Alamo Drafthouse Cooks Up Pakistani Feast for Comedian Kumail Nanjiani’s ‘The Big Sick’

For Kumail Nanjiani’s new film, The Big Sick, Alamo Drafthouse is concocting a special Pakistani menu based on the actor’s background. The Drafthouse’s executive chef Brad Sorenson worked with Nanjiani to create the themed menu, which features aloo chaap (potato skewers), seekh kebab (beef kebabs which he described as “Pakistani hot dogs”), biryani, halwa (a carrot dessert with rice pudding which wife and co-writer Emily V. Gordon said is the most “Southern-feeling Pakistani dish”), and more. Read on for the full offerings.

The film is the lightly-fictionalized account of how Nanjiani and his now-wife, co-writer Emily V. Gordon got together after she is hospitalized for an illness, and how he had to combat his Muslim parents’ expectations.

The Big Sick premieres in New York and Los Angeles on June 23, followed Austin and other cities on June 30.

Alamo Drafthouse’s The Big Sick Menu

Aloo Chaap
Gold potatoes mixed with onions, garlic, and spiced beef, which are then pan-roasted. Served with seasoned yogurt and herbs

Seekh Kebab
All-beef kebab made with chili, garlic, and spices. Served with yogurt and fresh vegetables on warm naan. Served with fries

Potato-stuffed Naan
Gold potato stuffing with red onion, green peas, and chili. With salted butter-brushed naan. Served with herb chutney

Biryani with Extra Potatoes
Yogurt-marinated potatoes roasted in butter. Basmati rice cooked with garam masala, tomato, and turmeric

Gajar Ka Halwa with Kheer
Sweet carrot dessert on top of rice pudding made with coconut milk and golden raisins. Garnished with cashews and toasted almonds