During our recent trip to California, we were craving comfort desi food and decided to explore Artesia which is often referred to as Little India for a reason. With its bustling street of South Asian shops and restaurants, one name that kept popping up was Shahnawaz Restaurant. It is a Hyderabadi Cuisine and the best thing about this place is that it is known for serving traditional Pakistani food with a homestyle touch and authentic flavors.
With their modest indoor seating and casual vibe, Shahnawaz is all about delivering bold, authentic flavors over fancy presentation. Whether you're visiting with family or grabbing takeout, the focus here is on taste and tradition.
Every Wednesday, they also have the 'Nihari Night' where you can join them for "All you can eat" from 6:00 - 10:00 PM. which includes Maghaz Nihari, Nalli Nihari, Beef Nihari, Lamb Shank Nihari, Chicken Nihari and Beef Paya.
Every Sunday, there is a huge spread of Brunch which is they are famous for. It includes a lot of dishes with the specialty of live BBQ and live Halwa Puri.
Explore more desi comfort recipes in our Main Dishes collection.
Find what we ordered at Shahnawaz Restaurant & Photos
Beef Nihari
Beef Nihari was the star of our meal and reminded us of the time in Karachi tasting Javed Nihari, Zahid Nihari or Haji Idrees Nihari. Rich, deep, and full of slow-cooked flavor, the Nihari at Shahnawaz hits the spot for anyone who misses traditional Pakistani Sunday brunch. Nihari in USA usually does not give the kick which we experience in Pakistan but Beef Nihari at Shahnawaz was so close to that flavor and had the same kick of flavors that we were overjoyed. The beef was perfectly tender, with just the right consistency of gravy. Ginger, lemon, green chilies and cilantro enhanced the flavor and we continued eating non-stop with their fresh Naan.
Rating: 4.9/5 – Pair it with naan, a squeeze of lemon, and thinly sliced ginger for the ultimate experience.
Chicken Biryani
The aroma of Chicken Biryani was strong and pulling us towards it while we were busy easting Nihari. It came out steaming hot, with perfectly cooked basmati rice that wasn’t oily. Each grain was fluffy and separate, the chicken was tender, whereas the masala was more on the milder side and not spicy, but it has a good flavor. It is not your ultra-spicy, zesty and tangy (Chatkharaydar) Karachi style biryani but more like the kind you would get at a Dawat (Gathering/Dinner). One plus point is that the Raita and Salad were complimentary and so yummy.
Rating: 4.⅕ – Good biryani that satisfies the craving without going overboard on spice.
Fresh Naan
The Naans we tried with Nihari are soft, fluffy, and served hot and they did full justice with Nihari.
Rating: 4.7/5 – Good portion size and fresh.
French Fries
Kids love to order French Fries from different places and these ones were up to their standard. Crinkle fries with a generous portion size, crispy from the outside and soft from inside were a great addition to kids menu .
Rating: 4.8/5 – Generous potion size and tasty.
Try our family‑favorite Fried Chicken Recipe crispy, juicy, and crowd‑pleasing!
Shahnawaz Halal Restaurant Menu & Pricing
Considering the portion size and how flavorful the food was, we found the prices at Shahnawaz restaurant menu to be reasonable. While we ordered only some of the classics like Nihari and Biryani this time, but their full menu offers a lot more, including:
- BBQ items like Lamb Chops, Chicken Tandoori, Bihari Kabab, Malai Chicken and Seekh Kabab
- Chicken and Mutton Karahi, Chicken Korma, and Tikka Masala
- Fresh Naans, Parathas, and Raita
- Desserts like Kheer, Gulab Jamun, Ras Malai and Gajar/Lauki/Suji Halwa
- Fresh Falsa Juice and Orange Juice
If we talk about the pricing, most of the dishes at Shahnawaz would range between $12 to $22, which makes it affordable for not only families but also for large gatherings.
Our Overall Rating: 4.6/5
Pros:
- Authentic and simple desi flavor that tastes homemade
- Great portions and good value for money
- Easy to find location in Artesia’s Little India
- Quick service and clean place
- Large seating arrangement indoor
- Menu is Halal-certified
Cons:
- They can improve on their Biryani where the spice level was very minimal, the kids enjoyed it more than us
- Simple Decor, not upscale
Would We Go Again?
Absolutely, yes. Shahnawaz Restaurant nj is a solid pick if you’re in Artesia and want to enjoy classic Pakistani dishes in a no-fuss setting. It reminds you of the flavors back home where food is the culture, celebration and fun.
We are already planning to go back and try their grilled BBQ and Tikka Masala as well as their famous outdoor Sunday brunch. It’s the kind of spot you would recommend to friends when they’re craving real, comforting desi food in the area.
Also check out our review of Pita Pita Mediterranean Grill for another halal‑certified spot with real foodie insights.
Details About Shahnawaz Restaurant – Artesia, CA
Address: 18728 Pioneer Blvd, 2nd Floor, Artesia, CA 90701
Phone: (562) 402-7443
Hours: 11:30 AM – 09:15 PM, Closed on Mondays
Halal: Yes
Dine-in/Takeout/Catering: Available
Final Pour
In a neighborhood rich with cultural flavor, and a lot of competition, Shahnawaz maintains it's standard by keeping things authentic and heartfelt. If you're in Southern California, craving a plate of warm naan and flavorful Nihari, or just a break from the usual burgers and tacos, this is the place to be.
Looking for more hidden gems in California or beyond?
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FAQs
Shahnawaz Restaurant specializes in authentic Pakistani and Hyderabadi cuisine, offering dishes like Nihari, Biryani, BBQ, Karahi, and traditional desserts.
es, Shahnawaz Restaurant is Halal-certified and offers a fully Halal menu, making it a popular choice for Muslim families in Southern California.
Yes, every Sunday they offer a large brunch buffet featuring live BBQ, Halwa Puri, and other traditional Pakistani dishes.
The most loved dish is their Beef Nihari, praised for its rich, authentic flavor and close resemblance to famous Karachi-style Nihari.
Most dishes range between $12–$22, offering generous portions and good value for money, especially for families and group dining.
Yes, the restaurant offers dine-in, takeout, and catering options for events and gatherings.
Shahnawaz is located at 18728 Pioneer Blvd, 2nd Floor, Artesia, CA 90701, in the heart of Artesia’s Little India.
Yes, it’s a family-friendly spot with simple indoor seating, quick service, and kid-approved items like French Fries.
Many visitors say it’s among the best Nihari in the USA, especially for those craving bold, slow-cooked desi flavors like in Karachi.
Shahnawaz is open from 11:30 AM to 9:15 PM, and it’s closed on Mondays.
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