October 22, 2026 · 5 min read
Karahi, Goat Curry & Seekh Kebab: Punjabi and Pakistani-Style Flavours in Victoria
Karahi, bone-in goat curry and seekh kebab don't show up on every Indian menu. Here's where to find those Punjabi and Pakistani-style flavours in Victoria.
If you grew up eating karahi straight from the pan, or you remember bone-in goat curry at family gatherings, you know that some flavours don't show up on every Indian menu. They're rustic, bold and meant to be scooped up with hot naan.
These dishes come from Punjab, a region split between India and Pakistan. The border is new; the food is old. That's why so many people in Victoria search for a "Pakistani restaurant near me" or "Punjabi restaurant near me" and are really looking for the same thing: honest, halal, dhaba-style cooking.
Here's a guide to those dishes and where to find them in Victoria.
Karahi vs. kadai: same pan, same idea
Karahi (Pakistan and northern India) and kadai (common Indian spelling) both name the deep, wok-like iron pan the dish is cooked in. Meat is seared hard with tomatoes, ginger, garlic and green chilli until the sauce is thick and clings to every piece.
At Zaika by JJ you'll find two versions:
- Dhaba Style Chicken Kadai: halal chicken stir-fried with bell peppers, onions and ground spices
- Punjabi Goat Kadai: bone-in goat cooked the same way, for a deeper, richer flavour
Why bone-in goat is worth it
Goat on the bone takes longer to cook, but the bone gives the gravy body and flavour you can't fake. It's the difference between a curry and a salan your grandmother would approve of.
Our goat dishes include:
- Bihari Goat Curry: bone-in goat simmered in a spiced onion gravy
- Awadhi Bhuna Gosht: semi-dry, slow-roasted goat cooked down with caramelized onions
- Punjabi Goat Kadai: the karahi-style option above
Tip: order a garlic naan or butter naan and use it as your spoon. That's how these dishes are meant to be eaten. See them on the full menu.
From the tandoor: seekh kebab and tikka
The tandoor is the heart of Punjabi cooking. The Nawabi Chicken Seekh Kebab is spiced minced chicken, pressed onto skewers and cooked over high heat until charred at the edges and juicy inside. The Shahi Malai Tikka is milder, marinated in cream and gentle spices.
Other dishes you'll recognize
- Amritsari Fish Pakoda: fish fillets in a spiced batter, a street-food classic from Amritsar
- Dhaba Style Yellow Dal Tadka: everyday lentils with a hot cumin-and-garlic tempering
- Punjabi Saag Paneer: spinach and paneer, a Punjab favourite on both sides of the border
- Kadak Chai: strong spiced tea to finish the meal
Is it all halal?
Yes. Every chicken, goat and lamb dish at Zaika by JJ is prepared with halal meat. You can read more in our guide to halal food in Victoria, BC.
Where to find it
Zaika by JJ is at 2630 Bridge St, Victoria, BC. See what else to look for in an Indian restaurant here. Dine in, pick up, or order on Uber Eats, DoorDash or SkipTheDishes. We're open Monday to Friday 11 AM to 9 PM and weekends 12 PM to 10 PM.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is there a Pakistani-style restaurant in Victoria, BC?
- Zaika by JJ is an Indian restaurant, but many of our Punjabi dishes, like karahi, bone-in goat curry and seekh kebab, are shared across India and Pakistan and are all halal.
- What is the difference between karahi and kadai?
- Nothing, really. They're two spellings of the same pan and cooking style.
- Where can I get goat curry in Victoria?
- Zaika by JJ serves Bihari goat curry, Punjabi goat kadai and Awadhi bhuna gosht, all bone-in and halal.
- Is chicken karahi spicy?
- It's usually medium to hot, with fresh ginger and green chilli. Ask us to adjust it if you prefer it milder.
Ready for bone-in goat?
Karahi, goat curry and seekh kebab are on the menu at Zaika by JJ on Bridge St, and every chicken, goat and lamb dish is halal.