The best Pakistani restaurants you’ll find in Bristol

In the heart of Clifton village, Joy Raj has been serving food from all over India, Bangladesh, and Pakistan for over 20 years. Their ethos is to work alongside the local community to raise Clifton’s profile as the real food hub of the city. Joy Raj strives to create layers of flavour that burst in your mouth and excite the senses by using the freshest local ingredients. For two decades the team have been working tirelessly to adapt and perfect the authentic dishes on their menu. The biryani is one of the best in the city, offering huge range including chicken/lamb, tikka, prawn/king prawn, vegetarian or Joy Raj Special. The chicken/lamb Hunza is another amazing traditional dish to try with a hint of orange zest and a masala sauce. The portions are plentiful, the service is friendly and the food is exciting, what’s not to love?

Located in the centre of Bristol, this fine dining Indian restaurant offers a huge range of Indian and Asian dishes for you to try. This restaurant oozes class from its décor to its food. It strives to replicate the hustle and bustle of Delhi through bright colours and exotic flavours. They only uses natural ingredients, with the freshest herbs and spices. The authentic food is made how it was meant to be, free from all artificial additives and food colourings, creating fresh invigorating and inspiring food. The gilafi seekh kebab is one of our favourites on the menu with skewered lamb mince rolled with chopped onions, fresh coriander and bell peppers. They also offer a tandoor mixed sizzler which is a platter of different kebabs, & the Punjabi samosas are also a delicious menu standout.

The Pipal Tree in Easton provides home-cooked food, prepared from recipes handed down generations, from the Punjabi region of India. The restaurant’s name is inspired by the tree Buddha is said to have found enlightenment under and this spirit is at the heart of the restaurant. Their aromatic dishes include Grandad’s Punjabi Vegan Soup, Mum’s Lamb Subji and Grandmum’s Aloo Batoo Shola, with a range of different rice dishes, rotis, and chutneys on the side. You can see from the names of their dishes, the emphasis on family is strong, which is one of the elements that makes this restaurant so special. The original Punjabi dishes paired with seasonal fusion dishes keeps the menu fresh, authentic, and wholesome.

Desi Dera in Easton specialises in Pakistani cuisine and has a community feel at its heart. The restaurant is cosy, and the décor is simple but it has more than made up for by the outstanding food and it’s all served at a great price. The menu has all the dishes you could want; samosas, haleem, chana, karahi and kebab rolls to name a few. Their freshly made naans are gorgeous too. If you’re looking for simple and authentic Pakistani food then this is definitely the place to go. Additionally, if you have a sweet tooth then they also serve Kheer, which is like a rice pudding, for dessert  – and exceptionally delicious.

This modern, casual, and intimate restaurant in Wapping Wharf is definitely one to add to your list. Bandook has a lovely, relaxed atmosphere located inside one of the harbourside’s famous cargo containers. The size means seating is very limited, creating an intimate environment for you to enjoy your meal. They serve Indian street food, as well as some traditional Pakistani favourites. The name Bandook, meaning robust, strident and powerful, reflects the big flavours found in all their dishes. The biryani is bursting with spices and flavour, and you have the choice of chicken or jackfruit. The Punjabi lamb cutlets and the gobi from the small plates menu are also great choices. Whatever you choose, you will leave Bandook feeling warm and satisfied.