Namak Mandi

TikTok got me excited about this place, so I checked out their $19.99 lunch buffet. I was looking forward to some Pakistani entrees, but the buffet options didn’t include what I expected. Everything offered was more generic and common (tandoori chicken, chicken curry, butter chicken, palak, chana). The food was fine, but it wasn’t incredible. The price was what drew me in. Service was fine, and I did enjoy the kheer. I might go back for dinner when I’m in town next.

Came here for the weekday buffet. The food was “okay” in a sense that - I understand that they need to carer to the broader clientele’s palates - the food spice levels were mild. Granted, the hot foods were flavorful. The cut salad was not fresh as the lettuce was browning and about to enter soggy texture. If we ever do come back here again, maybe we’ll just order à la carte so the spice is tailored for our personal preference. I do recommend ordering the chai. Service and general atmosphere is commendable. The waitperson was attentive and cleared tables as the plates were put away from the tables after eating. Drinks were also served promptly. Bathrooms were kept clean.

This restaurant in not for Desi people at all!!! I’ve had eaten in lot of different spots. As soon as me and my wife walked in the vibe went all down because of the waitress the way she looked at us. She was very rushed with us. We went to wash our hands the washroom is so nasty they don’t got soap instead they added water in a soap dispenser. The pee was all around the toilet bowel. We ordered food just 1 item which was chicken tikka masala and that took about 45 min plus. And the result of the food was worse. What I’ve eaten for so many years turned out to be a sweet dish. My stomach was hurting all night. Oh I completely forgot about the salad they served it was all frozen. There’s no authenticity in what we have eaten today. I wouldn’t be leaving a review like that if at least the waitress would have had good manners towards us. Btw, the naan was undercooked. …My experience in this restaurant was not good don’t know about you guys but I won’t be a repeat customer here. BAD BAD BAD!!!!

Amazing South Asian food in DC. We did the Iftar buffet which was $25 with an incredible variety and delicious food. The butter chicken and their naan were particularly amazing. Shoutout to our server Pinky who was so kind and gracious. 10/10

Visited Namak Mandi in Washington, D.C. with my family. While many locals seem to eat here, our experience was very disappointing. During dinner, large trays filled with dirty plates from the afternoon buffet were left on chairs at dining tables, showing clear neglect for basic cleanliness. Even after pointing this out to the staff, nothing was done. There was also a bin full of dirty dishes near the buffet counter, clearly visible to diners. This was disgusting and completely ruined the experience. The food was also a letdown. We ordered chicken mandi, which was far too simple, just colored rice and chicken, no dry fruits, no nuts, no mayo, no salsa or any sides that usually come with different mandi varients. They served salad, which was fine, but the green chutney was bad. We also ordered butter chicken, and its my kids favorite dish, they left all the chicken untouched, which says a lot. Unfortunately, this is not a good way to showcase subcontinental cuisine to the many locals who dine here. I sincerely hope the restaurant takes cleanliness, food quality, and customer experience seriously and does its best to improve.

Every time I visit this restaurant my palate is fully satisfied! I don't like over spiced foods but every thing that I tried on their lunch buffet is perfect. Whether you're here by yourself like I am today or with your co-workers or if you want to go home and not cook dinner, go pick up some really good food that's different from what you've been bringing home " traditional fast food". Try this place I guarantee you everyone in your family is going to be pleased there's something for everyone including children that they would enjoy! The staff is superb customer service is over the top -- try this place you'll come back again kudos to the owner Sammy Kahn and his family good people keep up the good work.... feeding people good healthy food that's worth the money! God bless

I usually dont leave bad reviews as I love to support halal businesses but regretfully I have to share my honest review. Restaurant is at prime location as its just few mins away from white house. Asthetically pleasing. It has pakistani tribal seating area and if you are imran khan's fan you would definitely like it but sadly though it says its traditional pakistani shinwari cuisine honestly it is not!!! I read some other ppl saying they have more Indian taste but I won't call the food, Indian too. I had food cooked by Indians several times they use a bit more garam masala then Pakistanis but still their food is delicious. Sadly, I couldn't take a bite, I spit out both bites I took from chicken karahi and biryani. Both dishes tasted awful. I thought a lot why it tasted horrible even if it was looking fresh. I think they used bad oil. Their raita had that similar strong bad frying oil taste to it. We dined in on Christmas day they had limited items to serve to begin with. Waitress told us if one wants to have taka tak they have to order a day before. We ordered 1. Chicken karahi (as thts the only karahi they were serving) 2. Chicken biryani (again thts the only biryani they had) 3. Mixed grill for 2 Mixed grill was decent in a way that we were able to eat it though it was super bland, kebab was not fully cooked though. You get only 2 skewers with a bread or rice for $30 1 skewer had like 4 chicken boti and 3 to 4 beef boti and other was chicken seekh kebab. Tandoori naan presentation was good but it was uncooked on some spots. In my opinion, the restaurant was started/established by some pakistani pathan guy and then went under different management and they didnt change menu or decoration but failing badly at catering the authentic pakistani shinwari food.

“I recently visited this restaurant with my family and we ordered their Desi Namkeen Karahi. The ambiance inside was truly impressive—beautifully set up and perfect for families. It’s a great place to enjoy a relaxing lunch. The food was delicious, the quality was excellent, and even the dish names were fun and unique. Overall, a wonderful dining experience!”

Good experience of Pakistani food. The Shinwari was too good the fresh Naan were awesome chapli kababs were also good. Rates are on little higher side. I must say the food was delicious. I loved their daal and the kebabs. The nan was incredible as well. It was a pretty busy place with a good crowd of people on max of the tables.

So I've eaten a version of this dish done by many different cultures. A rice pilaf and a lamb shank. This one is Pakistani. I've had it Greek, Turkish, Indian, Balkan, American, and even done it myself at home. This one is among the best if not the best. It certainly is the most ample. There were two meals on this plate. I ate half and took the other half to go. This establishment calls in "Mandi Lamb" @ $28 per. Some of the rest naan bread I ever had too. Fresh baked, super buttery 'n soft. Served on some sort of coat hanger device which looked super weird but it was effective for presentation. The price was fabulous too. Went to lunch with my colleague and he and I had the same dish plus a dish of chickpeas and a couple of Cokes. Pakistani food reminds you of Indian perhaps because of the geographical and cultural connection between the two countries - they're reminiscent of one another. Did I say this food is really, really good? $72 for this entire meal. We had almost an identical dish at a fancy Turkish restaurant that was triple that price - Not nearly as filling or well flavored. Downside is they don't sell liquor. :/ The interiors are Spartan, but the place is larger than it looks from the outside. Definitely an undercover gem. They have a nice buffet or you can dine a la carte. Our server let me taste some really flavorful noodles that they had... And a couple of pieces of curry chicken. Breast meat and still juicy like dark meat. The noodles were a fettuccine noodle covered in a super well flavored sauce. I think it was called "Pakistani noodles". Scrumptious. Parking is DC downtown atrocious although I found a park a block away. Service was efficient and personable. Get here if you can.

Namak Mandi, a Pakistani restaurant, just launched a second location in downtown DC, taking over the space formerly occupied by G Street Food. Confusingly enough, the nearest intersection is 15th and K, not G. Their first location, in Falls Church, has collected solid reviews, so hopefully that trend continues here. They are offering a lunch buffet from 11 AM to 3 PM. Looking forward to seeing how they do in their first few months!

Great food- lunch buffet with amazing variety! Looks like the restaurant just opened 2 weeks back. Very clean/ great service. Very neat way of getting the naan to the table! 5 stars for presentation

I love the Namak Mandi in Falls Church and I was so happy to hear they created a location in DC. The best place to get Karahi in DC. The food is so flavorful and delicious. I got takeout and the servings were big and the food was hot and fresh!!! This is my new takeout spot in DC. 100% recommend!

sorry to lose G Street Food's french fries, but this is a worthy replacement. Nice indo-pak lunch buffet for about twenty bucks.

A solid Pakistani Buffet (11 am - 3 pm) downtown and for under $20? Sold. Good variety of foods. Some of the hits include chicken biriyani, chicken Karachi, lamb curry, and fried fish. They also bring out a giant naan fresh from the tandoor.

Guys, I'm very finicky about Pakistani/Indian food- so this place is by far the best desi food in town. Fresh oven clay Roti and amazing food. Gonna be my fav desi food place!