"May 2022. After reading all the glowing reviews, I waited nearly an hour to try Al Watan Halal. We ordered the highly recommended beef Nihari, Mix Tandoori Platter, Aloo Palak, naan, and decided to end with Kheer and Chai for dessert. We visited around 1:15 PM on a Sunday. First, they served a garden salad with wild greens, which we politely declined. Next came the large Tandoori platter, smoking and sizzling—though surprisingly, only the rice base was hot. All the kebabs were cold, tough, and dry, as if they were leftover from the night before and repeatedly microwaved. The Nihari and Aloo Palak then arrived. The Nihari was decent, maybe a 6/10, but the flavor was overwhelmed by cardamom. The Aloo Palak was a highlight—fresh, delicious, and well-prepared. The Kheer, however, was disappointing—more like a plain rice pudding, scoring 2/10. As someone familiar with Southeast Asian cuisine, I know how these dishes should look, taste, and be presented. Now, about the Chai: if it’s not ready, the staff should simply say so. Instead, they served a $2 cup of lukewarm milk with a faint tea color, similar to a tea bag steeped too briefly. Having experienced excellent quality at places like Pakwan and Shalimar in the NorCal Bay Area, this was a clear disappointment. The dining area was mostly clean, but there was a puddle of water on the floor near the sink. A successful restaurant needs to consistently deliver quality, service, and cleanliness. It’s not easy, but mastering these essentials is crucial to staying in business."
