Minced meat kebabs wrapped with thread to keep the extremely soft meat on the skewer while grilling over charcoal.
4 top-rated spots found
Waheed Kabab House
Dhaga Kebab (Thread Kebab)
Pakistani BBQ / Street Food
· $
· Burns Road
★★★★☆ 4.2
12,500 reviews
Local LegendClassicStreet Food
9.8
Flavor
9.5
Value
5.5
Vibe
Established in 1961, this is the spiritual home of the Dhaga Kebab. The meat is ground to a silky, almost paste-like consistency and seasoned with a secret heirloom spice blend. It is so delicate that it must be bound to the skewer with a fine thread (dhaga) to prevent it from falling into the coals. Reviewers consistently describe the texture as 'meat that melts before it hits your tongue.'
📍 Burns Road, Shahrah-e-Liaquat, Karachi · View on Maps
Zameer Ansari Kabab House
Beef Dhaga Kebab
Pakistani BBQ
· $$
· Bahadurabad
★★★★☆ 4.1
8,200 reviews
Must-TryFamily FavoriteIconic
9.2
Flavor
7.8
Value
7.5
Vibe
Zameer Ansari offers a slightly more 'refined' take on the Dhaga Kebab compared to the raw street style of Burns Road. Their version is celebrated for its deep smoky aroma and a spice profile that leans heavily into nutmeg and mace. While the prices are higher, the open-air seating and consistent quality make it a top-tier destination for families.
Ghaffar is the go-to for those who find Waheed too buttery and Zameer too aromatic. Their Dhaga Kebab strikes a perfect balance—extremely tender but with a slightly more robust 'bite' and a punchier green chili heat. It is widely considered the most consistent BBQ spot in the city, maintaining its flavor profile for decades.
A true cult favorite located off the beaten path. Unlike traditional plates, they specialize in the 'Dhaga Roll.' The innovation here is the way the kebab is integrated into the paratha, maintaining the thread-bound tenderness within a crispy, flaky wrap. It's a masterclass in texture contrast for a fraction of the price of mainstream spots.