For a long time it seemed many Indian restaurants featured buffets; thankfully Pakwan Restaurant and Bar is among those that skip the line-to-dine approach and focus instead on made-to-order dishes that better reflect the cuisine.

The Menu

Traditional Indian dishes featuring curries, tandoori, biriyani with vegetarian and nonvegetarian options. There are 12 naan options ranging from plain to stuffed, from spicy to sweet.

Critic’s Tip

It’s always a matter of personal choice, but it’s still good to get a gauge of spice levels, which vary from cuisine to cuisine, restaurant to restaurant. Pakwan has a spice scale from one to six. Our server said five and six were “Indian spiciness.” I took this to mean very hot, so I chose three and was pleased with the slow-to-hit-the-palate but far from mild level.

On the Table

We started with the papadum platter ($7.99), piled high with sheets of paper-thin lentil and cup-shaped rice crisps. They were a sharp visual contrast to the colorful mint, tamarind and mango chutneys served on the side. The crisps were so fragile they were almost impossible to dip. The chutneys, however, were so distinct in flavor that they were not to be ignored. The mint had a kick; tamarind was both sweet and tart while mango was refreshing.

With its medium spice, Malabari coconut curry with chicken ($18.99) blended the best of the sweet coconut milk, which provided the creaminess for the thick, orange-colored sauce, and curry leaves (not to be confused with curry powder), which delivered medium-level spice zing.

Tender pieces of chicken practically bathed in the abundant sauce and we spooned it over the Basmati rice that comes with most entrees. All of which was easily scooped up with buttery naan ($3.99)

Tabitha, our knowledgeable, outgoing server, said biriyani is among the more popular dishes. She likened it to fried rice, but only in as much as the grain is the main ingredient supplemented by, in our case, an abundant amount of shrimp ($22.99), caramelized onions and seasonings that include saffron, mint and cilantro. It was served with a refreshing yogurt-based sauce.

The Venue

Pakwan is located in a thriving shopping area near the intersection of Academy Boulevard and Austin Bluffs Parkway. It’s well-lit, comfortable and requires no shouting to carry on a conversation. Décor is industrial chic, with booths and a section of tables. The long row of west-facing windows is a downside at night when cars parking or leaving in front of the restaurant have their lights on.

Afterthoughts

Most entrees come with a choice of protein that includes chicken, lamb, shrimp, goat and fish. Pakwan was out of lamb on our visit. The vegetarian options are nearly endless.

The naan possibilities were impressive, although we stayed with tried and true butter. It was pliable enough for scooping, slick with melted butter and good enough to eat on its own.

Our meal was well paced between the appetizer and entrees. Full water pitchers are left on tables so there was no wait for refills.

I noticed that at least one person in every group that dined in left with take-home containers; we did, too. Servings are substantial!

Know Before You Go

Pakwan Indian Restaurant and Bar

Indian cuisine for dining in or takeout

Location: 3604 Austin Bluffs Parkway, No. 130

Contact: 1-719-593-5005; pakwancos.com 

Prices: $7.99 to $22.99

Hours: 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. and 4-9:30 p.m. Monday through Friday; 11:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

Details: Credit cards accepted. Alcohol. Wi-Fi.

Favorite dishes: Malabari chicken and chutneys.

Other: Gluten-free and vegan options available.

El Paso County Health Department Inspection: In compliance. (January 2026)