Karahi is a dish built for sharing. A sizzling wok of chicken or mutton cooked in tomatoes, green chillies, ginger and spices, brought to the table with fresh naan, is one of the most common family dinners in Karachi. Whether it is a weekend outing, a get-together with cousins or a celebration after exams, someone usually says "karahi mangwa lete hain".
Restaurant owners who cook karahi often ask the same questions when they think about online ordering. This post answers them one by one, in plain language.
Why is karahi a good dish to sell online?
Karahi already fits the way Karachi families order food. It is usually ordered by weight, shared between several people, and eaten with bread. That means orders are bigger and more valuable than a single plate.
It also travels reasonably well. Unlike crispy fried food, a karahi holds its texture and heat for a while if packed properly. With a clear menu, customers can order it online almost exactly as they would at the table.
How should I show sizes and weights?
Most Karachi restaurants sell karahi by weight, such as half kg or one kg. Online, weight alone can confuse customers. A first time buyer may not know how many people one kg feeds.
Show both the weight and a serving guide.
| Size | Suggested serving |
|---|---|
| Half kg | Two to three people |
| One kg | Four to five people |
| Family size | Six to eight people |
In Krobr, the size is a required option on each karahi, so customers must choose before they add it to the cart. Each size has its own price. The restaurant options guide shows how to set it up.
What types of karahi should I list?
List the ones you cook best. Common choices in Karachi include:
- Chicken karahi, the everyday favourite
- Mutton karahi, popular for weekends and special occasions
- White karahi, made with yoghurt, cream and black pepper instead of tomatoes
- Namkeen or Peshawari style karahi, with fewer spices and more focus on the meat
- Achari or makhni karahi, if you have your own version
Do not list a style you only make occasionally. If a customer orders it and you cannot deliver, you lose trust.
How do customers choose spice level and extras?
Spice level is personal, and families often include children or elders who want something milder. Add spice as a free choice, such as "mild", "regular" or "spicy". The kitchen will see it on every order.
Extras like naan, roti, raita, salad and cold drinks work well as add-ons with their own price. You can also offer a karahi deal that includes naan and salad, so families do not need to calculate how much bread to order.
Karahi takes time to cook. How do I handle that?
Karahi is usually cooked fresh, which can take a while, especially for mutton. Customers need to know this.
- Mention the cooking time in the description, for example "Cooked fresh, allow 30 to 40 minutes."
- Use busy mode on peak nights, so customers know orders may take longer.
- Encourage pickup at a chosen time for larger orders.
The store status and hours guide explains busy mode and short pauses for very busy evenings.
Should I accept advance payment?
For everyday orders, cash on delivery is what most Karachi customers expect. For large or special orders, such as several kgs of mutton karahi for a family function, many owners prefer payment upfront.
With pay by bank transfer, the customer pays straight into your account and you confirm it in Krobr Partner after checking. The bank payment guide explains the steps. Our post on cash on delivery and bank transfer compares the two in more detail.
How do I pack karahi for delivery?
Packaging protects both the food and your reputation.
- Use deep foil trays or sealed containers with tight lids.
- Do not overfill, so the gravy does not spill.
- Wrap naan in paper and then foil to keep it soft.
- Pack raita and salad separately so they stay fresh and cool.
- Add a few slices of ginger, green chillies and lemon in a small bag, so the customer can garnish it themselves.
How far should I deliver?
Karahi travels better than some dishes, but naan goes cold quickly. Set delivery areas you can reach in good time. A restaurant in North Nazimabad might cover nearby blocks and neighbourhoods but not the far end of the city. Add a delivery charge that reflects distance. The delivery coverage guide shows how.
Can I take dine-in and reservations too?
Yes. Many karahi restaurants in Karachi have seating, and families like to book a table for weekend dinners. In Krobr you can offer delivery, pickup, dine-in and table reservations from the same store. Our post on delivery, pickup, dine-in and bookings explains how they work together.
How do I get families to order again?
Families who enjoy a karahi often come back for the same one. Help them remember you.
- Add a QR card to every delivery bag.
- Ask for a review through the order status link.
- Run a weekday family deal, rather than discounting your busiest weekend nights.
In short
Karahi is made for sharing, which makes it ideal for online family orders. Show weights with a clear serving guide, list the styles you cook best, let customers choose spice and extras, mention cooking time honestly and pack naan and raita carefully. Offer delivery, pickup and dine-in, and keep families coming back with a simple QR card and good service. For a full setup guide, read taking online orders as a restaurant in Pakistan.