Ready and Instant meals - Chtoura Garden

Shalamar Foods stocks the full range: Shan biryani (Bombay, Sindhi, Memoni, Hyderabadi), Shan nihari (Pakistani classic), haleem, korma, vindaloo, karahi and 20+ others. Mixes contain pre-measured spices with recipe – just add meat or vegetables. We also offer ready-to-heat products: Patak's ready meals, Haldiram's dal, Maggi instant noodles and MTR breakfast mixes. Perfect for quick lunch or dinner – authentic taste without preparing spices from scratch. Halal-compatible versions of all mixes in stock for halal meat cooking.

Most popular instant mixes

Shan Biryani Masala – pre-measured blend for Pakistani biryani (Bombay, Sindhi, Memoni, Hyderabadi). Just meat, rice, onion and 1 sachet – dhaba-style result.

Shan Nihari – traditional Pakistani meat stew, slow-cooked 8+ hours. Mix has correct spices + thickener, cuts cook time to 1 hour.

Shan Haleem – thick meat porridge of wheat, pulses and goat. Ramadan favourite.

MDH and Everest masala – Kitchen King (universal), Chana masala (chickpea), Dal Makhani, Pav Bhaji.

Patak's ready meals – heat-and-serve pouches. Tikka Masala, Rogan Josh, Korma.

MTR instant breakfasts – upma, poha, idli, dosa mixes. 10-minute prep.

How to make real biryani with Shan mix

1. Cook 500 g basmati rice to 70 % done.
2. Fry 2 onions in ghee, add 500 g meat and 1 sachet Shan Biryani mix.
3. Simmer 25 minutes, add tomato and yoghurt.
4. Layer – meat + rice alternately in pot, drizzle saffron milk.
5. Dum cook – sealed pot on low flame 20 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Shan mixes contain MSG?

Most Shan mixes are MSG-free. Exceptions are labelled. For guaranteed MSG-free choose Shan Low Fat or Shan Natural.

Are the mixes vegetarian?

The spices themselves yes (except some meat-specific recipes) – but packet recipes are for meat. For veg cooking use Chana masala, Dal Makhani, Palak Paneer mixes.

How many portions per sachet?

Shan 50 g = 4–5 portions. MDH 100 g = 6–8 portions. Patak's ready meals = 2 portions.

How long do unopened mixes last?

Unopened mixes keep 18–24 months at room temperature. After opening store airtight and use within 3 months.