BY VEENA RAO

The newest Indo-Pak restaurant to open in Atlanta, has an interesting décor. Here, you can chill out with friends or family in a khaitya/Indian baithak style seating and relish some of the best kababs/barbeque items this side of town. 

Run by partners Arpana Purani and Imran Nayani, Bethak is creating buzz in the two months since it opened doors.

“Here groups can hang out late in the night, and chit-chat in a comfortable setting,” says Arpana Purani, a former beautician and single mom. “We stick to our motto - mild prices and great ambiance.” 

The menu has over 70 items, both vegetarian and non-vegetarian. Their kababs, like the chicken 65, chicken lollipop, bun kabab, seekh kabab, chicken tikka masala, lamb boti, goat chops and barbeque platter are fast gaining ground. The restaurant also serves some of the best haleem, nihari, paya and Karachi katakat in town.

“Our tandoor chef has over 30 years of experience in the food business,” says Nayani. “He is a graduate of a UK culinary school, and was a chef at Mirch Masala.”

But it is not just tandoor items that make their mark on the menu. The vegetarian section has some all time favorites like the aloo palak, bhindi masala, chana dal etc. Seafood makes its presence in the form of shrimp 65 and fish fry. The chicken/goat/veg biriyanis are flavorful. The naans are soft and fresh out of the oven.

“Bethak caters to all communities and all palettes,” says Nayani, a cook of no mean talent himself. 
“Our chefs can even cook south Indian favorites with great flourish,” adds Purani.

The restaurant has recently introduced a full fare lunch buffet that includes three vegetarian items, non-vegetarian delights including kababs, goat or chicken biriyani, vegetarian biriyani, naan and dessert. The variety is large enough, very tasty and is priced much below the buffets at standard Indian restaurants.

Bethak has special prices every month on select items. “We have monthly specials, seasonal and holiday specials,” says Purani. “There are at least 14 items on the menu that are prices in the $2.99- $4.99 range at any given time.”

In keeping with its ‘chill out’ ambience, Bethak has a spacious, covered hookah patio that can hold up to 60 people. What’s more, the restaurant or the patio can be reserved for private parties.

Bethak also boasts of a fine banquet hall that can serve up to 250 people. 

“The banquet hall has a beautiful interior, and a private entrance,” says Purani. “Moreover, the service includes a fine dining experience with covered chairs, quality linen and cutlery, wine glasses et al. The décor can be made over to reflect the theme of the party. For instance, we have a pink or blue décor for a baby shower.”

The banquet hall has been receiving some rave reviews for great service and quality food. 
“People who have hosted iftaar parties and birthday get togethers have been coming back to tell us how enjoyable their experience has been,” says Purani.

Bethak will offer Sunday brunch after the Ramadan period ends. The traditional brunch will include traditional halwa puri, aloo chole, nihari, paya, chicken 65, tandoori chicken, and three vegetarian items at a very affordable price.

If you are looking for great food at very affordable prices, and an interesting ambiance to experience it in, head to Bethak with family or friends this weekend.