Karahi and handi are two of the best-loved dishes in Pakistani cooking, and both sit at the heart of the menu at Hazara Spice in Nelson. They are often confused, but they are cooked in different pots, in different ways, and they taste quite different. Here is a simple guide to help you choose.
What is a karahi?
A karahi is a deep, round, wok-like pan with two handles. Karahi dishes are cooked quickly over a high flame: the meat is seared, then cooked down with fresh tomatoes, ginger, garlic and green chillies until the sauce is thick and clings to the meat. The result is bold, fresh and slightly smoky, with very little cream.
Different regions have their own styles:
- Shinwari / Balakoti style – simple and meat-forward, with few spices so the flavour of the meat and tomatoes comes through. Try our Balakoti Karahi, made with 1 kg of lamb.
- Lahori style – a richer masala with more spice and a deeper colour, like our Lahori Chicken Karahi.
- Kaghani style – our Kaghani Chicken Karahi is cooked in a rich tomato masala with fresh herbs and desi spices.
What is a handi?
A handi is a deep pot with a narrow neck, traditionally made of clay. Handi dishes are cooked low and slow with the lid on, so the meat becomes very tender and the sauce turns creamy and rich. Where a karahi is fast and fiery, a handi is gentle and comforting.
At Hazara Spice our signature is the Katwa Handi, a traditional Hindko-style clay handi dish from the Hazara region. It is slow-cooked home-style and served hot with a creamy, smoky desi flavour. Choose between Chicken Katwa Handi (£8.99) and Lamb Katwa Handi (£10.99).
Karahi or handi: which should you order?
- Choose a karahi if you like fresh, tomato-rich, punchy flavours with a bit of heat.
- Choose a handi if you prefer something slow-cooked, creamy and comforting.
- Eating as a group? Order one of each and share them the Pakistani way.
What to eat with it
Both dishes are made for bread. Order fresh naan (£0.99) to scoop up the sauce, add a Kachumar Salad and Podina Chutney, and finish with a cup of Doodh Patti Chai.
Order karahi and handi in Nelson
Every karahi and handi at Hazara Spice is cooked fresh when you order, using halal meat. Visit us at 3 Albert Street, Nelson, BB9 7EY, open every day from 9:00 am to 11:00 pm, or see the full Karahi & Handi menu and order online for collection or delivery.
