Pairing Chapli Kebab correctly — a note on chai

Most people overlook how much the right drink changes Chapli Kebab. I ordered it with chai and the boldly spiced and aromatic elements of the dish sharpened considerably against the pairing. whole garam masala in particular became more prominent in a good way.

nihari was originally eaten after the fajr morning prayer as a slow-cooked overnight stew. The a BBQ nihari restaurant at midnight is where you learn these pairings — they evolved together. If you've been having Chapli Kebab with the wrong drink, try it correctly once. It's a genuinely different experience. The restaurant deserves credit for getting this right.