Authentic Indian & Pakistani dishes, generous portions, consistent quality


























501 O'Farrell St, San Francisco, CA 94102 Get directions
$10–20
"We love Pakwan because it’s cheap and reliable for great Indian-Pakistani food. Order the tandoori chicken or lamb biryani, and revel in the fact that you’re getting a lot to eat and will have some change left over to put into your fund for whatever you’re saving up for, like a police scanner or a custom pug doormat." - taylor abrams, jess basser sanders, will kamensky
"The casual institution has been around since before Bluetooth was invented (1999)—probably because the curries, biryanis, and other Pakistani Indian dishes are consistently excellent. And also because they have a big section of vegetarian curries (get the benghan bartha). Pakwan is always packed with people passing around plates heaped with things like tikka masala, and waiting in line (order at the counter). But walk in, and you'll easily secure a table for that spontaneous Monday night dinner or catch-up with friends. And FYI, Pakwan has a location in the Tenderloin and Ingleside, plus a couple of East Bay outposts." - julia chen 1, lani conway
"When you’re in need of a reliable meal that’ll have you in and out for under $20, keep Pakwan in your back pocket. The counter-service Indian and Pakistani spot serves things like chicken tikka masala and a thick, onion-heavy bengan bhartha you should definitely order. The food is solid across the board and always gets the job done. The best part: you won’t have to blow through your weekly grocery budget for a filling meal. " - Julia Chen 1, Lani Conway
"Pakwan is usually an excellent no-frills destination for anyone seeking a night out in the Tenderloin, and it’s just as satisfying delivered to the comfort of your couch. The generous portions leave ample room for leftover biryani lunches." - Dianne de Guzman, Paolo Bicchieri, Eater Staff

"When I'm seeking budget-friendly tastes in the Tenderloin, Pakwan Restaurant is one of the spots I rely on." - Vicki Denig