Himalaya Restaurant, one of the most celebrated restaurants in Houston, is celebrating its 20th anniversary this week, on Tuesday, February 20.
Founded by Chef Kaiser Lashkari and his lovely bride Azra, Himalaya has become the epicenter for Indian and Pakistani cuisine in the central United States. From its humble location on the Southwest Freeway (Hwy 59 aka I-69) at Hillcroft, Chef Kaiser and his team consistently turns out a wide variety of authentic Indian and Pakistani dishes, as well as the chef’s craveable fusion creations. The restaurant has received hundreds of awards and other recognition from local, regional, and national organizations.
How does a restaurant survive in the incredibly competitive Houston restaurant market, much less thrive and deliver excellence for two decades? By never taking shortcuts in the kitchen. Chef Kaiser and his team are justifiably proud of their approach, which combines the best available ingredients and techniques with the time and attention to detail that results in a superior product on the plate.
Mastering the Desi Classics
Himalaya quickly became known for its superlative versions of classic Indian and Pakistani dishes. Chef Kaiser’s knowledge of the cuisine of the subcontinent is nothing less than encyclopedic, and he often presents dishes that other restaurants lack the knowledge and skill to execute.
Chef Kaiser is known for his outstanding version of classic Indian dishes. Of course the required Chicken Tikka Masala is offered, and Himalaya’s version is complexed, nuanced, and perhaps the best version of this iconic dish that we’ve tasted. Himalaya’s Steak Tikka will please any Texan with a taste for beef; the slabs of incredibly tender beef are seasoned with the chef’s special blend of spices, and expertly cooked, arriving deliciously moist and full of flavor.
Himalaya is one of the few restaurants in the United States of offer Hunter’s Beef, the Pakistani delicacy that is reminiscent of corned beef. Chef Kaiser’s version can be prepared either hot or cold, and is served with the chef’s Magic Mustard, a housemade take on the deli classic.
Modern Creations and Indian American Fusion
Himalaya really shines when Chef Kaiser’s creativity is on display. His Chicken Hara Masala is an utterly unique green curry, melding the robust flavor of southwestern tomatillos with more traditional Indian spices. The result is a truly stunning curry that can’t be found anywhere else; fans have been known to drive from Dallas for a taste of this addictive dish.
Chef Kaiser’s creativity extends beyond the traditional Indian style. His Desi Pot Pies have become legendary around Houston: A beautifully executed pastry crust is perched atop the chef’s choice of flavorful, savory Indian fillings. This isn’t your Aunt Betty’s chicken pot pie; the flavors of the subcontinent bring a boldness and excitement that is typically missing from this southern classic. It’s truly the best of both world.
Surprisingly, Himalaya may offer the best fried chicken to be found in Houston. Chef Kaiser’s Himalaya Fried Chicken begins with whole chickens, broken down and marinated in the chef’s special blend of masala spices for over 24 hours. Once the meat is infused with this robust savory flavor, it is expertly breaded in the southern style, and deep fried. The result is the most flavorful chicken in Houston; Chef Kaiser’s spin on fried chicken puts local “hot chicken” concepts to shame. It’s considered by many fried chicken aficionados to be the best version around.
And Himalaya’s desserts cannot be missed. Indian classics like Gulab Jamun and Almond Halwa are excellent as expected. Chef Kaiser stretches his wings with fusion desserts, such as the phenomenal Bread Pudding, incorporating interesting and layered flavors not seen anywhere else.
A History of Recognition
Guests who have enjoyed Himalaya represent a who’s who of the food world. Anthony Bourdain featured Himalaya on his acclaimed Parts Unknown television show. Andrew Zimmern featured Himalaya on the Travel Channel’s Zimmern List. Texas Country Explorer explored Himalaya, and found the best Indian food in Texas. The popular The Daytripper visited Himalaya, and found some of the best food in Houston.
Houstonians make it a regular dining destination. Houston Chronicle food critic Alison Cook annually names Himalaya to her Top 100 Houston Restaurants list, recently ranking in the top 10. H-Town Chow Down (our sister publication) has proclaimed Himalaya “some of the best Indian and Pakistani food in the nation“.
Notable area chefs and restaurateurs are often spotted dining at Himalaya on their precious days off. Here are some notable locals seen at Himalaya:
Himalaya has brought its award-winning cuisine to the Woodlands; Chef Kaiser collaborated with Chef Austin Simmons of Tris to bring his cuisine to hungry patrons at an exclusive Collaboreight event. The event promptly sold out.
A first visit to Himalaya often floors guests with the sheer volume of recognition the restaurant has received. While many restaurants have their brag wall, featuring the two or three times they’ve been mentioned by the media, Himalaya is literally covered with recognition from the local, regional, and national press. Plaques cover the walls; we conservatively estimate two hundred different articles and awards grace the walls, with new ones appearing each month. Himalaya will run out of wall space long before the recognition stops.
Celebration of this milestone will be ongoing throughout the day; we plan on dropping by for lunch to congratulate Chef Kaiser and Azra on this monumental accomplishment. If you’re in the Houston area, you should drop by this week and congratulate them yourself.
About Chef Kaiser Lashkari
Chef Kaiser, born in Pakistan of Pakistani and Indian heritage, was originally planning to be a doctor. Medicine’s loss is our gain, and the chef moved to Texas to attend the University of Houston, where he received a degree in 1989 from the Hilton College of Hotel & Restaurant Management. Chef Kaiser was honored as a James Beard Semifinalist in 2019.
Himalaya Restaurant | 6652 Southwest Freeway, Houston, TX 77074 | 713-532-2837
www.himalayarestauranthouston.com
