Walk into a spot where the air smells like awesome spices; every bite is a burst of yum. That’s Dera Restaurant in Jackson Heights, Queens, a fun place for Pakistani, Indian, Bengali, and Nepali food. Dera’s the go-to if you’re hungry for something new and tasty. In this blog, we’ll tell you about the five best dishes you gotta try at Dera, plus some sweet desserts and a drink to make your meal epic. Get set for a food adventure that’s cheap and packed with flavor!
Why Dera Is So Special
Dera isn’t just a restaurant—it’s like a big family party where everyone’s invited. Dera has served tasty food at 7209 Broadway in Jackson Heights since 1971. They mix old-school recipes with fresh ingredients to make dishes that taste like home. Whether you’re a meat lover, vegetarian, or just curious, Dera’s menu has something for you. Let’s dive into the top five dishes that make Dera the best Pakistani restaurant in Jackson Heights!
1. Halwa Puri: The Breakfast That Wakes Up Your Taste Buds
Halwa Puri is a must-try at Dera if you love starting your day with something yummy. This breakfast dish is like a sunny morning on a plate! It comes with puri, a fluffy, deep-fried golden and crisp bread. You also get halwa, a sweet, gooey dessert made from semolina, sugar, and ghee, chana masala, spicy chickpea curry, aloo tarkari, and a potato dish. It’s a sweet, savory, and tangy mix that is perfect for breakfast or brunch.
- Why It’s Awesome: The puri is so light it melts in your mouth, and the halwa adds a sweet kick.
- Perfect For: Families or anyone who wants a big, happy breakfast.
- Price: Around $8, super affordable for a full meal!
Halwa Puri is a classic Pakistani breakfast that brings people together. At Dera, they make it fresh, so every bite is warm and delicious. It’s like a party for your taste buds!
2. Steam Goat Roast: A Healthy, Flavor-Packed Feast
Dera’s Steam Goat Roast is your dish if you want something hearty but not heavy. This is a whole goat leg marinated with secret spices and herbs, then steamed to keep it juicy and tender. It’s fat-free, so you can enjoy it without feeling guilty. The spices give it a smoky, savory flavor, perfect for sharing with friends or family.
- Why It’s a Hit: It’s healthy but still tastes like a treat, with meat that falls off the bone.
- Great For: Group dinners or special occasions like birthdays.
- Price: About $20, ideal for splitting with others.
The Steam Goat Roast is a showstopper at Dera. It’s cooked slowly to lock in all the flavors, making it a dish you’ll dream about long after your meal. This is Pakistani cuisine at its best!
3. Beef Behari Kabab: A BBQ Dream Come True
Love barbecue? Then, you need to try Dera’s Beef Behari Kabab. These are strips of beef marinated in a mix of yogurt, spices, and herbs, then grilled to perfection. The meat is super tender, with a smoky, spicy kick that makes every bite amazing. It comes with naan or rice to soak up all the yummy juices.
- Why It Rocks: The grill gives it a charred, smoky flavor out of this world.
- Best For: Meat lovers who want something bold and spicy.
- Price: Around $15, totally worth it for the taste.
Dera’s Beef Behari Kabab is a favorite because it’s flavorful and just right. It’s like a backyard BBQ but way fancier and tastier. You’ll want to order this every time you visit!
4. Karahi Gosht: A Spicy, Soul-Warming Curry
Karahi Gosht is the way to go when craving something warm and spicy. This traditional Pakistani dish is made with tender goat cooked in a wok (karahi) with tomatoes, onions, ginger, and spices like cumin and coriander. It’s bold, tangy, and perfect for dipping naan or pairing with rice. Dera makes it fresh, so it’s always piping hot and flavorful.
- Why It’s So Good: The spices and slow cooking make the goat soft and tasty.
- Perfect For: Cold days or when you want a cozy meal.
- Price: About $16, great for a filling dinner.
Karahi Gosht is a dish that warms your heart and soul. At Dera, they nail the balance of spices, making it a must-try for anyone who loves Indian food in Jackson Heights.
5. Goat Biryani: A Rice Dish That Steals the Show
Biryani is like the king of Pakistani dishes, and Dera’s Goat Biryani is pure magic. This is basmati rice cooked with tender goat, saffron, cinnamon, and other spices, then layered with herbs and fried onions. Every bite mixes fluffy rice and juicy meat with flavors that dance in your mouth. It comes with raita, a cool yogurt sauce, to balance the spices.
- Why It’s Amazing: The rice is perfectly cooked, and the goat adds a rich, savory taste.
- Great For: Sharing with friends or treating yourself.
- Price: Around $14, a steal for such a big portion.
Goat Biryani is a crowd-pleaser at Dera, and it’s easy to see why. It’s colorful, fragrant, and so delicious you’ll want seconds. This dish is a must for anyone visiting Jackson Heights restaurants.
Sweet Treats to End Your Meal
No meal at Dera is complete without something sweet! Their dessert menu is full of traditional South Asian goodies perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth. Here are three sweets you have to try after your main dishes. They’re so good that you might even sneak some home!
Jalebi: Crispy, Sugary Spirals
Jalebi is like candy that you can’t stop eating. These golden spirals are made from fermented batter, fried until crispy, and soaked in sweet sugar syrup. Dera offers Regular, Yellow, and Ghur varieties with slightly different flavors. They’re crunchy, sticky, and super fun to eat.
- Why It’s Fun: The crispy outside and syrupy inside are perfect.
- Price: About $5 for a serving, great for sharing.
Jalebi is a classic dessert that kids and adults love. They make it fresh at Dera, so it’s always warm and gooey. It’s like a sweet hug in every bite!
Amrati: A Thicker, Richer Treat
Amrati is similar to Jalebi but thicker and even more indulgent. It’s made from fermented batter, deep-fried into spirals, and dipped in sugar syrup. The result is a crispy, syrupy dessert that’s super satisfying. It’s perfect for celebrations or just because you deserve a treat.
- Why It’s Special: It’s extra rich and has a unique texture.
- Price: Around $6, worth every penny for the flavor.
Amrati at Dera is a dessert that feels like a party. It’s sweet, crunchy, and so delicious you’ll want to save room for it after your meal.
Faluda: A Dessert You Drink
Faluda is not just a dessert—it’s a fun, colorful drink! This treat mixes rose syrup, vermicelli noodles, basil seeds, and a scoop of ice cream in a tall glass. It’s sweet, refreshing, and has a mix of textures that excite every sip. It’s like a milkshake with a South Asian twist.
- Why It’s Cool: It’s both a drink and a dessert, perfect for hot days.
- Price: About $7, a fun way to end your meal.
Faluda is a Dera favorite because it’s so unique. It’s sweet, creamy, and a great way to cool down after spicy dishes. Kids especially love this one!
Sip on Something Special: Regular Tea
Grab a cup of Dera’s Regular Tea to wrap up your meal. This isn’t just any tea—it’s brewed from high-quality leaves to give you a strong, cozy flavor. Add milk or sugar, or drink it straight for a bold taste. It’s the perfect drink to sip while chatting with friends or relaxing after a big meal.
- Why It’s Great: It’s warm, comforting, and pairs well with any dish.
- Price: Around $3, super affordable for a quality drink.
Regular Tea at Dera is like a warm hug in a cup. It’s simple but tasty, making it the ideal way to end your food adventure at this top Jackson Heights spot.
Why These Dishes Stand Out
So, why are these five dishes—Halwa Puri, Steam Goat Roast, Beef Behari Kabab, Karahi Gosht, and Goat Biryani—plus the sweets and tea, the best at Dera? They show off the heart of Pakistani cuisine with bold flavors, fresh ingredients, and recipes that feel like home. Each dish is made carefully, whether the slow-cooked goat in the biryani or the crispy puri in the breakfast plate. The sweets and tea add a fun, sweet finish that completes your meal.
- Variety: There’s something for every mood, from spicy to sweet.
- Authenticity: Dera sticks to traditional recipes that taste like the real deal.
- Affordable: You get big portions and amazing taste without spending a lot.
These dishes are perfect for anyone, whether you’re new to Pakistani food or a longtime fan. They’re easy to love and even easier to eat!
Tips for Your Dera Visit
Ready to try these awesome dishes? Here are some tips to make your visit to Dera even better. Having a great time at this Jackson Heights gem is super easy!
- Come Hungry: Portions are big, so bring your stretchy pants!
- Try a Mix: Order a breakfast dish like Halwa Puri and a main like Goat Biryani to share.
- Save Room for Sweets: Don’t skip the Jalebi or Faluda—they’re worth it.
- Book for Groups: Call ahead if you bring friends; Dera’s great for parties.
- Check Hours: They’re open late (till midnight or 1 AM on weekends), so you can eat anytime.
Dera’s staff is super friendly and happy to help you pick dishes if you are unsure what to try. Just ask, and they’ll make you feel right at home.
What Makes Dera the Top Pakistani Spot?
Dera isn’t just about food—it’s about feeling like family. The restaurant’s been around for decades, and it’s a place where people come to eat, laugh, and make memories. The chefs use fresh spices like cumin, turmeric, and saffron to make every dish flavorful. Plus, they have options for everyone, from meaty curries to vegetarian delights. It’s no wonder Dera is one of the best restaurants in Queens, New York!
- Cozy Vibe: The restaurant feels warm and welcoming, like a friend’s house.
- Big Menu: There’s so much to choose from you’ll want to return.
- Community Love: Locals and visitors rave about Dera’s food and service.
People who visit Dera always leave with a smile. One customer said, “The Goat Biryani was so good, I felt I was back in Pakistan!” Another loved the Halwa Puri, calling it “the best breakfast in Queens.” These dishes are just the start of what Dera has to offer.
Why You’ll Keep Coming Back to Dera
Once you try these top five dishes, you’ll be hooked on Dera. The Halwa Puri is a breakfast you’ll crave, the Steam Goat Roast is perfect for sharing, and the Beef Behari Kabab brings the BBQ vibes. Karahi Gosht warms you up, and Goat Biryani is a flavor explosion. Don’t forget the Jalebi, Amrati, Faluda, and Regular Tea to complete your ry dish. It is made with love; you can taste it in every bite.
- Something for Everyone: Kids, adults, and picky eaters all find something they love.
- Great Value: You get huge portions for prices that won’t hurt your wallet.
- Fun Atmosphere: Dera feels like a celebration every time you visit.
Dera’s not just a place to eat—it’s a place to make memories. Whether grabbing breakfast with friends, dinner with family, or a sweet treat alone, you’ll feel right at home.
Your Food Adventure Starts at Dera!
Ready to taste the best Pakistani food in Jackson Heights? Head to Dera Restaurant and try these five amazing dishes: Halwa Puri, Steam Goat Roast, Beef Behari Kabab, Karahi Gosht, and Goat Biryani. Don’t skip the Jalebi, Amrati, Faluda, and Regular Tea for a perfect ending. Dera’s food is all about bold flavors, fresh ingredients, and a warm, family vibe that makes every visit special. Bring your friends, come hungry, and get ready for a meal you’ll never forget at one of the top restaurants in Queens, New York!
