Hussainabad food street is a two-kilometre stretch in Federal B Area, Gulberg Town, in north-central Karachi, with more than 50 stalls and restaurants. It is best known for kata-kat, the offal and meat stir-fry chopped on a griddle, along with Balochi tikka, chargha, nalli biryani and kaleji. Go in the evening, from about 8 pm, and on a weeknight if you want room to walk; under 2026 rules, dine-in has to finish by around 11 pm.
This guide covers what Hussainabad is known for, the stalls worth finding, when to go, how to get there and who will enjoy it most.
| At a glance | |
|---|---|
| Where | Hussainabad, Blocks 2 and 3, Federal B Area, Gulberg Town, Karachi |
| Size | About 2 km, with more than 50 stalls and restaurants (Arab News, 2023) |
| Known for | Kata-kat, Balochi tikka, chargha, nalli biryani, kaleji, haleem |
| Best time | 8 pm onwards; weeknights are calmer |
| Busiest | Weekends and Ramazan nights |
| Closing time | Dine-in limited to about 11 pm to 11:30 pm in 2026; takeaway exempt |
| Pay with | Cash at most stalls |
What is Hussainabad food street?
Hussainabad is a residential neighbourhood in Federal B Area, home largely to a Memon community. It has been a food centre since at least the 1980s. In 2016 the area was formally turned into a food street under the then mayor, Waseem Akhtar.
Today it is one of the biggest food streets in Karachi, and in Dawn's 2026 description it stood alongside Burns Road as a street that stayed busy from sunset until close to dawn. The street itself is narrow, running between apartment buildings, which gives it its crowded, close-packed feel. On a weekend night there is very little room to walk.
Hussainabad is the northern counterpart to Burns Road in the old city and Boat Basin in Clifton. If you live in or are staying in the north of Karachi, in North Nazimabad or Federal B Area itself, it is the easiest of the big food streets to reach.
What is Hussainabad famous for?
Kata-kat
Kata-kat is the dish people come for. Beef and organ meats, usually kidney, liver, brain and heart, are chopped and stir-fried on a large flat griddle, a tawa, with two heavy blades. The name comes from the noise those blades make as they hit the griddle, and you will hear it before you see the stall. It is rich and best eaten hot with naan.
Bolan Restaurant is the best-known name for it. It had been running for 42 years when Arab News visited in 2023, and its kata-kat is cooked with mild spices. The restaurant told Arab News it delivers kata-kat abroad, to customers as far away as Germany, Canada and Malaysia.
Balochi tikka
Balochi tikka is barbecued meat that is then deep-fried and served with a thick gravy. Bolan does it, and so does Tayyabi'z Restaurant, which dates from 1967 and is one of the oldest names on the street. Tayyabi'z also serves karahi, kata-kat and brain masala.
Chargha
Ghousia Fast Food, in Block 3, is known for chargha, a whole chicken marinated and fried. It works as a takeaway counter, so order it to take home or to eat on the way.
Nalli biryani and kaleji
Ghousia Nalli Biryani is known for biryani cooked with bone marrow (nalli), and Haji Abdul Karim Kitchen for spicy kaleji, liver cooked fresh on a huge griddle. Haji Abdul Karim's kaleji in particular has become a sensation in recent years, and both are busy in Ramazan.
Everything else
The rest of the street covers nearly every kind of Karachi food. Dawn's January 2026 picture story described bun kabab pressed flat on griddles, nihari ladled out through the night, fried fish eaten with the hands, karahi, barbecue, biryani and haleem, alongside newer stalls doing burgers and mini pancakes. Karachi Haleem has a branch here. There are also chaat and samosa stalls, ice cream and shakes, matka chai served in clay cups, and paan stalls to finish.
When is the best time to visit Hussainabad?
From about 8 pm. The stalls are open earlier, but Hussainabad comes alive after dark, once the heat has gone out of the day.
Weeknights are the better choice if you want space. Thursday to Sunday nights are packed, which is part of the fun for some people and too much for others, especially with small children.
Check the 2026 closing time. Hussainabad was famous for staying open until the early hours, but fuel-saving orders this year have limited restaurant hours. Sindh's April 2026 order allowed dinner service from 7 pm to 11:30 pm, and the federal timings retained in June 2026 have restaurants and eateries closing by 11 pm. Takeaway and home delivery are exempt. Check the current rule before you go, and plan to be eating by 9:30 pm.
Ramazan is Hussainabad's busiest season. The street fills for sehri in the small hours, roughly 1 am to 5 am in 2026, when the rules allow it. Our Karachi in Ramadan guide covers how the city's food changes during the month.
How do you get to Hussainabad?
Hussainabad is in Federal B Area, in the north-central part of the city. It is a long way from Clifton and Defence, so allow plenty of time for evening traffic if you are coming from the south.
- Ride-hailing is the easiest option. Ask to be dropped at Hussainabad food street and walk from there.
- Driving yourself is possible but parking is hard, especially on weekend nights. Park on a side street further away and walk in.
Our Karachi public transport guide covers the wider options for getting around the city.
Tips for a good evening at Hussainabad
- Pick two or three dishes and share them. Kata-kat, Balochi tikka and a plate of nalli biryani between three or four people is a good first visit.
- Order at the stall the dish is known for. As on Burns Road, most places do one thing best.
- Carry cash. Most stalls don't take cards.
- Go easy on the organ meat if you are not used to it. Kata-kat is rich, and a small portion is plenty for a first try.
- Choose busy stalls, drink bottled water and be careful with ice. Our guide to whether street food in Pakistan is safe has more.
We don't quote prices, because we could not find reliable 2026 figures for the street. It is generally cheaper than eating at a sit-down restaurant in Clifton or Defence.
Is Hussainabad worth the trip?
Hussainabad suits meat lovers, groups of friends and anyone who wants to try kata-kat, Balochi tikka or nalli biryani, the dishes the street is known for. It is also the obvious food street for anyone who lives or stays in the north of the city.
It suits you less if you want a calm table, if you are vegetarian, or if you are coming from Clifton for one quick meal: the drive can take longer than the dinner. In that case, Boat Basin is closer and easier. For the old-city classics, try Burns Road, or follow our Karachi food tour route. If barbecue is the main draw, our best BBQ in Karachi guide compares Hussainabad with the city's other grills, and our experiences page has more ideas for Karachi.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Hussainabad food street?
It is in Hussainabad, Blocks 2 and 3 of Federal B Area, in Gulberg Town, in north-central Karachi.
What is Hussainabad food street famous for?
Kata-kat, the offal and meat stir-fry chopped on a griddle, along with Balochi tikka, chargha, nalli biryani and kaleji.
Which is the best kata-kat place in Hussainabad?
Bolan Restaurant is the best-known name for kata-kat, and Tayyabi'z, which dates from 1967, also serves it.
What time does Hussainabad food street open?
Stalls open in the evening and are busiest from about 8 pm. In 2026, government timings have limited dine-in to around 11 pm, with takeaway exempt, so check the current rule before going late.
Is Hussainabad good for families?
Yes, on a weeknight. Weekend nights are very crowded on a narrow street, which can be hard with small children or older parents.
