We Uncover Traditional Pakistani Food at Plano’s Mai Colachi

The original Houston location of Mai Colachi opened its doors eight years ago, a response to what appeared, at least to owner Mobin Jiwani, to be a lack of authentic Pakistani food in the states. But Jowani isn’t a typical restaurateur; his only gigs prior to his foray into the restaurant space had been in the jewelry and cellphone businesses.

“It was a random decision to open a restaurant, really,” Jowani says. “I was back in my hometown in Karachi, Pakistan, eating at a local restaurant when I realized there was really nowhere in the U.S. that sold authentic, traditional Pakistani food … the same type you get back in Karachi.”

The fruit of Jowani’s spontaneity is Mai Colachi, a Pakistani restaurant that specializes in South Asian breads, curries, drinks and desserts, with locations in Houston, Plano and, most recently, Carrollton.

We can attest to Jowani’s mission; we haven’t found too many spots in DFW that serve Pakistani food that’s this flavorful, fresh and authentic.

The menu is about five pages long, spanning a variety of appetizers, Pakistani kebabs and traditional curries. Start with a plate of malai kofta (crispy fried potato dumplings) or flaky samoas before venturing into the almost endless selection of entrees portioned for family-style dining.

The aloo palak, a highlight of our meal, was chunks of boiled potato simmered in a ground spinach curry. The Balochi Karahi, a tomato-onion gravy dotted with paneer cubes, was a close second. Other options like the Peshawari, a creamier tomato-based gravy, and the makhani, were some highlights we didn’t get a chance to try. As happens in Pakistan, all curries come with your choice of protein, paneer, potato, chicken, goat and others, served in a handi (traditional copper pot) for easy scooping and sharing.

Traditional Pakistani soups, stews and rice dishes also make an appearance on the menu but took a backseat in our agenda to a regal dessert menu, offering colorful options like the Gajar halwa, a mixture of grated carrot coated in butter and sugar syrup, and the Kulfalachi, which are a sugar-soaked South Asian doughnuts perched atop a mound of homemade kulfi ice cream. If you’re feeling adventurous, order the loki halwa, a traditional South Asian pudding made from ground gourd vegetable and tossed in sweet syrup.

Jowani says the name Mai Colachi is a colloquial nickname used to refer to the city of Karachi.

“That’s where I was born, and that’s where all these recipes you see on the menu are coming from. So I wanted to pay homage to the hometown that – at the end of the day – is the reason I could open this restaurant.”

The homage to Pakistan reflects clearly in the food, ambiance and presentation. Relax in royal, white-cloth table decor while finishing off with a mango lassi or masala chai, both of which serve as good palate cleansers after a meal. It’s heavy food, indeed. But we can’t say we regret it.

Mai Colachi, 6205 Coit Road, Plano. Monday – Thursday, 11:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. and 4:30-9:30 p.m.; Friday – Saturday, 11:30 a.m. – 10:30 p.m.; Sunday, noon – 9:30 p.m.