| By Step Out Bufffalo

A Family-Run Haven Blending Hospitality with South Asian Flavors

For a century, Buffalo has welcomed newcomers who establish roots and enrich the city’s cultural fabric with their traditions and contributions.

This welcoming spirit thrives today at Ahar Restaurant, a new establishment in the Broadway-Fillmore neighborhood where owner, chef, and Bangladeshi immigrant Jamshad Uddin serves South Asian cuisine that draws patrons from the local area and distant neighborhoods alike. However, his genuine hospitality elevates the experience beyond simply dining.

From New York City to Buffalo: Finding Home

During a recent visit, Jamshad greeted customers from behind the counter with warm smiles, welcoming everyone—including first-time visitors—with familial warmth. He shared that after spending several years in New York City, relocating to Buffalo following the pandemic represented the best choice he ever made.

“I never experienced comfort in New York City. But here in Buffalo, on the East Side, I feel at ease,” he reflects.

Building Community Through Food and Connection

This sense of comfort forms Ahar’s foundation. The restaurant operates as a family enterprise, with Jamshad’s wife and son contributing to daily operations. Regular customers don’t merely place orders; they engage in conversation. Several have requested personalized dishes, which Jamshad gladly prepares with an accommodating attitude. He maintains deliberately affordable prices to ensure the food remains accessible to all.

The certified halal menu at Ahar serves as a gateway to the diverse Islamic culinary heritage spanning Bangladesh, Pakistan, Kashmir, and Western China. Morning service provides breakfast options before noon, while a display case showcases South Asian pastries and confections. Certain specialties appear exclusively during weekends.

Halal Chinese Cuisine: The Unexpected Star

The distinctive halal Chinese section of the menu quietly emerges as the standout feature. These preparations diverge from typical takeout offerings with their salty-sweet profiles. Instead, the seasoning incorporates more spices, enhanced aromatics, and thoughtful preparation.

After ordering from the halal Chinese selection, guests receive invitations to sit comfortably. The Chili Chicken Onion stir fry ($13) arrives dressed in a sticky, spicy-sweet glaze reminiscent of a more sophisticated, layered interpretation of General Tso’s chicken. The momo dumplings ($10 for 6) present fresh, delicate pockets elevated by cardamom-infused chili oil. These dumplings offer something distinctive: freshness, aromatic complexity, and depth.

During conversation with Jamshad, he offered lassi tea ($3)—a beverage resembling a sweet, gently floral latte. The roshgolla ($2), spongy syrup-saturated cakes, provided soft sweetness that intelligently balanced the preceding spice and heat.

More Than a Meal: An Experience of Belonging

Sitting at Ahar satisfied and content, the visit transcended the typical ‘new restaurant trial’ and felt more like receiving genuine care. Much like Buffalo itself, Ahar centers on comfort, human connection, and establishing an environment where individuals feel they belong.

While Jamshad may be a recent addition to the community, his establishment immediately feels like home to those who visit.

Source:

Step Out Buffalo. (2025). New hidden gem comfort food spot is getting spicy with Halal Chinese-Bangladeshi eats. https://stepoutbuffalo.com/new-this-hidden-gem-comfort-food-spot-is-getting-spiccccy-with-halal-chinese-bangladeshi-eats/