Katis Restaurant

A five-minute walk from Al Qasba and tucked off Al Khan Street, Katis is the kind of neighbourhood restaurant that rewards the diner who isn't chasing polish. The room is small - around fifteen to twenty seats inside, with a handful of outdoor tables - and the decor is unfussy by design: this is a family-run kitchen turning out Indo-Chinese and North Indian cooking with the care of a home meal rather than the theatre of a grand dining room. The menu moves confidently between the two cuisines. Momos are the signature, with chicken tikka and schezwan versions drawing particular praise, and the kati rolls that give the place its name are a reliable opener. On the Indian side, the chicken handi biryani, chicken tikka masala with lachha paratha, dal makhani, chicken bharta, and the sizzler kebabs are the dishes regulars return for. The Indo-Chinese end of the card holds its own with American chop suey, hakka noodles, chilli soy, and crisp chicken lollipops. A sweet or mint lassi is worth adding, and the kitchen will calibrate spice from mild to hot for families. Service is handled personally by the owners, who are genuinely warm hosts and happy to suggest off-menu dishes when the mood strikes. Portions are generous and pricing is fair, though it has edged up in recent years. Note that the seating is tight and acoustics carry easily, and diners expecting a refined or flashy setting should look elsewhere - this is a kitchen that trades on food and hospitality rather than atmosphere. Takeaway and delivery are well organised and much loved by locals.