Shimlas Halifax
If you're wandering down King Cross Street in Halifax and your cravings start nudging you toward something smoky, spicy, and satisfying, Shimlas Halifax is hard to miss. Tucked at 194 King Cross St, this local favorite brings bold flavors and a full-on feast experience with its Pakistani-style grills, curries, and street food hits. Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite or settling in for a full meal, this place delivers - no frills, just fire.
The vibe at Shimlas Halifax feels laid-back and lively. It caters well to all kinds of diners - solo foodies, families, or late-night snack seekers. With service options like no-contact delivery, takeaway, and dine-in, there’s flexibility built into the experience, and that’s a huge plus when you’re hungry on your terms.
Let’s talk menu - because honestly, that’s where Shimlas really shines. The Mixed Grill Platter is a total crowd-pleaser and a solid pick if you’re new here or just too indecisive to settle on one thing. It brings together all the heavy-hitters: juicy chicken donner, tender lamb chops, spicy seekh kebabs, and more, all sizzling hot off the grill. The smokiness hits the moment the plate lands on your table, and the marinade flavors pack serious punch.
If you're leaning toward curry, the Mutton Karahi is rich, bold, and beautifully spiced. Cooked in a traditional karahi wok, it’s got that perfect balance of heat and depth. Paired with a soft and fluffy Garlic Naan or a fresh Roti, it’s pure comfort food - and it doesn’t skimp on portion size either.
Now, don’t skip the starters. The Dynamite Prawns live up to their name. Crispy, coated in a fiery mayo-based sauce, they deliver a satisfying kick without overwhelming the palate. They’re perfect to share… or not. No judgment if you want the whole plate to yourself.
Another item that deserves its own spotlight is the Chicken Donnercse - a twist on classic donner that’s creamy, rich, and impossible to ignore. Think of it as chicken donner elevated with cheesy, indulgent flair. It’s the kind of dish that hits late at night when you’re after something hearty and flavorful, and the good news is Shimlas serves late.
Those in the mood for seafood can explore options like the Fish Masala. The fish is flaky and fresh, and the sauce has that punchy masala taste with just enough tang to keep you going back for more. It’s a comforting dish, especially if you like your curries a little more mellow than the karahi.
What sets Shimlas Halifax apart isn’t just the bold flavors or the generous portions - it’s the balance between quality and speed. Despite the complex flavors, service is quick, making it a strong choice for lunch breaks or spontaneous dinner plans. And since they serve halal food, it opens up options for many diners in the community looking for halal-certified meals without compromising on taste.
The seating area is clean, casual, and gets straight to the point. It’s not fine dining, but it doesn’t try to be. Shimlas embraces its street-food roots, bringing that rustic, urban energy right into the heart of Halifax. Whether you’re grabbing lunch in between errands or fueling up for a long night, it’s the kind of place that delivers flavor, fast.
Another subtle win is how the kitchen handles spice. While many places go all-in on chili, Shimlas shows restraint where needed, allowing the richness of spices like cumin, coriander, and garam masala to take center stage. You feel the heat, yes, but it’s layered, not blunt. That’s a sign of a well-run grill kitchen.
And for those with a sweet tooth? While desserts aren’t the headliner here, the offerings do rotate - sometimes kulfi, sometimes something more classic - so it’s worth asking what’s available if you want a creamy finish to your meal.
With everything considered, Shimlas Halifax is that reliable neighborhood spot that delivers on flavor, variety, and convenience. It’s ideal for meat lovers and curry enthusiasts, but even casual diners looking for solid food at fair prices will feel right at home.
Reviews
Hero was amazing at giving me an extra container free of charge as we were sharing! Impeccable customer service by him. He is a great asset to the business.
Very clean place. And very friendly service by Bustaan. I ordered seekh kebab (chicken and lamb), meat samosa, and lamb karahi with roti. Everything was really really tasty, with good quality meat used. The samosa in particular were superb. Good place to come to. Good value for money too.
Absolutely fantastic. Welcoming environment - yes most come for takeaway but eating in is so comfortable. The curries are superb. We had a mixed starter then meat biryani, chicken tikka masala and a garlic naan - all so, so good, at least on a par with a top level Indian restaurant. Staff very attentive and efficient. Excellent quality all round.
The food at Shimlas is always of a consistently good standard. The service received by us from Sabi was exceptional. She is very welcoming and friendly and made sure we had everything we wanted and checked in on us to ask if the food was good. She is an asset to Shimlas Halifax.
Have ordered from here a few times and have always been spot on with taste, portion size and food has always stayed warm for a good amount of time. Last time the food didn’t have salad or sauces on it but when we mentioned it, it was sorted straight away - which doesn’t normally happen. ‘Hero’ was the person who sorted it and I really appreciate how it was dealt with. Thanks!