table, sofa, etc. The food was equally good. Their Charsi lamb karahi and chicken boti were excellent. Naan was also very good. Mango lassi was excellent.
Highly recommended.
… moreImran Ali
I used to visit this restaurant often, but unfortunately, the food quality has declined. It no longer feels like the same place. We went there for Iftar today and were a bit disappointed. The lamb Charsi Karahi was not up to the mark, and the Charsi Tikka was completely dry and stuck badly to the skewer. The only dish we enjoyed was the Chapli Kababs.
Additionally, they need to improve cleanliness—I saw some servers wiping tables and carelessly throwing trash onto the carpet. And to top it off, their prices are quite high for the quality of food they serve.
… moreSyed Abdul Khaliq
As always, amazing food and respectful staff. Would definitely recommend this restaurant who wants to eat authentic Pakistani food. We always stop by Shinwari whenever we are in Falls Church area.
Note – tables are usually available but expect some delay in food, as everything is cook to order and fresh.
… moreAkmal Awan
It is just big name a heard a lot. Family platter was useless all items were deep fried. Like Punjabi restaurant. Chaplin kebabs are available in the market better than shinwaris, they are using fountain soda which was flate no bubbling no sparkling. We again order for soda we ask for soda can but not available. Nothing was matched with Shinwari.
Environment was very congested. Lot of colored useless photo frames were covered all walls. Every where it’s printed like walls carpet even Laltain was painted. Nothing were original. Food taste was so so. Little bit expensive. 18% service charge fee.
They just show your food amount and you paid happily but after that they added Taxes and service charge. When you pay it was difference of almost 100 dollars.
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