This hole-in-the-wall Indian/Pakistani eatery may be the best (hidden) dining deal in town. For under $5 you can dine on a fresh, hot meal that doesn't skimp on portions or variety.
As shown by the bounty of signage on the windows announcing Ghareeb's many specials, deals here are not hard to come by. Fifty-cent samosas, $4.50 lamb biryani, hummus and pita for $2.99, and a 99-cent breakfast of egg or veggie sandwich made with paratha (flatbread drizzled with oil) - these are just a few of the more than 100 items available.
Inside, decor is reminiscent of a hot dog joint (a spacious and welcoming one), with mustard yellow booths and black-and white-tiled floors. Unframed posters of Mecca on the walls, in addition to a preponderance of Indian and Pakistani locals feasting on biryani and paratha, feel otherworldly.
Thankfully, there is not a buffet (read: food sitting for too long) in sight, with orders being churned out of the bare-boned counter up front decorated with color photographs of the many delicacies on hand. For those new to the cuisine (or like me, seasoned but still ignorant) the photos are actually helpful.
Chicken biryani ($3.99) is a big deal here, and orders of the heaping platters of rice with chicken are brought out just a few minutes after being ordered. Speed is of the essence at Ghareeb. There are also grill items, such as frontier chicken ($3.99), chili chicken ($4.99), gyro spicy masala ($3.99), and "sandwiches" such as chicken boti paratha (platter including one piece of fresh paratha flatbread, a scoop of marinated roasted chicken, fresh onions and cucumber sauce with cilantro), for a ridiculously reasonable $2.50.
Other perks include sweets, such as kheer (.99), sheer korma ($1.99), and double ka meetha ($1.99). Cuisine is cooked with ghee and is 100 percent halal. Catering services are promised as offering the lowest prices around. Judging by the crazy good food and silly prices here, it's no surprise if they are. The full side tray of chicken biryani ($50 for Ramadan) is probably as big as a house.
Average cost: <$10
Centerstage Reviewer: Marla Seidell
