When I first discovered Sofiz, it was on a walk in Downtown Chico shortly after it opened. It looked beautiful from the outside and I was thrilled to try another South Asian restaurant. On my initial visit, I was eager to sample a variety of dishes, but being with just one other person limited my choices. That’s why I was delighted to learn that Sofi’z serves Halal Meat, offering a wider range of menu options—a rarity in Chico!
On my next visit, I made sure to bring a group with me. The ambiance is simply delightful, from the tasteful decor to the impeccable service. Dining out with young friends often means less attentive service in my experience, having worked as a server myself. However, I was pleasantly surprised by the attentive staff at Sofiz.
Sofi herself warmly greeted us while her son efficiently took our orders. We had a wonderful conversation, particularly connecting over our club’s service to Muslim, Arab, and South Asian students.
As for the food—everything was exceptional. We started with refreshing mango lassis served in large, fishbowl-style glasses that lasted throughout our meal. Our group had diverse tastes, from those who enjoyed spicy dishes to those who preferred milder flavors.
I was a bit concerned when I learned that one of our guests was vegetarian, especially considering Pakistani cuisine tends to be meat-heavy. However, Sofi’z had excellent options available for her as well. For the rest of us, the menu offered a tantalizing array: from aromatic chicken curry and succulent kebabs to sizzling lamb chops and fragrant garlic naan. The lamb chops were particularly memorable and quickly became a favorite.
My personal favorites, Gulab Jamun and the sweet Halwa, were complemented by a delightful surprise: complimentary Jalebis, a spiral of syrupy goodness, generously added by Sofi when she heard we were taking them along. To make the experience even better, when we arrived at our guests’ house, they had a pot of chai waiting for us—a perfect accompaniment to every dessert.
While dining at Sofiz may stretch a student budget, its exceptional quality and Halal options make it a worthwhile choice for special occasions or gatherings. I look forward to returning soon!
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