An Indian-Pakistani restaurant from Houston has expanded to Dallas-Fort Worth: Called Mai Colachi, it celebrates the culture and cuisine of Pakistan, and now has two locations in DFW: Plano at 6205 Coit Rd., and a new one in Carrollton at 3128 Trinity Mills Rd.

The concept was founded in 2015 in Houston by Mobin Jiwani, a businessman who missed the Pakistani food from his hometown of Karachi, Pakistan, and opened his first restaurant in Sugar Land, just south of Houston.

Located in southern Pakistan on the coast of the Arabian Sea, Karachi has a vibrant street food scene that incorporates many influences including Indian and Asian cuisines.

Mai Colachi’s vast menu includes Indian staples like chicken tikka, dal, and puffy naan bread, but also a diverse range of fusion food, including Indian-Chinese dishes which come extra spicy. True to Pakistani cuisine, they serve a variety of meats including goat, poultry, and seafood, but also vegetarian options as well.

Kebabs are a big thing in Karachi, and Mai Colachi has versions with shrimp, chicken, and beef, which are charcoal-grilled, available in a mixed grill platter with naan.

They make use of a Handi, a clay pot with a cover that seals in moisture and flavors during a slow-cooking process, in casserole-style dishes like curries and biryani, the signature mixed-rice dish which you can get in a vegetarian version that's like comfort food.

They have Chicken 65, an Indian dish that's like a spicy-hot take on chicken tenders; and Lahori fried fish & fries, like fish & chips but done in the spicy style of Lahore, a city in Pakistan known for its vibrant food scene.

Unexpectedly, they do an American-style cheeseburger and a fried chicken sandwich, which can be ordered with their unique seasoned Masala fries, tossed in an Indian spice mix.

They don't serve alcohol but they do have some crafty zero-alcohol drinks, plus traditional beverages such as Lassi, the thick, smoothie-like yogurt drink.

But they've become as much known for festive extras including a $23 weekend brunch buffet at their Plano location, Saturdays-Sundays 12-4 pm. It includes traditional dishes such as Chicken Tikka, plus brunch options such as omelets and a fruit and cheese plate. The whole affair has a sweet, homespun feeling, with a row of dishes spread across a banquet table.

They're also known in the Muslim community for their celebrations of events such as Eid al-Fitr, a feast that follows Ramadan, the holy month during which Muslims fast during the day as a way to encourage spiritual reflection, then indulge in a meal at dinner called iftar. In 2024, Ramadan started on March 11 and will end on April 10.

On April 9, their Carrollton location will host Chaand Raat, a cultural observance on the eve of the festival of Eid al-Fitr, with food & beverage, arts & crafts, and live music. It's at 3128 Trinity Mills Rd. and it starts at 6 pm.