Shaikhs is the new baby in Kolkata. And it’s one of those rare, rare restaurants, which serve beef items, other than the usual biryani, bhuna, and champ. It’s a new one, probably not even a year old. But I sincerely feel, few kids develop good positive traits faster than the older ones. And shaikhs is definitely among them. The location is a bit difficult to find. And though there is valet parking available, I won’t suggest taking your car there- unless you’re super confident on your driving skills, or have a driver at your disposal.
Location and ambiance
If you’re coming from the Park Circus 7 points crossing, you need to cross Quest Mall and turn right from the immediate traffic signal. Go towards Dhangar Bajaar and at around 100 meters, lies this joint on the crossing. The location is marked clearly on Google and Please check the location on Google map here
It’s a no-frills joint. I guess, it started as a take-away joint, with a few plastic chairs on the pavement- or so it seemed. But they recently took larger space and the indoor is an AC section. I personally preferred the outdoor sitting- service is faster and in the evening, it’s definitely a better arrangement. Go to shaikhs with no expectation of a fine dining restaurant, and you won’t really mind.
Starters at Shaikh
starters at this Shaikhs restaurant is pretty interesting. And let me be honest here. They serve beef and chicken here- even as Shawarma. And shawarma stands are right there, while entering the AC section. But don;t bother about them. Find your chairs and order for some Masala Thums Up. Your next job would be to go through the menu. Now, here’s something I personally didn;t lilke. The menu at Shaikhs is quite big- unnecesarily big, in fact- and confusing. I presume, if you’re at Shaikhs, because you’re a bovine meat lover. And hence, straight go towards the Beef starter section. Most of your ordering is suggested from this section only.
Our first order was Beef Fil Fil Kebab and Beef Briskets. Honestly, my friend Somek Chowdhury ordered for the dishes and I forgot what was the dish name for the brisket thing. But what came, was wonderful. Very unlike the usual Beef serving restaurants, these dishes here, were more towards the ones served in Middle Eastern countries.
Beef fil fel kebab was something, on which great things should be written. It was soft and melt in mouth. Rarely, I’ve tasted a beef dish in Kolkata, which is such soft. And trust me, I am saying this, after tasting it for over two decades here. Marination was less and just perfect, so that we can taste the meat. Simply superb stuff. The Brisket (oir Beef Al Habibi platter) was a more rustic dish. thin slies of grilled beef was served with a heap of potato fries. the meat has very less spice and almost grilled with only seasoning. We could taste the meat taste- such was the finnesse. whenever someone goes there, these two dishes are definitely recommended.
These three chutneys are served in abudance at Shaikhs- Garlic and roasted tomato, mint chutney and mayonnaise. And as usual, I ate the meat separately and these dips separately.
Shawarma at Shaikhs
Next dish, that somek ordered here, was the shawarma. And it was a spoilsport, after two great star innings openers. Well not bad really, but the shawarma was actually pretty average and nothing great. Or maybe the expectation was set so high, that it couldn’t match the same. But then, seeing two ogood shawarma stands outside and with the aroma of meat being grilled, it actually takes a stone-hreart to not to order it.
Beef Baqar Roast at Shaikhs
And finally, it’s the time for the champion- Beef Baqar Roast. Honestly, I’ve been to quite a few restaurants in Kolkata, but I’ve never seen such stuff anywhere. A great cut of meat (around 400 grams)- grilled to perfection with minimum spices and served whole with some chips and unnecessary boiled veggies. The meat was tender- not fall from the bone, yet quite tender. And as usual, the spice level was moerate, actually less. This dish is a must-try at Shaikhs and is good dinner for one super-hungry soul.
But after som many dishes, the problem started settling in. after the brisket, or Beef Al Habibi platter , this one tasted almost similar, with a separate grand cut of meat. So, here’s the warning, go for either one- just my personal take.
Beef Harissa Biryani
This dish, Beef Harissa Biryani, was getting a heavy publicity at Shaikhs and even after somek’s warning, I opted for it. But then I am a Bengali. and whnever I hear the term, Biryani- our senses tend to get inactive. This was a mint and harissa flavored pulao, with Beef Champ Briskets on top. The taste was good- I mean, how can a harissa flavored pulao be bad? It was moderately spicy. But aftet the two superb starters, it didn;t stand a chance. So, if you plan to go for this, take your gang along- or skip starters. chutneys and dips were served again- god knows why…
Dessert at shaikhs
This dessert at shaikhs is a definite must try. It’s called Aashta HJalwa (priced at around 55/- per piece) and is a sheer piece of art. Imagine a pudding, with loads of whipped cream on top and sprinkled with dry fruits and dried rose petals. Honestly, this can’t go wrong and it didn’t It was the perfect end to a meal worth remembering.
Overall, Shaikhs is a good place for bovine lovers. It’s not cheap- no- not really as a Kolkata restaurant serving beef. But the pricing, is justified. Meat quality makes or breaks a Beef serving restaurant here and shaikhs scored highly in this regard. In fact, taste was very very good. Overall, definitely recommended
If you’ve been to shaikhs, do let us know about your experience.
Bon appetit!!!
I can be reached at indrajit.lahiri@ymail.com
1 comment
I like the pan seared cheese steak at Chili’s in Quest mall. It’s a large cut of filet mignon meat (around 200 gr). Does cost a bit more as it’s an international outlet chain but the American standards are there to show for it.