Hilal Grill | Indian,Pakistani and Afghani Cuisine in Phoenix

Phoenix’s 12 Best Indian Restaurants | Eater Phoenix

"After relocating to Phoenix, chef Mamoona Hilal and her husband Muhammad Hilal Safi opened Hilal Grill to bring the flavors of home — Pakistani, Afghani, and Indian — to a part of town that didn’t have much of it. For $23.99, the all-day Sunday buffet is one of the best ways to sample this family-run spot’s Pakistani specialties — from rich haleem to tender nihari and fluffy, spice-packed biryani. The menu mixes regional influences: buttery-soft eggplant, smooth palak paneer, and steamed beef mantoo dumplings topped with spiced yogurt and tomato sauce. In cooler months, Friday barbecue nights take over with chapli kebabs, chicken tikka, and other grilled favorites served out on the cozy back patio. It’s a family spot with food that’s anything but watered down — rich, layered, and satisfying." - McConnell Quinn