Zaika Grill N’ Kebab
3540 S State St, Salt Lake City, UT, 84115
Zaika Grill N’ Kebab Menu
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Address :
3540 S State St
Salt Lake City, UT, 84115 - Phone (801) 268-1658
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :11:30 am - 9:00pm
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : No
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Lunch
Parking : Private Lot
Bike Parking : Yes
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Divey
Noise Level : Quiet
Alcohol : No
Outdoor Seating : No
Wi-Fi : Free
Has TV : Yes
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : Yes
WE SERVE THE FOLLOWING STATES
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Luis S.
After 4 days off awful tasting food, me and my wife were glad we found this place. very very great food. The lamb meat was so soft and juicy and surprisingly so was the chicken. If I could give it 100 stars I would.. mmmmmm so delicious :) Also very humble people (the owners) the wife made us feel like we were earing at her home. And the husband was very attentive.
(5)Drew R.
When I first walked into the place was super empty around 7 pm. The food portion is very small for the price they are charging. As for the cleanliness of the place...it is questionable. The plates doesn't look that clean. The water is serve in plastic solo cups and it look also dirty. Now for the food itself. We order chicken Karahi, chicken buryani, garbanzo beans, chicken kabob, naan, and shami kabob. The portion is very tiny. It wasn't all that good also. I could have had better at either Kathmandu or some place like that. Totally not worth it. I would have to super think about coming back.
(2)Eugenio V.
The good: - homemade style. - family owned - they will make your order in front of you - very friendly - food is amazing ( I suggest mutton karahi) - they will adapt spice level to your taste The bad: - not the fanciest part of town
(5)Alessandro V.
While most who pull into this strip mall are overcome by the large Mexican restaurant dominating the block, a closer look reveals a small gem nestled adjacent to its larger neighbor, Zaika Grill n' Kebab. With the words "narrow is the road" echoing in my head, I went inside, and I am glad I did. The casual ambient is saturated with the rich Pakistani culture that the owners, a couple who run the place, compliment. We were handed a menu, where I was greeted by the pleasant sight of reasonably low prices and authentic options. Once choosing a special combo of kebab, chicken (cooked on a tandoori) and rice, we sat down to a table of our choosing. Both the husband and wife were courteous and dignified, qualities which permeated their restaurant and food, respectively. The food arrived, and though the presentation was not stellar, the subtle textures and rich tastes, as well as the spice, made for a satisfying meal. One small criticism I must make is the lack of ventilation that caused me to stifle: all the vapor and thick smoke from cooking remained within the small space. Besides that, which unfortunately prevents me from giving a fifth star, I recommend this quaint local grill.
(4)Shane N.
Low carb diet? Halal? Zaika is the place! The couple who owns the place are super nice, and will take the time with you to order to your liking. Thank you! I ordered an assortment of lamb, and beef, and chicken kebabs, as well as a whole chicken which they did in a clay oven, delicious! The minced meat I got was a bit salty and overseasoned for my taste, but I think that's how it's supposed to be? The owner asked me how spicy I wanted my meat. When I told him medium, he asked "utah medium?" :) Great food, nice people. The only drawback was while I was there, some guy was up at the counter just flipping through TV channels the entire time. Then he'd put on some nice music from the Arab world, and right when I'd start getting into it, he'd change the channel. Then he got to Reggae, started listening, then he'd change it again! Just leave it in one spot, and put down the remote!!
(4)Tim H.
OK you don't come to this place because of the deco it's kind of hard to find it's next to a Mexican restaurant but there food is awesome if you're looking for Pakistani type food. The owner came and took our order very very pleasant man explained menu to us very comfortable talking with him he suggested some stuff and we went with it. I got the lamb chops my wife got the Kashmiri Buryani . We totally enjoyed our food. And since this is a hole in the wall wait there's only two other couples in the restaurant we got served quickly and I think the owners really trying to impress us so again the food was awesome so I totally recommend this place if you are looking for Pakistani food. I like this place Tim
(5)Laura M.
This is a really nice place if you want authentic Pakistani food. Is a bit of a hole in the wall but it was good food and had friendly service.
(4)Adam A.
I was browsing thru Entertainment.com (old Happenings book company) for a place to eat in SLC. Found Zaika Grill N' Kebab was highly rated & had a BOGO offer I could print. I took it into the restaurant, but the owner said it wasn't his logo & it was a fake offer. These offers from Happenings have a 1-800# for retailers to call & an individual validation code for each printout. if you have ever been accused of being a counterfeit couponer it isn't the best feeling in the world. I said fug it & decided to get something anyways. I gotta admit my ignorance to the difference between a kabob (ingredients cut into pieces on a skewer) vs kebab (roasted meat). I ordered a single chicken 'kebab' to go that was about $6. The kebab was made in a really cool tandoori oven to my custom level of spicy. Was given an upgrade to a combo since I think the owner realized I wasn't there to rip him off with fake offers. The chicken kabab was a ground chicken with spices in the shape of a giant sausage. It was very tasty as was the rice & other sides in the combo. I don't hold a grudge on the offer fiasco. Hopefully the next time someone comes in with an Entertainment.com offer it is honored. Really good food & something different. Worth your time & business for sure. Hooray for no bland food.
(4)Aleena K.
The food was out of this world. We had lamb Karahi and seekh Kabab and samosas. Seekh kabob would melt in your mouth, and I highly recommend lamb Karahi, don't leave without taking some to go as well. Don't miss the samosas either - you'll regret it. The owners do everything - they are incredibly hospitable. We live on the east coast and would make a stop in SLC just for this. The woman was so friendly, she talked to me like we knew each other for years. The food was so good we took some to go, popped it in our carry on and flew it out to Atlanta. Do stop - you'll love it.
(5)Leah G.
I'm gonna be coming back to this place for sure. Very friendly owners and amazing food. We got the chicken karani and the seekh kabob and naan, it was enough for 3 of us and sooooo good and authentic. They really know what they're doing. Definitely a place you need to try if you're a fan of incredible food (and aren't we all?)
(5)Bud H.
I've been here twice now and it was excellent both times. The first time I had the Special Combo plate, which comes with two kebabs, rice, curry, and garbonzo beans. Let me start by saying that the garbanzo beans are out-of-this-world tasty. So, so good. The meat is cooked to order and it was prepared perfectly. I had one chicken and one beef kebab; loved them both. One thing that I enjoy is that they prepare the kebabs according to your spice preference; you can go as mild or as spicy as you'd like. I've gone with the 2.5 spice level both times now and I have not been disappointed. The curry was okay but nothing to write home about, although the fellas I ate there with seemed to really enjoy it. The second time I went kebabs, rice and garbanzo beans, skipping the curry. It was great. You can also request some dipping sauces for the kebabs if you're so inclinded (yogurt and some type of sweet sauce). In reality, you can pretty much slather that stuff on the rice as well and it just adds to the dish. The actual space is definitely no-frills - one might even find it to be a little sketchy. But the warmth of the owners, who are there to take your order and cook your food, more than makes up for its lack of charm. This place is tucked away in an old, small, run-down strip mall, so it's easy to miss if you're not looking for it. But if you ever find yourself in the mood for some tasty Pakastani food, definitely consider this place - you'll be glad that you did.
(5)Peter L.
Salt Lake's newest hole in the wall, ethnic gem. Delicious, fresh, nuanced pakistani food. Another indian buffet this is not. The owners are a lovely couple, who are proud of their food, and committed to pleasing their customers. Where do you get that?? And it's delicious, fresh, homemade Pakistani food. I don't know that their is any other such place in the Salty City. If you're unfamiliar, or intimidated, the hosts will be pleased to explain it to you. RECOMMENDED!
(5)Jeff E.
I visited Zaika Grill N' Kebab last week, 10-Jan-14, with co-workers for lunch. We were excited about trying out a new location in hopes of adding it to our lunch rotation. The Yelp reviews on this establishment looked great so our hopes were high. There are 3 different menus in sight when you walk in. All with different prices for the same item which created a lot of confusion and frustration when we were being rung up. Of course, we were being charged off of the menu that had the higher prices. It did not help that we had to repeat our order 3 different times, and in the end we still got served the wrong entrée. Come prepared to leave this please reeking of the food being cooked there. There is an unhealthy amount of smoke in the air. During our lunch time speed is the key to the game. It took about 45min to prepare the food so that for sure was not ideal for our limited time window. For dinner this would not have been as much of an issue. My co-worker said that the Beef Kabob he ordered was stale and overly seasoned and that the rice was too plain. As I first mentioned, we were excited about the possibilities of this restaurant, we wanted to like this place, but other than the owners being very nice people, I cannot in good faith recommend Zaika Grill N' Grill.
(1)Omar N.
I discovered this place by accident during a business trip. Boy am I glad I found it. Now this is a must stop every time I am in town. Amazing food and even better hospitality. This is the best Pakistani food I have had outside of Pakistan. I would say it is competes with the best in Pakistan and Kashmiri food. I can't believe she remember what I ordered three weeks ago and how spicy I liked it. It's must eat and don't miss the love and hospitality of the owner, a beautiful couple.
(5)Srejith G.
This is my first yelp review and am glad I could write about this place. I happen to be on business trip to salt lake city last month and during my stay visited this place based on other yelp reviews. The ambience is moderate but the food makes up in every sense of it to earn 5 stars. During the four weeks of my stay, I happen to visit them on numerous occasions and have tried everything on and off their menu. The sheek kabab,kababish, chicken karahi and the rotis were the standouts that were all made fresh right in front of you. The host are very friendly and engaging while the food is being prepared. If anyone is looking for a family friendly restaurant with emphasis on taste then this is the place to be. I would definitely come back when I am visiting this place.
(5)Andra M.
It's because of this restaurant that I prefer Pakistani food over Indian. They truly know how to do their meat! This is one of, if not my very favorite, restaurant in Utah. They don't cut any corners here. They have the most tender, flavorful, quality slow cooked chicken and the naan is fresh and among the best I've had (including outside of Utah where it's a bit easier to find authentic Pakistani and Indian restaurants). The chicken Karahi...Oh my. The owners themselves get a five star review as well. They are so nice and go the extra mile to make sure our food stays hot when we opt for take out.
(5)Lance P.
I liked this place. 4 Stars because I've never been impressed with Indian foods, especially in Utah but this place was the first time I thought was worth coming back for. I did think the combo meal price was a little high at $9.99. Like everyone says, the kebab was really good. I don't know what the other stuff was, but they were good so I didn't care what the names were... Curry was good, the sausage thing was good, the rice was good (although a bit dry), the tan things that looked like beans was good.
(4)D. W.
This is the kind of place that you want to hit now, before everyone discovers it and you can take your time and really absorb all the fantastic delights this place has to offer. Maybe it will never get to the absurd popularity levels of some of the BBQ joints around town, which borderline require a reservation and a healthy dose of patience to get in, but if you catch them now, you will not only get to meet and interact with some incredibly friendly (nearly untouchable for customer service) and interesting people, but if you're open-minded, you can also pick up quite a bit culturally and maybe make the world just a little smaller. Not too many places can offer that or the Pakistani music and videos on the wall tv. It is a restaurant, though, so that aside, how is the food? As entertaining as it is to watch them make it (and I bellied up to the bar, right into all those wondrous sights and smells), if it doesn't deliver on the plate, there is no point in bothering and this place delivers. Indian food, admittedly, is not anywhere among my favorites and I believe there is a certain similarity shared with Pakistani food, but their curry, despite me not typically being a fan, I found very interesting. Still not suitable to my palate, but definitely a lot tastier than pretty much everything else I've tried in restaurants. The black-eyed pea dish I liked, but didn't love. The rice underneath I thought was quite a bit better than either of those two sauces, so next go around, that rice is flying solo. The meat was quite a lot better. The lamb kebabs, in some sort of what tasted like yogurt marinade, were nothing short of fantastic but still somehow eclipsed by the curry chicken kebabs, which were amazing. Less successful to me was the ground beef kebab, but a lot of that has to do with my intolerance to onions, which the owner evidently forgot when bringing me the ground beef. It was still a very nice gesture and for those who don't have that problem, the flavors are probably quite good. Everything is made to order, which is great from the respect of it being fresh, but less great when you run short of time, as I did today, before I could try dessert. Even the chai, which is interesting, is made to order, but there is a decent selection of sodas, if you don't have the time or patience. The owners are fiercely proud of their offerings and with good reason, yet they try, with decor (this will be a good place to hang out and relax for lunch, I think) and amazingly good cheer, to make your experience as happy as possible, with the wish that you return. I will do this, but I won't be back back alone, I don't think. One thing of note, they share this lot with both La Puente and Bad Ass Coffee and judging by the signs in the parking lot, it's not a very happy arrangement (though this seems more on the side of the other two than Zaika's). I managed to score a spot right in front, but it bears noting as it could be of issue...
(4)Payel K.
They take quite some time to serve your food so don't be in a hurry or super hungry when you come here to eat. They are very hospitable. The good is really tasty. Love it.
(4)Marcio C.
Hidden gem everyone should try. Authentic never frozen food. Everything is super fresh and cooked to order. The owner lady is awesome!
(5)Camilla Z.
Loved this place. We ordered kabobs, the potato dumplings, and a lamb stew dish. I know I got all of the names wrong. Everything was amazing. Each dish was aromatic and multidimensional with flavors surfacing with each bite. It is truly a mom and pop place so if it looks busy, I'd recommend coming back another day as they don't have the staff to support large crowds. I will be coming back.
(5)Paul P.
We visited Zaika for the second time tonight. My date and I were excited to see if the food was as good as our first visit. We were pleasantly surprised to find the food not only as good but our choice of dishes was better. THE GOOD - The food is delicious, no two ways about it. It rocks. Yes, it takes a little longer than expected but when it arrives you will not be disappointed. The owners run the place and they will take the time to explain every dish and even provide samples for you so you can get a feel for what the food tastes like before ordering. Tonight I ate a bowl of Nihari, a type of beef stew that is traditionally eaten during the winter time. It was rather spicy, but that may be because I asked them to "kick it up a bit". The stew was very tasty but the bowl was not very big; it was also mostly liquid with only 4 small pieces of meat in there. It required an order of (very delicious) naan to sop up the stew in order to be filling. The flavor was very typical of that region of the world and delicious. My date had the lamb shank with an order of rice. The meat was falling-off-the-bone tender and with the rice made a very filling meal. SUGGESTIONS - I think they've been in business long enough to do a couple of simple things right that are not happening: 1) When a customer arrives greet them and show them to a table. 2) Bring a menu right away. 3) Bring some water to drink. 4) When serving the meal provide necessary utensils. 5) Provide napkins. 6) Turn off the TV showing 80's movies and put on some soft background music. CONCLUSION - As you can see, these are small suggestions that are easily resolved by speaking up and asking for them. The owners/operators are super friendly and will bend over backward in order to make sure you have a great experience dining with them.
(4)Scott C.
Fantastic! Super good food and great friendly atmosphere. Sit down and let them cook something for you, I guarantee you'll love it!
(5)Shareen K.
Great place, great food, great service!!!! The have amazing Masala Beryani!! Aaand they make it how you want. The chicken was perfectly prefect, moist yet cooked well. Desert was so flavorful and Delish!!! Believe me I'm as picky as they make them when it comes to food. Plus, it's halal food, what else could I ask for. Definitely going there next week again!!!
(5)Dan D.
This is a refreshing change from the typical Pakistani Indian eateries in Salt Lake. The kebabs are made fresh to order and are delicious. I usually don't like garbanzo beans but I went back for thirds on the dish here. Don't forget to try the roti. The owners are great and delivered far more than expected. I felt like I was getting a home made meal at my aunts house. One of the most authentic meals I've had in a long time. Definitely a hidden gem. Good size portions and reasonable prices. This place is like tea rose diner go for the food not the decor.
(5)Mike J.
I love the small undiscovered gem in the strip mall. Hot n Juicy and OhMai are early claims. When a place sucks, I let you know it sucks . THIS PLACE DOES NOT SUCK!!! When you walk in you smell the what is to come. And it is only good. Wood grilled chicken. Nan to die for. I have had three if the entrees and any of them beat the best that Bombay House or Taste of India have to offer! Consider it the "Solomon's Mine" of the mid-Asian palette. Impossible to find, but worth any sacrifice you might have to make. Do not let pass on this gem! MZJ
(5)Dan G.
Total happenstance! Driving looking for a place to eat, ran into Zaika! What a great experience. Food was delicious! The owners are so personable. Made me feel at home right away. Pleasant conversation. I recommend this place over and over! The atmosphere, the food, so authentic! You don't know what you're missing. :)
(5)Geoff C.
My husband and I are always eager to try new places and after all the raving reviews we were pretty excited... We both ordered the lamb combo with a side of butter naan. After waiting a good 40 minutes our food is brought to us. First impression? Refrigerated and microwaved. So what possibly took them so long to prepare? There were only two other couples before us so they weren't exactly busy. The lamb combo, which cost 11.99, came with a side of decent chick peas, rice (with an odd red sauce with shredded chicken meat), a chicken thigh, and more chicken kebab bites on the plate than there was lamb. Really? I thought I had ordered a lamb dish? Aside from the dry/reheated food (excluding the chick peas), there were numerous other things that gives this place a thumbs down. Here's the list: 1) Given only a spoon to eat our food. 2) Received water 5 minutes after our meal was finished. 3) Uncleanliness every which way you look. 4) Forgot our Butter Naan bread. This 'hole in the wall' is nothing more than a hole in the wall. If you're looking for a great pakistan restaurant try Katmandu (on 7th East) or the Hymalayan Kitchen (on State Street). And if price is something that is of concern, try Curry in a Hurry (on State Street). If there is one thing I hate the most, it is spending money and receiving garbage in return.
(1)Rich B.
Excellent authentic food. The couple take great pride in preparing and then explaining their food. It seems a large portion is made to order with the cooking range exhaust fan turned on only while making the actual dishes! Food is simple but stunningly delicious and flavorful. Non-milk based curries, garbanzo beans and seasoned lamb are great. Punjabi specialties. If you can't take the heat ask for "baby mild."
(4)Satyin K.
Best in Salt Lake City, if you are looking for authentic North Inidian/Pakiatani/Kashmiri fare. All the others in and around Salt Lake City are pretty much the Americanized creamy Tikka Masala types. But not for the faint of stomach :)
(5)Jarrod P.
Oh my god, what a great surprise. Absolutely delicious. We had a mixed kebab and chicken curry. Spice was perfect and an unexpected treat. Tell Amir Jarrod sent you!
(5)Mike H.
These guys are amazing. Best Cashmiry food I've ever had. I've eaten here a dozen times and, although, the service can be slow and the tables a little messy, I've never found it a problem. It's an experience unto itself, and I highly recommend it as an off-the-beaten-path option.
(5)Keaton A.
Eat. At. This. Place. So friendly, charmingly authentic in their service and cuisine, and it's just plain delicious food. Perhaps some of the best in salt lake.
(5)Jerry W.
The food is decent! This is my first time to try Pakistan food. I would like to recommend the grill part. It is funny to see that the owner uses huge furnace do the grill things and the grilled food is so tasty! The only disadvantage, as the previous review mentioned, is that there are only two people for cooking so you have to wait for longer time for the food.
(4)Saurabh K.
Kebabs are awesome. But other items are not so great! And they definitely need to improve their service. Go for dine-in only if you have more than an hour, and you are not very hungry, otherwise take away is your best option.
(3)Joshua H.
Excellent! If you like 'authentic' food, it is amazing, made from scratch. I've traveled the Middle East and this is the real deal. I will be back. It's a new place not yet discovered, early dinners will get to meet the friendly couple that started this yummy Salt Lake City Pakistani eatery.
(5)Elizabeth R.
My husband and I found this little gem last night. We found it on Restaurant.com , so we thought we'd give it a try. I had never tried Pakistani food before and didn't know what to expect, luckily for us the owners were so so nice and helpful. They were able to just tell us what we should get because we didn't have a clue. We ended up with an amazing goat dish (never had goat before....LOVED IT!), a chicken curry, two kebabs, samosas, keema naan, and a purple rose dessert. Ha ha we had so much food. I can honestly say that every bite was impeccable and that they know and love what they are doing there. When you first walk in don't let the decor scare you away, it's kind of an old hodgepodge of things and probably needs a little pick me up, but after you try the food you won't care one bit!
(5)Steven P.
I've never cared to leave a review, positive or negative but it's smaller businesses like this that I feel deserve it. I'd never had Pakistani food, but as a big fan of Indian cuisine I decided to give it a try. Prices were surprising, food FANTASTIC, and - who I presumed to be a couple - we're very friendly and provided great overall hospitality. It wasn't the cleanest place, and if I had to mark it for something (but I'm not) it'd be that. I'm definitely going to be back!
(5)terrence s.
we had dinner tonight on Yelp recommendations. It was homemade and delicious. We had the chicken tika botii and the kabob combo. It was excellent with lots flavor and spices. They can accommodate the heat for those of you from Utah. The rice was covered with a nice chicken curry sauce and the garbanzo beans had a nice texture and flavor too. There drink selection is limited. My wife had a mango lassi drink that she enjoyed. The owners are extremely friendly and very proud of the products they serve. This is not fast food so enjoy the Pakistani music on the TV while waiting. We will definitely be going back. The price is extremely reasonable for the quality and taste of the food.
(4)Hudson P.
Delicious and unique. My brother and I went a few days back and asked the guy to "set us up." Holy mackerel -- one of the best meals I've had in a long time. Juicy and tender kebab (chicken and beef), but the chickpeas and rice stole the show. The chickpeas tasted like turkey gravy. I can't wrap my head around how smooth and creamy those beans were. The rice was moist and served with a prune -- just amazing. Washed it all down with a cold (not too sweet) mango lassi. Perfect. As good as it gets, folks.
(5)Stephen W.
This is a hole in he wall that is run by a very nice couple. They cook the food fresh to order and it tastes authentic. The food is unique and unexpected in Salt Lake City.
(4)Sam R.
Very good food, does take a while to receive your meal but well worth the wait. A little confusing when you enter in on where to sit or order, but they are very helpful and have pictures if you need. A little untidy but I don't care about that is the foods good.
(4)Mike D.
Frendly staff. They treat you like family. The food is amazing and very flavorful. They put a lot of care in their food, so don't go if you are pressed for time.
(5)Marianne S.
Went back today with two friends. Again, it was amazing actually even better, if that is possible. We had the wonderful owners make us whatever they thought we would like. Incredibly good. Apart from the incredible food you don't feel like a guest here, it's like going to a friend's house (who REALLY knows how to cook). We got to try some of the freshly made spinach/cottage cheese. To me it had a hint of nutmeg/caraway ?? flavor.. Reminded me of Swedish/Finnish Christmas.. Delicious. It was like a dessert. I would love to know exactly how she made it.
(5)Lara L.
Curry chicken boneless so good but chicken kebab omg just excellent! this place is AMAZING!!! oh! And the bread naan! U gotta have it...
(5)Julie C.
Yes, yes, YES. My husband and I moved to SLC from Detroit and have been on the search for the perfect kabob ever since. Zaika's rich flavors, family atmosphere and great prices have brought us back time and again.
(5)Mary Ellen T.
Just went there yesterday with my children. We all thought it was very delicious. I will go back and try the buffet. The kebob was amazing, so flavorful; as was the rice and daal.
(4)Iyar K.
So good! Worth every star! Great value! New favorite place. The perfect level of spicy in a very friendly environment.
(5)Danny S.
Authentic Pakistani food. Great price. This is the real deal. I had the combo plate with chicken kabob and minced lamb kabob. Also came with rice, chicken chunk curry in a tomato based sauce, and the best garbanzo beans I've ever had and a HUGE garlic naan bread. I also had a mango smoothie and a donut-like desert. Everything was very flavorful, well prepared, and delicious. This is a small family run joint on State Street right beside/behind Bad Ass Coffee.
(5)Viv S.
Great food! Lotsa options for vegetarians and some other dishes that are not listed on the menu. Friendly owner! And it opens on Sunday, a rarity in Utah. ^_^
(5)Max S.
This place is awesome. Soooo tasty. I hit this place up like three times a week. I might have to find a sponsor. Stupid tasty addictions.
(5)Kim T.
We were in the area looking for car seat covers at Lucy's Seat Covers and was hungry for some meat. My hubby and I stopped in and sampled the meat, oh o good. The meat was cooked to perfection, seasoned, and just spicy enough. Definitely have to eat there again and definite 5 stars!
(5)Kevin T.
The best food of its kind! There customer service is also what puts them ahead of the others- they inquire into your preferences and tweak their menu to fit your taste buds. Way to go!
(5)Steve S.
Great food at budget prices! Budget atmosphere also but I was there for the food. Would be a return customer if I lived here.
(4)Hammad J.
Really good food. And really freindly hosts. They accutally have authentic PakistanI food. It is the best restaurant for pakistani food in Utah.
(5)Adrienne L.
An amazing place!! We had dinner at Zaika for the first time tonight and will definitely be frequenting this restaurant. The owners were very hospitable and I felt like we were friends by the end of our visit. We had the chicken kebab, samosas, and a garbanzo tortilla-like entree with vegetables and spices inside. It was incredible! The seasonings were perfect and meat was done very well. I highly recommend this restaurant!!!
(5)Austin P.
Randomly driving down state street and decided to pull in with my brother. AMAZING! Everything made from scratch and tastes like it too. I can't even tell you how good everything is. The chick peas were so smooth and tasty, like nothing i have ever had before it was that good. Chicken and beef were so tender and delicious. One of best meals to date in SLC. You need to eat here. Period
(5)stacie s.
This def. seemed authentic but I have not traveled the Middle East or eaten much of this kind of food. If you like mild salsa, get level 0 of their spiciness. We went for a late lunch and got to meet the owners who were very nice and helpful. The lady gave us plain yogurt to help with the spiciness and made us a tortilla type of bread thing to eat with the food we ordered. I got a kabob plate and my husband got a tortilla type thing with ground beef and spices inside. Really good. We got to try one of the desserts too. Great and friendly owners happy to help!
(5)Aamer M.
Let me start by saying this...if you would like to try some authentic Pakistani, Kashmiri, and Middle Eastern Halal food, Zaika Grill n' Kebab is the place for you. The owner himself is a chef, and hales from Kashmir, and knows Pakistani styled cooking very well. I have been to the restaurant a couple of times this month, and my favorites on the menu were 1. Keema Naan (Naan filled with mildly spiced ground beef/lamb" - ask for it freshly baked out of clay oven 2. Kebabish - a stew of stirfried mix of veges with ground beef / lam kebabs in the stew; try this with plain naan. 3. Kashmiri Biryani - A well cooked basmati rice with a blend of saffron and mild goat meat or lamb curry. dont forget to ask for mint sauce, with your order. I suggest all to give this restaurant a shot, and try these delicious items by your self. Whenever I will be in Salt Lake, I will visit them again.
(5)Chantelle V.
I went out with my sister and a friend this weekend and we decided to try something new. We saw the great reviews for this place and decided to give it a try. When the owner came for our order we asked for a recommendation since we've never had Pakistani food before. He asked if he could make us a sampling of multiple items. We thought that sounded great and sent with it. We were served 4 different entrees and an amazing mango drink. The owner and his wife checked on multiple times to make sure we were enjoying everything. They were both so sweet and very attentive. We are so glad we ended up at this restaurant and can't wait to go back. I have already recommended this restaurant to a friend and will continue to do so.
(5)Bilal K.
Amazing mango lassi and butter chicken. Everything was freshly made with very intricate and rich spices.
(5)Christie F.
Great food! The lamb dish was awesome! We were cleaning the dish with the Naan and still wishing for more!
(4)Tyson W.
Great curry, authentic and fresh! Although the atmosphere of the restraint could be improved. Friendly and personable staff
(5)Baron Daniel C.
Really fun hole in the hall place! A friend first told me about it and she thought they were open till 3am so we went at 11pm. They were closed but still feeding people. Very nice owners, so we came back the next week. We got a ton of food such as the rice with spices, chicken, lamb, and bread. Also a mixed plate. I would say that names, but I can't remember since they're in another language. The lamp was $21 and came in a big cast iron wok. The others came in dishes. All were very hot (temperature), not so spicy, and delicious. The meat comes with bone in to add flavor, so beware of that if you don't like boned meat. The lady owner was so funny and wonderful. She could talk the dead awake. She was sincere and cheerful and happy to be serving you. The male owner doesn't talk much but he was nice as well. It was so interesting to find out they're Muslim but she doesn't cover because of her own personal beliefs. It's a little more expensive for the lamb than other places, but we found out that it's Halal meat, which is meat done in the specific was according to Islamic law, so it's sacred, like Kosher for Jews. Also she makes everything in house. It seems a little dirty in there, but it's like you're at home at your parents or a relatives house and they've just cooked a large home made meal. Go early so that you have time to talk with the owner (or she'll talk to you rather) and that you have about a 45 min wait for the food. But once it arrives, you won't be disappointed!
(5)CJ M.
Regrettably I have to downgrade this restaurant. While the food is excellent, the place is always closed and the hours are very unpredictable. It doesn't make sense to keep this restaurant a 5 star venue when it's hours are so unpredictable. Also, while I compliment the owners for their effort to establish a great little restaurant, I have to acknowledge that there are other restaurants in town with just as good food that manage to be open during advertised hours and are cleaner.
(2)Anita C.
Cute little place- the owner is super friendly. Lamb kabob is a must- full of flavor. Chicken curry was delicious and very authentic- tasted like my friend's mom's chicken. The rice and garbanzo beans are also very tasty. Chicken kabob was also good but definitely try the lamb kabob. Everything tasted very fresh- looking forward to going back and trying more.
(4)Apryl G.
After chatting it up with the delightful co-owner Saqiba at my place of work I had to stop by and experience their fare. I'm a sucker for cuisine that originates from this general hemisphere though I had experienced more Indian food than Pakistani. The atmosphere was casual and seemed pretty homey - I like to see regulars that are familiar to a venue. After getting a host of recommendations and negotiating spice tolerance (I'm a hot spicy wuss) we made our choices of entrees and waited in mouth watering anticipation. Meat - amazing. Garbanzo bean dish - phenomenal. Lassi - divine. Suffice to say we left feeling fat and happy :) Some other details: A bit tricky to find but very accessible. I was a little confused with how seating worked since we came in late in the evening and it seemed like things were winding down and items already used had been left behind by regulars. It feels more like having dinner with a family than going out to eat so it may help your experience to adjust any formal expectations you may have :) Also since it is minimally staffed consider letting Amir and Saquiba do their culinary magic and clean up after yourself to give them a break :) These husband and wife proprietors are warm, super friendly, and rather chatty so it's a nice social experience and we were definitely taken care of during our visit. Definitely will go back again!
(4)Omar S.
We came here for a good meal and we got an amazing meal! It felt like like we had a home cooked meal. The owners are very hospitible and warm. They care about the quality of thier food. Everything is fresh. I had the chapli kabob, chicken karahi, lamb karahi and the butter chicken with some nan. The flavors were fantastic with the perfrct amount of spiciness. I topped off my meal with a mango lassi which was the most flavorful mango lassi i have ever had, they don't spare the mango. All in all was a great meal, since all the meals are fresh it can take some time but it's worth it
(5)Lauren S.
So happy we stumbled into this place when oh Mai was closed on a Sunday. The food is amazing and the couple who own it could not be more inviting. It feels like they invited you over for a meal. Can't wait to come back!
(5)Chaowei F.
Really good food! This is a small family run restaurant. The owners were great! I highly recommend to get awesome Pakistan food there!
(5)Jennifer W.
Yes it's a bit hard to find, doesn't have the ambience of other eateries and seems to be run solely by a husband and wife team so it may take a bit to receive your order. But it is so worth looking past these small idiosyncrancies. The boneless chicken curry is amazing, the lamb kebab heavenly and the chickpeas left me wanting more, a lot more of them! Oh, and the naan, fresh from the oven and sprinkled with sesame seeds may usurp my beloved garlic naan. It is that good. This isn't Indian, this isn't Middle Eastern, this is Pakistani cuisine. And it is divine.
(4)Aaron S.
I've been here 3 times, and I'm a bit torn. The first two times were great. The lady who runs the place was super attentive and helpful, piecing together a combo plate with kabob, BBQ, chicken, rice and daal. I don't even think it was listed on the menu. I went in recently with my young daughter. After a while, the lady came up to let us know that a big family was coming in (who she obviously knew) so she dismissively said wanted to take care of us (so she could get to the family). We ordered Masala Buryani and chicken curry and yogurt Lassis. They both came out as a big portion of rice with 3 tiny chunks of chicken. I'd hoped to ask her about the ratio of chicken to rice, but she never came back to see how we liked the food. So, we basically paid $30 + tip for rice and drink. From the looks of the kitchen, her friends ate well though. Maybe she couldn't spare meat for us? Anyway, the place is a bit hit or miss. Catch them on the right day and you'll eat well.
(2)Dennis H.
Friendly service, amazing food. Incredibly reasonable. If you haven't been, you won't be disappointed.
(5)Brian P.
Came here last week and got the special combo to go. Food tasted great. Came back today to try the buffet. Buffett looked like it hadn't been used for days (it was 12:30). Every unoccupied table was weighed down with dirty dishes. I found an empty chair by a non-dining table and sat down. Was ignored for over 20 minutes despite the owners mentioning to other customers that I was sitting there. What caused me to leave (and never go back) was food on the floor covered in ants. Food had been left on the dining room floor long enough to be COVERED in ants. Not just a couple, but covered. If the dining room has those kind of conditions I'm scared of what's in the kitchen and food prep areas.
(1)Jim B.
WOW!!! This is by far the best Southeast Asian restaurant I have EVER been to, and I have been to a bunch! Don't be fooled by Pakistani and Kashmiri food - for those not in the know, basically Indian food. The difference maker is the owners, and their insistence and delivery of the highest quality, freshest dishes I have ever had in any Indian/SE Asian restaurant. INSANELY GOOD! Can't say it enough. Can not wait to go back to Salt Lake City just to eat here. The owners are the nicest as well.
(5)Aleena K.
The food was out of this world. We had lamb Karahi and seekh Kabab and samosas. Seekh kabob would melt in your mouth, and I highly recommend lamb Karahi, don't leave without taking some to go as well. Don't miss the samosas either - you'll regret it. The owners do everything - they are incredibly hospitable. We live on the east coast and would make a stop in SLC just for this. The woman was so friendly, she talked to me like we knew each other for years. The food was so good we took some to go, popped it in our carry on and flew it out to Atlanta. Do stop - you'll love it.
(5)N H.
The restaurant is owned by a very friendly pakistani married couple, their food is very tasty, and going to this restaurant kind of feels like going over to some friends house who are entertaining you as they're cooking your meal. It feels very homey. The only thing they could do differently is add combo options available at all time and not just for lunch.
(4)Bud H.
I've been here twice now and it was excellent both times. The first time I had the Special Combo plate, which comes with two kebabs, rice, curry, and garbonzo beans. Let me start by saying that the garbanzo beans are out-of-this-world tasty. So, so good. The meat is cooked to order and it was prepared perfectly. I had one chicken and one beef kebab; loved them both. One thing that I enjoy is that they prepare the kebabs according to your spice preference; you can go as mild or as spicy as you'd like. I've gone with the 2.5 spice level both times now and I have not been disappointed. The curry was okay but nothing to write home about, although the fellas I ate there with seemed to really enjoy it. The second time I went kebabs, rice and garbanzo beans, skipping the curry. It was great. You can also request some dipping sauces for the kebabs if you're so inclinded (yogurt and some type of sweet sauce). In reality, you can pretty much slather that stuff on the rice as well and it just adds to the dish. The actual space is definitely no-frills - one might even find it to be a little sketchy. But the warmth of the owners, who are there to take your order and cook your food, more than makes up for its lack of charm. This place is tucked away in an old, small, run-down strip mall, so it's easy to miss if you're not looking for it. But if you ever find yourself in the mood for some tasty Pakastani food, definitely consider this place - you'll be glad that you did.
(5)Leah G.
I'm gonna be coming back to this place for sure. Very friendly owners and amazing food. We got the chicken karani and the seekh kabob and naan, it was enough for 3 of us and sooooo good and authentic. They really know what they're doing. Definitely a place you need to try if you're a fan of incredible food (and aren't we all?)
(5)Peter L.
Salt Lake's newest hole in the wall, ethnic gem. Delicious, fresh, nuanced pakistani food. Another indian buffet this is not. The owners are a lovely couple, who are proud of their food, and committed to pleasing their customers. Where do you get that?? And it's delicious, fresh, homemade Pakistani food. I don't know that their is any other such place in the Salty City. If you're unfamiliar, or intimidated, the hosts will be pleased to explain it to you. RECOMMENDED!
(5)Jeff E.
I visited Zaika Grill N' Kebab last week, 10-Jan-14, with co-workers for lunch. We were excited about trying out a new location in hopes of adding it to our lunch rotation. The Yelp reviews on this establishment looked great so our hopes were high. There are 3 different menus in sight when you walk in. All with different prices for the same item which created a lot of confusion and frustration when we were being rung up. Of course, we were being charged off of the menu that had the higher prices. It did not help that we had to repeat our order 3 different times, and in the end we still got served the wrong entrée. Come prepared to leave this please reeking of the food being cooked there. There is an unhealthy amount of smoke in the air. During our lunch time speed is the key to the game. It took about 45min to prepare the food so that for sure was not ideal for our limited time window. For dinner this would not have been as much of an issue. My co-worker said that the Beef Kabob he ordered was stale and overly seasoned and that the rice was too plain. As I first mentioned, we were excited about the possibilities of this restaurant, we wanted to like this place, but other than the owners being very nice people, I cannot in good faith recommend Zaika Grill N' Grill.
(1)Omar N.
I discovered this place by accident during a business trip. Boy am I glad I found it. Now this is a must stop every time I am in town. Amazing food and even better hospitality. This is the best Pakistani food I have had outside of Pakistan. I would say it is competes with the best in Pakistan and Kashmiri food. I can't believe she remember what I ordered three weeks ago and how spicy I liked it. It's must eat and don't miss the love and hospitality of the owner, a beautiful couple.
(5)Srejith G.
This is my first yelp review and am glad I could write about this place. I happen to be on business trip to salt lake city last month and during my stay visited this place based on other yelp reviews. The ambience is moderate but the food makes up in every sense of it to earn 5 stars. During the four weeks of my stay, I happen to visit them on numerous occasions and have tried everything on and off their menu. The sheek kabab,kababish, chicken karahi and the rotis were the standouts that were all made fresh right in front of you. The host are very friendly and engaging while the food is being prepared. If anyone is looking for a family friendly restaurant with emphasis on taste then this is the place to be. I would definitely come back when I am visiting this place.
(5)Andra M.
It's because of this restaurant that I prefer Pakistani food over Indian. They truly know how to do their meat! This is one of, if not my very favorite, restaurant in Utah. They don't cut any corners here. They have the most tender, flavorful, quality slow cooked chicken and the naan is fresh and among the best I've had (including outside of Utah where it's a bit easier to find authentic Pakistani and Indian restaurants). The chicken Karahi...Oh my. The owners themselves get a five star review as well. They are so nice and go the extra mile to make sure our food stays hot when we opt for take out.
(5)Lance P.
I liked this place. 4 Stars because I've never been impressed with Indian foods, especially in Utah but this place was the first time I thought was worth coming back for. I did think the combo meal price was a little high at $9.99. Like everyone says, the kebab was really good. I don't know what the other stuff was, but they were good so I didn't care what the names were... Curry was good, the sausage thing was good, the rice was good (although a bit dry), the tan things that looked like beans was good.
(4)D. W.
This is the kind of place that you want to hit now, before everyone discovers it and you can take your time and really absorb all the fantastic delights this place has to offer. Maybe it will never get to the absurd popularity levels of some of the BBQ joints around town, which borderline require a reservation and a healthy dose of patience to get in, but if you catch them now, you will not only get to meet and interact with some incredibly friendly (nearly untouchable for customer service) and interesting people, but if you're open-minded, you can also pick up quite a bit culturally and maybe make the world just a little smaller. Not too many places can offer that or the Pakistani music and videos on the wall tv. It is a restaurant, though, so that aside, how is the food? As entertaining as it is to watch them make it (and I bellied up to the bar, right into all those wondrous sights and smells), if it doesn't deliver on the plate, there is no point in bothering and this place delivers. Indian food, admittedly, is not anywhere among my favorites and I believe there is a certain similarity shared with Pakistani food, but their curry, despite me not typically being a fan, I found very interesting. Still not suitable to my palate, but definitely a lot tastier than pretty much everything else I've tried in restaurants. The black-eyed pea dish I liked, but didn't love. The rice underneath I thought was quite a bit better than either of those two sauces, so next go around, that rice is flying solo. The meat was quite a lot better. The lamb kebabs, in some sort of what tasted like yogurt marinade, were nothing short of fantastic but still somehow eclipsed by the curry chicken kebabs, which were amazing. Less successful to me was the ground beef kebab, but a lot of that has to do with my intolerance to onions, which the owner evidently forgot when bringing me the ground beef. It was still a very nice gesture and for those who don't have that problem, the flavors are probably quite good. Everything is made to order, which is great from the respect of it being fresh, but less great when you run short of time, as I did today, before I could try dessert. Even the chai, which is interesting, is made to order, but there is a decent selection of sodas, if you don't have the time or patience. The owners are fiercely proud of their offerings and with good reason, yet they try, with decor (this will be a good place to hang out and relax for lunch, I think) and amazingly good cheer, to make your experience as happy as possible, with the wish that you return. I will do this, but I won't be back back alone, I don't think. One thing of note, they share this lot with both La Puente and Bad Ass Coffee and judging by the signs in the parking lot, it's not a very happy arrangement (though this seems more on the side of the other two than Zaika's). I managed to score a spot right in front, but it bears noting as it could be of issue...
(4)Payel K.
They take quite some time to serve your food so don't be in a hurry or super hungry when you come here to eat. They are very hospitable. The good is really tasty. Love it.
(4)Marcio C.
Hidden gem everyone should try. Authentic never frozen food. Everything is super fresh and cooked to order. The owner lady is awesome!
(5)Paul P.
We visited Zaika for the second time tonight. My date and I were excited to see if the food was as good as our first visit. We were pleasantly surprised to find the food not only as good but our choice of dishes was better. THE GOOD - The food is delicious, no two ways about it. It rocks. Yes, it takes a little longer than expected but when it arrives you will not be disappointed. The owners run the place and they will take the time to explain every dish and even provide samples for you so you can get a feel for what the food tastes like before ordering. Tonight I ate a bowl of Nihari, a type of beef stew that is traditionally eaten during the winter time. It was rather spicy, but that may be because I asked them to "kick it up a bit". The stew was very tasty but the bowl was not very big; it was also mostly liquid with only 4 small pieces of meat in there. It required an order of (very delicious) naan to sop up the stew in order to be filling. The flavor was very typical of that region of the world and delicious. My date had the lamb shank with an order of rice. The meat was falling-off-the-bone tender and with the rice made a very filling meal. SUGGESTIONS - I think they've been in business long enough to do a couple of simple things right that are not happening: 1) When a customer arrives greet them and show them to a table. 2) Bring a menu right away. 3) Bring some water to drink. 4) When serving the meal provide necessary utensils. 5) Provide napkins. 6) Turn off the TV showing 80's movies and put on some soft background music. CONCLUSION - As you can see, these are small suggestions that are easily resolved by speaking up and asking for them. The owners/operators are super friendly and will bend over backward in order to make sure you have a great experience dining with them.
(4)Camilla Z.
Loved this place. We ordered kabobs, the potato dumplings, and a lamb stew dish. I know I got all of the names wrong. Everything was amazing. Each dish was aromatic and multidimensional with flavors surfacing with each bite. It is truly a mom and pop place so if it looks busy, I'd recommend coming back another day as they don't have the staff to support large crowds. I will be coming back.
(5)Scott C.
Fantastic! Super good food and great friendly atmosphere. Sit down and let them cook something for you, I guarantee you'll love it!
(5)Shareen K.
Great place, great food, great service!!!! The have amazing Masala Beryani!! Aaand they make it how you want. The chicken was perfectly prefect, moist yet cooked well. Desert was so flavorful and Delish!!! Believe me I'm as picky as they make them when it comes to food. Plus, it's halal food, what else could I ask for. Definitely going there next week again!!!
(5)Dan D.
This is a refreshing change from the typical Pakistani Indian eateries in Salt Lake. The kebabs are made fresh to order and are delicious. I usually don't like garbanzo beans but I went back for thirds on the dish here. Don't forget to try the roti. The owners are great and delivered far more than expected. I felt like I was getting a home made meal at my aunts house. One of the most authentic meals I've had in a long time. Definitely a hidden gem. Good size portions and reasonable prices. This place is like tea rose diner go for the food not the decor.
(5)Mike J.
I love the small undiscovered gem in the strip mall. Hot n Juicy and OhMai are early claims. When a place sucks, I let you know it sucks . THIS PLACE DOES NOT SUCK!!! When you walk in you smell the what is to come. And it is only good. Wood grilled chicken. Nan to die for. I have had three if the entrees and any of them beat the best that Bombay House or Taste of India have to offer! Consider it the "Solomon's Mine" of the mid-Asian palette. Impossible to find, but worth any sacrifice you might have to make. Do not let pass on this gem! MZJ
(5)Dan G.
Total happenstance! Driving looking for a place to eat, ran into Zaika! What a great experience. Food was delicious! The owners are so personable. Made me feel at home right away. Pleasant conversation. I recommend this place over and over! The atmosphere, the food, so authentic! You don't know what you're missing. :)
(5)Geoff C.
My husband and I are always eager to try new places and after all the raving reviews we were pretty excited... We both ordered the lamb combo with a side of butter naan. After waiting a good 40 minutes our food is brought to us. First impression? Refrigerated and microwaved. So what possibly took them so long to prepare? There were only two other couples before us so they weren't exactly busy. The lamb combo, which cost 11.99, came with a side of decent chick peas, rice (with an odd red sauce with shredded chicken meat), a chicken thigh, and more chicken kebab bites on the plate than there was lamb. Really? I thought I had ordered a lamb dish? Aside from the dry/reheated food (excluding the chick peas), there were numerous other things that gives this place a thumbs down. Here's the list: 1) Given only a spoon to eat our food. 2) Received water 5 minutes after our meal was finished. 3) Uncleanliness every which way you look. 4) Forgot our Butter Naan bread. This 'hole in the wall' is nothing more than a hole in the wall. If you're looking for a great pakistan restaurant try Katmandu (on 7th East) or the Hymalayan Kitchen (on State Street). And if price is something that is of concern, try Curry in a Hurry (on State Street). If there is one thing I hate the most, it is spending money and receiving garbage in return.
(1)Satyin K.
Best in Salt Lake City, if you are looking for authentic North Inidian/Pakiatani/Kashmiri fare. All the others in and around Salt Lake City are pretty much the Americanized creamy Tikka Masala types. But not for the faint of stomach :)
(5)Rich B.
Excellent authentic food. The couple take great pride in preparing and then explaining their food. It seems a large portion is made to order with the cooking range exhaust fan turned on only while making the actual dishes! Food is simple but stunningly delicious and flavorful. Non-milk based curries, garbanzo beans and seasoned lamb are great. Punjabi specialties. If you can't take the heat ask for "baby mild."
(4)Jarrod P.
Oh my god, what a great surprise. Absolutely delicious. We had a mixed kebab and chicken curry. Spice was perfect and an unexpected treat. Tell Amir Jarrod sent you!
(5)Mike H.
These guys are amazing. Best Cashmiry food I've ever had. I've eaten here a dozen times and, although, the service can be slow and the tables a little messy, I've never found it a problem. It's an experience unto itself, and I highly recommend it as an off-the-beaten-path option.
(5)Keaton A.
Eat. At. This. Place. So friendly, charmingly authentic in their service and cuisine, and it's just plain delicious food. Perhaps some of the best in salt lake.
(5)Jerry W.
The food is decent! This is my first time to try Pakistan food. I would like to recommend the grill part. It is funny to see that the owner uses huge furnace do the grill things and the grilled food is so tasty! The only disadvantage, as the previous review mentioned, is that there are only two people for cooking so you have to wait for longer time for the food.
(4)Joshua H.
Excellent! If you like 'authentic' food, it is amazing, made from scratch. I've traveled the Middle East and this is the real deal. I will be back. It's a new place not yet discovered, early dinners will get to meet the friendly couple that started this yummy Salt Lake City Pakistani eatery.
(5)Saurabh K.
Kebabs are awesome. But other items are not so great! And they definitely need to improve their service. Go for dine-in only if you have more than an hour, and you are not very hungry, otherwise take away is your best option.
(3)Elizabeth R.
My husband and I found this little gem last night. We found it on Restaurant.com , so we thought we'd give it a try. I had never tried Pakistani food before and didn't know what to expect, luckily for us the owners were so so nice and helpful. They were able to just tell us what we should get because we didn't have a clue. We ended up with an amazing goat dish (never had goat before....LOVED IT!), a chicken curry, two kebabs, samosas, keema naan, and a purple rose dessert. Ha ha we had so much food. I can honestly say that every bite was impeccable and that they know and love what they are doing there. When you first walk in don't let the decor scare you away, it's kind of an old hodgepodge of things and probably needs a little pick me up, but after you try the food you won't care one bit!
(5)Steven P.
I've never cared to leave a review, positive or negative but it's smaller businesses like this that I feel deserve it. I'd never had Pakistani food, but as a big fan of Indian cuisine I decided to give it a try. Prices were surprising, food FANTASTIC, and - who I presumed to be a couple - we're very friendly and provided great overall hospitality. It wasn't the cleanest place, and if I had to mark it for something (but I'm not) it'd be that. I'm definitely going to be back!
(5)terrence s.
we had dinner tonight on Yelp recommendations. It was homemade and delicious. We had the chicken tika botii and the kabob combo. It was excellent with lots flavor and spices. They can accommodate the heat for those of you from Utah. The rice was covered with a nice chicken curry sauce and the garbanzo beans had a nice texture and flavor too. There drink selection is limited. My wife had a mango lassi drink that she enjoyed. The owners are extremely friendly and very proud of the products they serve. This is not fast food so enjoy the Pakistani music on the TV while waiting. We will definitely be going back. The price is extremely reasonable for the quality and taste of the food.
(4)Hudson P.
Delicious and unique. My brother and I went a few days back and asked the guy to "set us up." Holy mackerel -- one of the best meals I've had in a long time. Juicy and tender kebab (chicken and beef), but the chickpeas and rice stole the show. The chickpeas tasted like turkey gravy. I can't wrap my head around how smooth and creamy those beans were. The rice was moist and served with a prune -- just amazing. Washed it all down with a cold (not too sweet) mango lassi. Perfect. As good as it gets, folks.
(5)Stephen W.
This is a hole in he wall that is run by a very nice couple. They cook the food fresh to order and it tastes authentic. The food is unique and unexpected in Salt Lake City.
(4)Sam R.
Very good food, does take a while to receive your meal but well worth the wait. A little confusing when you enter in on where to sit or order, but they are very helpful and have pictures if you need. A little untidy but I don't care about that is the foods good.
(4)Mike D.
Frendly staff. They treat you like family. The food is amazing and very flavorful. They put a lot of care in their food, so don't go if you are pressed for time.
(5)Marianne S.
Went back today with two friends. Again, it was amazing actually even better, if that is possible. We had the wonderful owners make us whatever they thought we would like. Incredibly good. Apart from the incredible food you don't feel like a guest here, it's like going to a friend's house (who REALLY knows how to cook). We got to try some of the freshly made spinach/cottage cheese. To me it had a hint of nutmeg/caraway ?? flavor.. Reminded me of Swedish/Finnish Christmas.. Delicious. It was like a dessert. I would love to know exactly how she made it.
(5)Lara L.
Curry chicken boneless so good but chicken kebab omg just excellent! this place is AMAZING!!! oh! And the bread naan! U gotta have it...
(5)Julie C.
Yes, yes, YES. My husband and I moved to SLC from Detroit and have been on the search for the perfect kabob ever since. Zaika's rich flavors, family atmosphere and great prices have brought us back time and again.
(5)Mary Ellen T.
Just went there yesterday with my children. We all thought it was very delicious. I will go back and try the buffet. The kebob was amazing, so flavorful; as was the rice and daal.
(4)Iyar K.
So good! Worth every star! Great value! New favorite place. The perfect level of spicy in a very friendly environment.
(5)Danny S.
Authentic Pakistani food. Great price. This is the real deal. I had the combo plate with chicken kabob and minced lamb kabob. Also came with rice, chicken chunk curry in a tomato based sauce, and the best garbanzo beans I've ever had and a HUGE garlic naan bread. I also had a mango smoothie and a donut-like desert. Everything was very flavorful, well prepared, and delicious. This is a small family run joint on State Street right beside/behind Bad Ass Coffee.
(5)Viv S.
Great food! Lotsa options for vegetarians and some other dishes that are not listed on the menu. Friendly owner! And it opens on Sunday, a rarity in Utah. ^_^
(5)Max S.
This place is awesome. Soooo tasty. I hit this place up like three times a week. I might have to find a sponsor. Stupid tasty addictions.
(5)Kim T.
We were in the area looking for car seat covers at Lucy's Seat Covers and was hungry for some meat. My hubby and I stopped in and sampled the meat, oh o good. The meat was cooked to perfection, seasoned, and just spicy enough. Definitely have to eat there again and definite 5 stars!
(5)Kevin T.
The best food of its kind! There customer service is also what puts them ahead of the others- they inquire into your preferences and tweak their menu to fit your taste buds. Way to go!
(5)Steve S.
Great food at budget prices! Budget atmosphere also but I was there for the food. Would be a return customer if I lived here.
(4)Adrienne L.
An amazing place!! We had dinner at Zaika for the first time tonight and will definitely be frequenting this restaurant. The owners were very hospitable and I felt like we were friends by the end of our visit. We had the chicken kebab, samosas, and a garbanzo tortilla-like entree with vegetables and spices inside. It was incredible! The seasonings were perfect and meat was done very well. I highly recommend this restaurant!!!
(5)Hammad J.
Really good food. And really freindly hosts. They accutally have authentic PakistanI food. It is the best restaurant for pakistani food in Utah.
(5)Austin P.
Randomly driving down state street and decided to pull in with my brother. AMAZING! Everything made from scratch and tastes like it too. I can't even tell you how good everything is. The chick peas were so smooth and tasty, like nothing i have ever had before it was that good. Chicken and beef were so tender and delicious. One of best meals to date in SLC. You need to eat here. Period
(5)stacie s.
This def. seemed authentic but I have not traveled the Middle East or eaten much of this kind of food. If you like mild salsa, get level 0 of their spiciness. We went for a late lunch and got to meet the owners who were very nice and helpful. The lady gave us plain yogurt to help with the spiciness and made us a tortilla type of bread thing to eat with the food we ordered. I got a kabob plate and my husband got a tortilla type thing with ground beef and spices inside. Really good. We got to try one of the desserts too. Great and friendly owners happy to help!
(5)Aamer M.
Let me start by saying this...if you would like to try some authentic Pakistani, Kashmiri, and Middle Eastern Halal food, Zaika Grill n' Kebab is the place for you. The owner himself is a chef, and hales from Kashmir, and knows Pakistani styled cooking very well. I have been to the restaurant a couple of times this month, and my favorites on the menu were 1. Keema Naan (Naan filled with mildly spiced ground beef/lamb" - ask for it freshly baked out of clay oven 2. Kebabish - a stew of stirfried mix of veges with ground beef / lam kebabs in the stew; try this with plain naan. 3. Kashmiri Biryani - A well cooked basmati rice with a blend of saffron and mild goat meat or lamb curry. dont forget to ask for mint sauce, with your order. I suggest all to give this restaurant a shot, and try these delicious items by your self. Whenever I will be in Salt Lake, I will visit them again.
(5)Chantelle V.
I went out with my sister and a friend this weekend and we decided to try something new. We saw the great reviews for this place and decided to give it a try. When the owner came for our order we asked for a recommendation since we've never had Pakistani food before. He asked if he could make us a sampling of multiple items. We thought that sounded great and sent with it. We were served 4 different entrees and an amazing mango drink. The owner and his wife checked on multiple times to make sure we were enjoying everything. They were both so sweet and very attentive. We are so glad we ended up at this restaurant and can't wait to go back. I have already recommended this restaurant to a friend and will continue to do so.
(5)Eugenio V.
The good: - homemade style. - family owned - they will make your order in front of you - very friendly - food is amazing ( I suggest mutton karahi) - they will adapt spice level to your taste The bad: - not the fanciest part of town
(5)Alessandro V.
While most who pull into this strip mall are overcome by the large Mexican restaurant dominating the block, a closer look reveals a small gem nestled adjacent to its larger neighbor, Zaika Grill n' Kebab. With the words "narrow is the road" echoing in my head, I went inside, and I am glad I did. The casual ambient is saturated with the rich Pakistani culture that the owners, a couple who run the place, compliment. We were handed a menu, where I was greeted by the pleasant sight of reasonably low prices and authentic options. Once choosing a special combo of kebab, chicken (cooked on a tandoori) and rice, we sat down to a table of our choosing. Both the husband and wife were courteous and dignified, qualities which permeated their restaurant and food, respectively. The food arrived, and though the presentation was not stellar, the subtle textures and rich tastes, as well as the spice, made for a satisfying meal. One small criticism I must make is the lack of ventilation that caused me to stifle: all the vapor and thick smoke from cooking remained within the small space. Besides that, which unfortunately prevents me from giving a fifth star, I recommend this quaint local grill.
(4)Shane N.
Low carb diet? Halal? Zaika is the place! The couple who owns the place are super nice, and will take the time with you to order to your liking. Thank you! I ordered an assortment of lamb, and beef, and chicken kebabs, as well as a whole chicken which they did in a clay oven, delicious! The minced meat I got was a bit salty and overseasoned for my taste, but I think that's how it's supposed to be? The owner asked me how spicy I wanted my meat. When I told him medium, he asked "utah medium?" :) Great food, nice people. The only drawback was while I was there, some guy was up at the counter just flipping through TV channels the entire time. Then he'd put on some nice music from the Arab world, and right when I'd start getting into it, he'd change the channel. Then he got to Reggae, started listening, then he'd change it again! Just leave it in one spot, and put down the remote!!
(4)Tim H.
OK you don't come to this place because of the deco it's kind of hard to find it's next to a Mexican restaurant but there food is awesome if you're looking for Pakistani type food. The owner came and took our order very very pleasant man explained menu to us very comfortable talking with him he suggested some stuff and we went with it. I got the lamb chops my wife got the Kashmiri Buryani . We totally enjoyed our food. And since this is a hole in the wall wait there's only two other couples in the restaurant we got served quickly and I think the owners really trying to impress us so again the food was awesome so I totally recommend this place if you are looking for Pakistani food. I like this place Tim
(5)Laura M.
This is a really nice place if you want authentic Pakistani food. Is a bit of a hole in the wall but it was good food and had friendly service.
(4)Adam A.
I was browsing thru Entertainment.com (old Happenings book company) for a place to eat in SLC. Found Zaika Grill N' Kebab was highly rated & had a BOGO offer I could print. I took it into the restaurant, but the owner said it wasn't his logo & it was a fake offer. These offers from Happenings have a 1-800# for retailers to call & an individual validation code for each printout. if you have ever been accused of being a counterfeit couponer it isn't the best feeling in the world. I said fug it & decided to get something anyways. I gotta admit my ignorance to the difference between a kabob (ingredients cut into pieces on a skewer) vs kebab (roasted meat). I ordered a single chicken 'kebab' to go that was about $6. The kebab was made in a really cool tandoori oven to my custom level of spicy. Was given an upgrade to a combo since I think the owner realized I wasn't there to rip him off with fake offers. The chicken kabab was a ground chicken with spices in the shape of a giant sausage. It was very tasty as was the rice & other sides in the combo. I don't hold a grudge on the offer fiasco. Hopefully the next time someone comes in with an Entertainment.com offer it is honored. Really good food & something different. Worth your time & business for sure. Hooray for no bland food.
(4)John C.
4 of my brothers and my dad were all craving some Pakistani food so we went over to Zabiha Grill in West Valley and they were full and couldn't serve us. They were celebrating a holiday as everyone was dressed very nicely. Quickly checking Yelp we found this place and quickly headed over. We came in with high expectations seeing the reviews and hoping it would be just like Zabiha Grill or even better. We ordered about 12 items and really were so hungry. It took over 1 hour just to get our first item, we were the only ones in the restaurant. We were hoping it would be so awesome that it took that long only to find out it was just average tasting and missing simple salt and seasoning. The couple were both very nice and attentive, sadly the food wasn't worth the very long wait. Maybe we came on an off night as most places have them. Would like to try it again and give them another chance.
(3)Neha S.
So glad I found out about this place through yelp (can't believe I've missed out on this for over a year). The food is absolutely out of this world! First things first, if you are looking for a quick bite, this is not the place for you. They prepare everything from scratch and the food prep time is between 30-45 mins. The couple who run this place are very friendly and cook and manage everything. You can call in your order as well. Now for the food - we tried the lamb chops and chicken tikka. They were both delicious and very flavorful. For main course we had the lamb kadahi with butter naan. Both were beyond amazing with authentic flavors. The lamb would just melt in your mouth.. just couldn't stop eating. It had level 3.5 spice and it was pretty spicy (I am used to eating spicy food yet found this a little too spicy). Next time will go down to 2.5. To drink, we had the salted lassi. It was made from home-made (or restaurant made) yogurt and it was delicious. All in all an excellent place with delicious food. Will definitely be going back to try everything else on the menu!
(5)Haley B.
I visited Zaika Grill 'N Kebab again this week with a friend and we had an amazing experience. When we met at the restaurant for dinner at 5, it wasn't quite open for business yet, but we came back at 5:30 and were greeted warmly by one of the owners. The individualized attention we received from the woman made it feel as though we were eating in her home. She asked about our preferences regarding spice levels and protein and made suggestions from there, as well as explaining in great detail the differences between Pakistani and Indian food. We wound up ordering lamb karahi, a chicken kebab, samosas, and naan. Everything was very good, particularly the lamb dish, which was spicy but complex. I want to bring all of my friends here! Will definitely be back.
(5)Clarion A.
We discovered this place long ago (not that long ago) when they first opened. Their a husband wife team who makes really good Kashmir/Pakistani food. Plus it's halal for those people who need it. Be aware that they take a really long time to make the food so be prepared to wait 20-30 minutes. We always order Chicken Karahi and chapli kebabs. Get some naan or Basmati rice. Enough for 6 even though it's only for two people. Really amazing authentic food. I wish I live near that place again.
(5)Luis S.
After 4 days off awful tasting food, me and my wife were glad we found this place. very very great food. The lamb meat was so soft and juicy and surprisingly so was the chicken. If I could give it 100 stars I would.. mmmmmm so delicious :) Also very humble people (the owners) the wife made us feel like we were earing at her home. And the husband was very attentive.
(5)Michael H.
Ok, now Zaika is up. First off, parking is limited and they aren't always really open before 12, so it's a good idea to call ahead and order if you're coming for lunch before then. Like many of these kinds of places, it's a little shabby, but don't let that scare you away. It can take a while to prepare lunch here, so don't expect under an hour. Also, a little steeper on the price for lunch that's made to order --- expect at least $15. I hear they offer a buffet, but I've never tried it. The kebob / indian / pakistani is phenominal and if you have Halal restrictions --- you're covered. This is one of my favorite places for lunch. They tend on the spicier side (and I love authentically spicy food from this region) so if you can't handle a good amount of heat --- even if you ask to have it mild, it'll still be hot by American standards. The owners are very personable and will chat with you enthusiastically. The only downsides are price and length of time and as others stated, water cups aren't really up to par.
(3)Gabi G.
Really really good food. Very friendly service. My only problem with this place is it's very over priced. The owner led my husband and I into what to order. We get a small amount of food. It ends up being $31. Eh.
(3)Dan T.
I don't think it is possible to overstate how happy I am these people exist in utah. The food was incredibly tasty, the menu was delightful, and the fact that everything is hand-made to order, even during the buffet, blew my mind. Not mass produced, oily, Indian type curry slop... Fresh, bright, while still offering Indian favorites. Tried the following: Tandoori baked lamb shank Any of the kabobs Somosa chat (mmmmmmm) appetizer Gulab jamin dessert All amazing. He even cooks salmon in the tandoor oven! In love...
(5)Kent T.
Well where do I start?????? For the most part it was good. The prices when you order a la carte can get quite high. I ordered over the phone and although there are some menus posted where the pictures are, I still was surprised at the total cost. Ask if they have any dinner items that come together. For example the kebabs and naan or rice. I would have hoped they would have told me it suggested to me since I told the man who took my order I have never been here before. The dishes were fresh. A bit too spicy for all of the guests except one. I'm seeing now I was charged twice at $9.99 each for the "kotha camy." Not sure of the spelling but I think these were like a meatball.
(3)Chris W.
I hate giving bad reviews but this place was so bad I can't understand how it has such a high rating. I have eaten at many hole in the wall places, but at least their food was good and place was clean. We walked in and wanted to leave immediately; however, because we were the only people there we felt bad and figured we would give it a try. First of all the restaurant furniture (no exaggeration) is old mismatched tables and yard sale office swivel chairs. Place is dirty and looks like it was thrown together the last minute. The food took forever, was bland and burnt. I also found red string in my curry (the stretchy kind they wrap rotisserie chickens in) Reviewers must all be friends with the owners (who were very nice) because honestly you could go to any other middle eastern restaurant and have a better experience.
(1)Roamel D.
Not a good place for chicken biryani. It was savory and stale. It wasn't fresh at all. Tasted as if it was can food(chicken biryani).
(1)Elliot G.
Have been several times and everything I have tried is outstanding. Very friendly and quirky owners are proud to tell you all about their food, and help you order- so far they have not let me down! The highlights for me are: Sikh kebabs, goat shank, paratha, haressa, (spelling?) and the mutton biryani. Total gem in SLC. Bring your patience and suspend your germophobia- this place is amazing. (Ps I have never gotten sick from this food- but as several reviewers mentioned, the place can be a little dusty)
(5)Benjamin G.
Very fresh and delicious. The owners were very nice and made everything from scratch right then. Definitely worth a try for anyone who has not had Pakistani cuisine.
(5)Naci I.
Kahari was excellent. You wait for it because they prepare it from scratch. You can see and taste the freshness.
(5)Kenny H.
At first I was curious if this place was open. We walked in and there was nothing happening. No food being made, no action on the grill/cooking area, etc. We were greeted by a beautiful woman who was extremely friendly. And the lack of action was justified. Nothing was happening for one great reason. Everything is made to order. Our food was good, I can't remember what we ordered now but it was good. I ordered some lamb dish and it made me happy because it was some joint. So the bone wiggled and I could picture the poor lambs little bouncy movement - but that's not meant to be gross. I just wanted the bone for the little pup at home. I'm stingy with stars so 4 (four) is a good thing. I'm a chunky SOB that enjoys food so if you want good food made by good people give this place a shot.
(4)Mo S.
The seekh kabob was great. If you're looking for authentic Pakistani cuisine, this place is it. Not the fanciest place, but excellent people, excellent food, excellent service.
(4)Marshall P.
Quirky and delicious. Some of the best Pakistani food I've had anywhere.
(5)Howie O.
Paki food at its finest. This is like going to eat at someone's home. A husband and wife run this restaurant and work 7 days a week no questions asked. I love their dedication to their art. The food was authentic as it could possibly be. I had ordered several items and all were extremely good. The owners also took their time to help explain to me the different dishes. If you are looking for something fancy this isn't the place. If you seek the truth in food from a far away place then you have found it.
(5)Sam S.
Located on State Street next to a La Puente Mexican restaurant, Zaika Grill N' Kebab isn;t much to look out inside or outside. After reading some very positive reviews of this restaurant we decided to give it a try last week. The owner greeted us at the door and was very friendly. We were seated promptly and moments later he was in the kitchen cooking our lunches. I ordered the special combo with beef and chicken kabobs, rice, and a vegetable dish with garbanzo beans. The meat was flavorful with a good spiciness. Rice and vegetables had a good flavor. Rice was a little dry but mixed with the veggies it was great. My friend had a similar dish but with a bean side dish of some kind. Chicken curry had a good flavor but the chicken was hard to eat because it was served on the bone and smothered in sauce. I found it very hard to eat and there wasn't much meat on the bones anyway. Overall it was a pretty good lunch but far from great. My friend and I both agreed that we wouldn't be going back. We've had better kabobs and middle eastern food other places.
(2)JP C.
What a find! This place is tucked in behind a big coffee place, but after a recommendation from a friend, I sought it out. And I'm glad I did! I got the special combo for a nice variety. The lentils may have stolen the show, but the curry and kabobs were all fantastic. This is run by the owners, and they're super friendly. I enjoyed talking to both of the people working there, and they were eager to do their best to make sure I enjoyed my experience. I'm going back! As an fyi, they make everything to order and make it clear up front that it isn't a quick thing. But relax and be prepared for some great food!
(5)Ray G.
I just moved here from OR where we have a lot of "from farm to table" so the ingredients are fresh. i lived in UT 2 yrs ago and found almost all the ethnic food i tried in UT to be over priced, very bland and boring, americanized i guess would be a better word. So when i knew i was moving back here, i was not excited about the food, that was until i found this little hole in the wall. This place by far is the best food i've had in UT by far. The quality of the food at this place is what you would virtually find every place in OR. I had the chicken kabob that also came with curry chicken and some garbonzo beans i think. i don't know how else to describe the food but WOW. This is a hole in the wall place so don't judge the food based on the appearance of the place. The people are very nice and will cater to your needs. They will make the spiciness to your liking but be careful it is somewhat spicy. I had my curry between mild-med and it was equivalent to most Hot spicy in most places and i'm not talking about UT spicy, i'm talking CA and OR spicy.
(5)Clint M.
If you are wanting a quick bite to eat and like to be left alone while you dine, or if you are concerned about a restaurant looking pristine and modern, this is probably not the restaurant for you. If, however, you want the experience of eating at a friend's house (that cooks delicious Pakistani food), then please go to Zaika. The couple that owns the place is very friendly and love to engage their customers in conversation. You get a great sense of pride from them in their restaurant and even if they have never met you before, you get the feeling of being welcomed into their home. The relaxed atmosphere may be a little jarring at first. There isn't always a sense of urgency, but after a while I came to realize that I liked that. I never felt like I was being rushed and that they were fine with us taking however long we wanted to finish our meal. It made me wish there were more restaurants that didn't have the "sit-eat-leave" approach to service. And food... You may wait as long as 45 minutes to an hour for your food because when you place your order, that's when they start cooking it. Everything tastes fresh and delicious. The lamb was flavorful and the ginger chicken was perfect. They are perfectly willing to go through the menu with you and match you with the dish that you'll connect with the best. If you have the time, Zaika is definitely worth a shot.
(5)Rick P.
Break out of the monotony of Salt Lake's chain restaurants and come here. This will be a Pakistani home cooked meal experience for you. I have the mixed combo and it was fabulous: grilled chicken fresh out of a clay oven, spicy ground beef off the spit, excellent Pakistani rice. Also expect to find fresh cooked homemade Naan, that is flatbread. The meal will take a little bit of time to cook if you come during non-busy hours. They do have a buffet and it seems like it would be good I will be back to test it. The people were extremely nice and accommodating and you can tell they have a real passion for their style of Pakistani cooking. Salt Lake needs a lot more places like this!
(5)Sophie B.
The food was amazing and fresh (the lamb is a must), but the service was a little on the slow side. Definitely worth the wait but my only advice would be to avoid coming here if you're short on time!
(4)Ben G.
Surfing yelp to find a good Pakistani or Indian restaurant. Came across this place and thought we'd give it a try. The 2 owners were very friendly and made great recommendations. We got the chicken karahi, chicken tikka boti and seekh Kabob....and of course naan. It was all very flavorful and had the perfect amount of spice. Mango lassi was also delicious. Zaika is the real deal. If you don't like this place it's because you have the underdeveloped taste buds of a picky 8 year old child, or your restaurant reviews are based on how nice a place looks inside or whether there are glass or plastic cups. Give this place a try, you won't regret it.
(5)Aditya S.
Very personable chef and an amazing dining "experience"! Granted we had nearly two hours to our disposal, but the quality of the food, how personalized the food was, and the conversation we had puts it on the level of some fine dining restaurants that charge $200 a person tasting courses! Totally loved this restaurant! Thanks Sabika! Oh did I mention that this is my first Yelp review in many years? The restaurant was so good, the experience compelled me to leave a review!
(5)Candice S.
I finally made it back here after one year. I hate to write this update, because the food is seriously good. However, I left with a bad taste in my mouth over the service. The owner and his wife took our order but were not really clear when they decided to make further suggestions and change our order. We didn't get one of the items we ordered, which was fine because the meal was way more expensive than I anticipated. When a the full chicken dish was not available, she suggested chicken portions for the group of 4. She ended up charging us $8 per person when the original dish was only $12. Even with a free meal coupon, we paid about $20 a person.
(3)Travis B.
Great googely moogely this place is amazing. The combo plate with beef and chicken was soooo good I almost forgot the pain of life for a moment. The spices are transcendent, they will take you back the streets of Uri where you enjoyed this type of food the first time. Just minus the annoying children pulling on your red beard. Everything on the menu is amazing and I highly recommend it all.
(4)Tanya L.
I've been dying to try Zaika Grill since the first review pop up on Yelp, tempted by the call of kebabs and Pakistani food. JeremyF and I dragged my two kids there last Friday and boy am I glad we did. It's a hidden little gem, tucked behind Bad Ass Coffee (look for the giant donkey). They share a parking lot and bathrooms. There's quite a bit of seating for such a small place, as there's a second room off to the left and a bar with stools. You order at the counter and then they bring you your food. I ordered the chicken kebab combo plate which came with rice, chicken curry, and black eye peas (this was supposed to be daal which is made with lentils but it was just as delicious). Everything was fantastic. Each item was wonderfully flavorful but they all combined well together. The chicken was perfectly cooked and juicy. I had planned to only eat half the plate and ended up devouring the entire thing then ordering samosas (not my favorite they were a little bland). JeremyF got the special combo plate which had everything I got plus a beef kebab. It's not an American beef kebab with cubes of steak, but what I'm assuming is a traditional beef kebab made with ground meat shaped into a log. It too was delicious. I loved that they would tailor the heat level to your preference. A warning though, I asked for no heat for mine because I had planned on sharing with my kids and my youngest still complained. The 7 year old was fine. The prices were very reasonable for the amount of food. The owners were so friendly and informative. The place is clean and great for groups and families. We happened to luck out as a photographer from the Trib was there and we got to see and smell a whole host of other dishes. They all smelled amazing. I cannot wait to go back and try out the rest of the menu. ETA: it wasn't the fasted place I've ever eaten at. But then again it's not fast food. And since I could watch them making my food I didn't mind the wait. Trust me it's worth it.
(5)Jeffrey S.
The local kebab guys. The little guy. The small restaurant that could. This is a feelgood place and it felt good to both spirit and belly when I stopped in last week for lunch with a friend. I got there at about 11:40, and even though the hours listed say 11am is opening time and the hours on the window say 11:30, the owner was still not there. This is a little off-putting, but he arrived just a few minutes later, and my dining companion and I followed him in a few moments after they opened up. Kebabs, combos, curries, it's all good stuff. i had the main combo which was a little beef kebab, chicken, a chicken curry, rice, and daal. All of it was really delectable, and I think it was about $8.99. The flavors were rich, and the spice level not to heavy-handed. I wondered how it could be done so quickly after they just opened--surely the grill takes some time to heat up--so take it with a grain of salt that everything is made to order. There's definitely some prep work that goes into it in the days prior. The owners are crazy nice, though. Ridiculously gracious and welcoming and we sat and talked with both of them for some time about their food and their history. That's one of my favorite things to do, so when you calculate in the company and the food, it's a terrific example of what small business can do so right.
(4)Anthony T.
My new additction! Zaika is the best kept secret of the Salt Lake Valley. The owners are very friendly and great at percieving your taste buds and always make great reccomendations. They make everything fresh, so be prepared for a little wait. But I promise the wait is worth it! The owners always remember my name and I always enjoy chatting with them. I haven't had one thing from the menu that I didn't like.
(5)Nathan R.
We were welcomed like we were part of the family when we walked through the door. The lamb chops were recommended and came grilled to perfection extremely tender but crispy edges from the grill the rice was flavorful with nice spicy touch. Package of great food and excellent service will be back.
(4)Alec T.
Some Indian guys I work with introduced me to this place... WOW. I was a bit skeptical at first, it was December and as cold inside the place as outside, one lady behind the counter, no other customers at the time. All of my skepticism vanished when the food came. Best naan I have eaten, chicken kabobs that were SO juicy and delicious you'd think they were marinated in angel's tears. Curry that was flavorful, spicy and unlike any other place in town. The service made you feel like you were a friend being invited over for a family dinner. Amazing, Amazing, Amazing. The only downside is you are sitting 10 feet away from the open kitchen, so at the end of the amazing meal, your clothes tend to smell like the amazing meal. That being said, I think that based on my one experience, this is one of the best places to eat in the state. If you like Middle-Eastern or Indian food and this place isn't on your list yet, get there.. hurry and thank me later.
(5)John C.
4 of my brothers and my dad were all craving some Pakistani food so we went over to Zabiha Grill in West Valley and they were full and couldn't serve us. They were celebrating a holiday as everyone was dressed very nicely. Quickly checking Yelp we found this place and quickly headed over. We came in with high expectations seeing the reviews and hoping it would be just like Zabiha Grill or even better. We ordered about 12 items and really were so hungry. It took over 1 hour just to get our first item, we were the only ones in the restaurant. We were hoping it would be so awesome that it took that long only to find out it was just average tasting and missing simple salt and seasoning. The couple were both very nice and attentive, sadly the food wasn't worth the very long wait. Maybe we came on an off night as most places have them. Would like to try it again and give them another chance.
(3)Neha S.
So glad I found out about this place through yelp (can't believe I've missed out on this for over a year). The food is absolutely out of this world! First things first, if you are looking for a quick bite, this is not the place for you. They prepare everything from scratch and the food prep time is between 30-45 mins. The couple who run this place are very friendly and cook and manage everything. You can call in your order as well. Now for the food - we tried the lamb chops and chicken tikka. They were both delicious and very flavorful. For main course we had the lamb kadahi with butter naan. Both were beyond amazing with authentic flavors. The lamb would just melt in your mouth.. just couldn't stop eating. It had level 3.5 spice and it was pretty spicy (I am used to eating spicy food yet found this a little too spicy). Next time will go down to 2.5. To drink, we had the salted lassi. It was made from home-made (or restaurant made) yogurt and it was delicious. All in all an excellent place with delicious food. Will definitely be going back to try everything else on the menu!
(5)Clarion A.
We discovered this place long ago (not that long ago) when they first opened. Their a husband wife team who makes really good Kashmir/Pakistani food. Plus it's halal for those people who need it. Be aware that they take a really long time to make the food so be prepared to wait 20-30 minutes. We always order Chicken Karahi and chapli kebabs. Get some naan or Basmati rice. Enough for 6 even though it's only for two people. Really amazing authentic food. I wish I live near that place again.
(5)Haley B.
I visited Zaika Grill 'N Kebab again this week with a friend and we had an amazing experience. When we met at the restaurant for dinner at 5, it wasn't quite open for business yet, but we came back at 5:30 and were greeted warmly by one of the owners. The individualized attention we received from the woman made it feel as though we were eating in her home. She asked about our preferences regarding spice levels and protein and made suggestions from there, as well as explaining in great detail the differences between Pakistani and Indian food. We wound up ordering lamb karahi, a chicken kebab, samosas, and naan. Everything was very good, particularly the lamb dish, which was spicy but complex. I want to bring all of my friends here! Will definitely be back.
(5)Michael H.
Ok, now Zaika is up. First off, parking is limited and they aren't always really open before 12, so it's a good idea to call ahead and order if you're coming for lunch before then. Like many of these kinds of places, it's a little shabby, but don't let that scare you away. It can take a while to prepare lunch here, so don't expect under an hour. Also, a little steeper on the price for lunch that's made to order --- expect at least $15. I hear they offer a buffet, but I've never tried it. The kebob / indian / pakistani is phenominal and if you have Halal restrictions --- you're covered. This is one of my favorite places for lunch. They tend on the spicier side (and I love authentically spicy food from this region) so if you can't handle a good amount of heat --- even if you ask to have it mild, it'll still be hot by American standards. The owners are very personable and will chat with you enthusiastically. The only downsides are price and length of time and as others stated, water cups aren't really up to par.
(3)Gabi G.
Really really good food. Very friendly service. My only problem with this place is it's very over priced. The owner led my husband and I into what to order. We get a small amount of food. It ends up being $31. Eh.
(3)Dan T.
I don't think it is possible to overstate how happy I am these people exist in utah. The food was incredibly tasty, the menu was delightful, and the fact that everything is hand-made to order, even during the buffet, blew my mind. Not mass produced, oily, Indian type curry slop... Fresh, bright, while still offering Indian favorites. Tried the following: Tandoori baked lamb shank Any of the kabobs Somosa chat (mmmmmmm) appetizer Gulab jamin dessert All amazing. He even cooks salmon in the tandoor oven! In love...
(5)Kent T.
Well where do I start?????? For the most part it was good. The prices when you order a la carte can get quite high. I ordered over the phone and although there are some menus posted where the pictures are, I still was surprised at the total cost. Ask if they have any dinner items that come together. For example the kebabs and naan or rice. I would have hoped they would have told me it suggested to me since I told the man who took my order I have never been here before. The dishes were fresh. A bit too spicy for all of the guests except one. I'm seeing now I was charged twice at $9.99 each for the "kotha camy." Not sure of the spelling but I think these were like a meatball.
(3)Roamel D.
Not a good place for chicken biryani. It was savory and stale. It wasn't fresh at all. Tasted as if it was can food(chicken biryani).
(1)Elliot G.
Have been several times and everything I have tried is outstanding. Very friendly and quirky owners are proud to tell you all about their food, and help you order- so far they have not let me down! The highlights for me are: Sikh kebabs, goat shank, paratha, haressa, (spelling?) and the mutton biryani. Total gem in SLC. Bring your patience and suspend your germophobia- this place is amazing. (Ps I have never gotten sick from this food- but as several reviewers mentioned, the place can be a little dusty)
(5)Chris W.
I hate giving bad reviews but this place was so bad I can't understand how it has such a high rating. I have eaten at many hole in the wall places, but at least their food was good and place was clean. We walked in and wanted to leave immediately; however, because we were the only people there we felt bad and figured we would give it a try. First of all the restaurant furniture (no exaggeration) is old mismatched tables and yard sale office swivel chairs. Place is dirty and looks like it was thrown together the last minute. The food took forever, was bland and burnt. I also found red string in my curry (the stretchy kind they wrap rotisserie chickens in) Reviewers must all be friends with the owners (who were very nice) because honestly you could go to any other middle eastern restaurant and have a better experience.
(1)Benjamin G.
Very fresh and delicious. The owners were very nice and made everything from scratch right then. Definitely worth a try for anyone who has not had Pakistani cuisine.
(5)Marshall P.
Quirky and delicious. Some of the best Pakistani food I've had anywhere.
(5)Naci I.
Kahari was excellent. You wait for it because they prepare it from scratch. You can see and taste the freshness.
(5)Kenny H.
At first I was curious if this place was open. We walked in and there was nothing happening. No food being made, no action on the grill/cooking area, etc. We were greeted by a beautiful woman who was extremely friendly. And the lack of action was justified. Nothing was happening for one great reason. Everything is made to order. Our food was good, I can't remember what we ordered now but it was good. I ordered some lamb dish and it made me happy because it was some joint. So the bone wiggled and I could picture the poor lambs little bouncy movement - but that's not meant to be gross. I just wanted the bone for the little pup at home. I'm stingy with stars so 4 (four) is a good thing. I'm a chunky SOB that enjoys food so if you want good food made by good people give this place a shot.
(4)Mo S.
The seekh kabob was great. If you're looking for authentic Pakistani cuisine, this place is it. Not the fanciest place, but excellent people, excellent food, excellent service.
(4)Howie O.
Paki food at its finest. This is like going to eat at someone's home. A husband and wife run this restaurant and work 7 days a week no questions asked. I love their dedication to their art. The food was authentic as it could possibly be. I had ordered several items and all were extremely good. The owners also took their time to help explain to me the different dishes. If you are looking for something fancy this isn't the place. If you seek the truth in food from a far away place then you have found it.
(5)Sam S.
Located on State Street next to a La Puente Mexican restaurant, Zaika Grill N' Kebab isn;t much to look out inside or outside. After reading some very positive reviews of this restaurant we decided to give it a try last week. The owner greeted us at the door and was very friendly. We were seated promptly and moments later he was in the kitchen cooking our lunches. I ordered the special combo with beef and chicken kabobs, rice, and a vegetable dish with garbanzo beans. The meat was flavorful with a good spiciness. Rice and vegetables had a good flavor. Rice was a little dry but mixed with the veggies it was great. My friend had a similar dish but with a bean side dish of some kind. Chicken curry had a good flavor but the chicken was hard to eat because it was served on the bone and smothered in sauce. I found it very hard to eat and there wasn't much meat on the bones anyway. Overall it was a pretty good lunch but far from great. My friend and I both agreed that we wouldn't be going back. We've had better kabobs and middle eastern food other places.
(2)JP C.
What a find! This place is tucked in behind a big coffee place, but after a recommendation from a friend, I sought it out. And I'm glad I did! I got the special combo for a nice variety. The lentils may have stolen the show, but the curry and kabobs were all fantastic. This is run by the owners, and they're super friendly. I enjoyed talking to both of the people working there, and they were eager to do their best to make sure I enjoyed my experience. I'm going back! As an fyi, they make everything to order and make it clear up front that it isn't a quick thing. But relax and be prepared for some great food!
(5)Ray G.
I just moved here from OR where we have a lot of "from farm to table" so the ingredients are fresh. i lived in UT 2 yrs ago and found almost all the ethnic food i tried in UT to be over priced, very bland and boring, americanized i guess would be a better word. So when i knew i was moving back here, i was not excited about the food, that was until i found this little hole in the wall. This place by far is the best food i've had in UT by far. The quality of the food at this place is what you would virtually find every place in OR. I had the chicken kabob that also came with curry chicken and some garbonzo beans i think. i don't know how else to describe the food but WOW. This is a hole in the wall place so don't judge the food based on the appearance of the place. The people are very nice and will cater to your needs. They will make the spiciness to your liking but be careful it is somewhat spicy. I had my curry between mild-med and it was equivalent to most Hot spicy in most places and i'm not talking about UT spicy, i'm talking CA and OR spicy.
(5)Clint M.
If you are wanting a quick bite to eat and like to be left alone while you dine, or if you are concerned about a restaurant looking pristine and modern, this is probably not the restaurant for you. If, however, you want the experience of eating at a friend's house (that cooks delicious Pakistani food), then please go to Zaika. The couple that owns the place is very friendly and love to engage their customers in conversation. You get a great sense of pride from them in their restaurant and even if they have never met you before, you get the feeling of being welcomed into their home. The relaxed atmosphere may be a little jarring at first. There isn't always a sense of urgency, but after a while I came to realize that I liked that. I never felt like I was being rushed and that they were fine with us taking however long we wanted to finish our meal. It made me wish there were more restaurants that didn't have the "sit-eat-leave" approach to service. And food... You may wait as long as 45 minutes to an hour for your food because when you place your order, that's when they start cooking it. Everything tastes fresh and delicious. The lamb was flavorful and the ginger chicken was perfect. They are perfectly willing to go through the menu with you and match you with the dish that you'll connect with the best. If you have the time, Zaika is definitely worth a shot.
(5)Rick P.
Break out of the monotony of Salt Lake's chain restaurants and come here. This will be a Pakistani home cooked meal experience for you. I have the mixed combo and it was fabulous: grilled chicken fresh out of a clay oven, spicy ground beef off the spit, excellent Pakistani rice. Also expect to find fresh cooked homemade Naan, that is flatbread. The meal will take a little bit of time to cook if you come during non-busy hours. They do have a buffet and it seems like it would be good I will be back to test it. The people were extremely nice and accommodating and you can tell they have a real passion for their style of Pakistani cooking. Salt Lake needs a lot more places like this!
(5)Sophie B.
The food was amazing and fresh (the lamb is a must), but the service was a little on the slow side. Definitely worth the wait but my only advice would be to avoid coming here if you're short on time!
(4)Ben G.
Surfing yelp to find a good Pakistani or Indian restaurant. Came across this place and thought we'd give it a try. The 2 owners were very friendly and made great recommendations. We got the chicken karahi, chicken tikka boti and seekh Kabob....and of course naan. It was all very flavorful and had the perfect amount of spice. Mango lassi was also delicious. Zaika is the real deal. If you don't like this place it's because you have the underdeveloped taste buds of a picky 8 year old child, or your restaurant reviews are based on how nice a place looks inside or whether there are glass or plastic cups. Give this place a try, you won't regret it.
(5)Tanya L.
I've been dying to try Zaika Grill since the first review pop up on Yelp, tempted by the call of kebabs and Pakistani food. JeremyF and I dragged my two kids there last Friday and boy am I glad we did. It's a hidden little gem, tucked behind Bad Ass Coffee (look for the giant donkey). They share a parking lot and bathrooms. There's quite a bit of seating for such a small place, as there's a second room off to the left and a bar with stools. You order at the counter and then they bring you your food. I ordered the chicken kebab combo plate which came with rice, chicken curry, and black eye peas (this was supposed to be daal which is made with lentils but it was just as delicious). Everything was fantastic. Each item was wonderfully flavorful but they all combined well together. The chicken was perfectly cooked and juicy. I had planned to only eat half the plate and ended up devouring the entire thing then ordering samosas (not my favorite they were a little bland). JeremyF got the special combo plate which had everything I got plus a beef kebab. It's not an American beef kebab with cubes of steak, but what I'm assuming is a traditional beef kebab made with ground meat shaped into a log. It too was delicious. I loved that they would tailor the heat level to your preference. A warning though, I asked for no heat for mine because I had planned on sharing with my kids and my youngest still complained. The 7 year old was fine. The prices were very reasonable for the amount of food. The owners were so friendly and informative. The place is clean and great for groups and families. We happened to luck out as a photographer from the Trib was there and we got to see and smell a whole host of other dishes. They all smelled amazing. I cannot wait to go back and try out the rest of the menu. ETA: it wasn't the fasted place I've ever eaten at. But then again it's not fast food. And since I could watch them making my food I didn't mind the wait. Trust me it's worth it.
(5)Candice S.
I finally made it back here after one year. I hate to write this update, because the food is seriously good. However, I left with a bad taste in my mouth over the service. The owner and his wife took our order but were not really clear when they decided to make further suggestions and change our order. We didn't get one of the items we ordered, which was fine because the meal was way more expensive than I anticipated. When a the full chicken dish was not available, she suggested chicken portions for the group of 4. She ended up charging us $8 per person when the original dish was only $12. Even with a free meal coupon, we paid about $20 a person.
(3)Jeffrey S.
The local kebab guys. The little guy. The small restaurant that could. This is a feelgood place and it felt good to both spirit and belly when I stopped in last week for lunch with a friend. I got there at about 11:40, and even though the hours listed say 11am is opening time and the hours on the window say 11:30, the owner was still not there. This is a little off-putting, but he arrived just a few minutes later, and my dining companion and I followed him in a few moments after they opened up. Kebabs, combos, curries, it's all good stuff. i had the main combo which was a little beef kebab, chicken, a chicken curry, rice, and daal. All of it was really delectable, and I think it was about $8.99. The flavors were rich, and the spice level not to heavy-handed. I wondered how it could be done so quickly after they just opened--surely the grill takes some time to heat up--so take it with a grain of salt that everything is made to order. There's definitely some prep work that goes into it in the days prior. The owners are crazy nice, though. Ridiculously gracious and welcoming and we sat and talked with both of them for some time about their food and their history. That's one of my favorite things to do, so when you calculate in the company and the food, it's a terrific example of what small business can do so right.
(4)Aditya S.
Very personable chef and an amazing dining "experience"! Granted we had nearly two hours to our disposal, but the quality of the food, how personalized the food was, and the conversation we had puts it on the level of some fine dining restaurants that charge $200 a person tasting courses! Totally loved this restaurant! Thanks Sabika! Oh did I mention that this is my first Yelp review in many years? The restaurant was so good, the experience compelled me to leave a review!
(5)Travis B.
Great googely moogely this place is amazing. The combo plate with beef and chicken was soooo good I almost forgot the pain of life for a moment. The spices are transcendent, they will take you back the streets of Uri where you enjoyed this type of food the first time. Just minus the annoying children pulling on your red beard. Everything on the menu is amazing and I highly recommend it all.
(4)Anthony T.
My new additction! Zaika is the best kept secret of the Salt Lake Valley. The owners are very friendly and great at percieving your taste buds and always make great reccomendations. They make everything fresh, so be prepared for a little wait. But I promise the wait is worth it! The owners always remember my name and I always enjoy chatting with them. I haven't had one thing from the menu that I didn't like.
(5)Alec T.
Some Indian guys I work with introduced me to this place... WOW. I was a bit skeptical at first, it was December and as cold inside the place as outside, one lady behind the counter, no other customers at the time. All of my skepticism vanished when the food came. Best naan I have eaten, chicken kabobs that were SO juicy and delicious you'd think they were marinated in angel's tears. Curry that was flavorful, spicy and unlike any other place in town. The service made you feel like you were a friend being invited over for a family dinner. Amazing, Amazing, Amazing. The only downside is you are sitting 10 feet away from the open kitchen, so at the end of the amazing meal, your clothes tend to smell like the amazing meal. That being said, I think that based on my one experience, this is one of the best places to eat in the state. If you like Middle-Eastern or Indian food and this place isn't on your list yet, get there.. hurry and thank me later.
(5)Christie F.
Great food! The lamb dish was awesome! We were cleaning the dish with the Naan and still wishing for more!
(4)Tyson W.
Great curry, authentic and fresh! Although the atmosphere of the restraint could be improved. Friendly and personable staff
(5)Bilal K.
Amazing mango lassi and butter chicken. Everything was freshly made with very intricate and rich spices.
(5)Nathan R.
We were welcomed like we were part of the family when we walked through the door. The lamb chops were recommended and came grilled to perfection extremely tender but crispy edges from the grill the rice was flavorful with nice spicy touch. Package of great food and excellent service will be back.
(4)CJ M.
Regrettably I have to downgrade this restaurant. While the food is excellent, the place is always closed and the hours are very unpredictable. It doesn't make sense to keep this restaurant a 5 star venue when it's hours are so unpredictable. Also, while I compliment the owners for their effort to establish a great little restaurant, I have to acknowledge that there are other restaurants in town with just as good food that manage to be open during advertised hours and are cleaner.
(2)Baron Daniel C.
Really fun hole in the hall place! A friend first told me about it and she thought they were open till 3am so we went at 11pm. They were closed but still feeding people. Very nice owners, so we came back the next week. We got a ton of food such as the rice with spices, chicken, lamb, and bread. Also a mixed plate. I would say that names, but I can't remember since they're in another language. The lamp was $21 and came in a big cast iron wok. The others came in dishes. All were very hot (temperature), not so spicy, and delicious. The meat comes with bone in to add flavor, so beware of that if you don't like boned meat. The lady owner was so funny and wonderful. She could talk the dead awake. She was sincere and cheerful and happy to be serving you. The male owner doesn't talk much but he was nice as well. It was so interesting to find out they're Muslim but she doesn't cover because of her own personal beliefs. It's a little more expensive for the lamb than other places, but we found out that it's Halal meat, which is meat done in the specific was according to Islamic law, so it's sacred, like Kosher for Jews. Also she makes everything in house. It seems a little dirty in there, but it's like you're at home at your parents or a relatives house and they've just cooked a large home made meal. Go early so that you have time to talk with the owner (or she'll talk to you rather) and that you have about a 45 min wait for the food. But once it arrives, you won't be disappointed!
(5)Anita C.
Cute little place- the owner is super friendly. Lamb kabob is a must- full of flavor. Chicken curry was delicious and very authentic- tasted like my friend's mom's chicken. The rice and garbanzo beans are also very tasty. Chicken kabob was also good but definitely try the lamb kabob. Everything tasted very fresh- looking forward to going back and trying more.
(4)Apryl G.
After chatting it up with the delightful co-owner Saqiba at my place of work I had to stop by and experience their fare. I'm a sucker for cuisine that originates from this general hemisphere though I had experienced more Indian food than Pakistani. The atmosphere was casual and seemed pretty homey - I like to see regulars that are familiar to a venue. After getting a host of recommendations and negotiating spice tolerance (I'm a hot spicy wuss) we made our choices of entrees and waited in mouth watering anticipation. Meat - amazing. Garbanzo bean dish - phenomenal. Lassi - divine. Suffice to say we left feeling fat and happy :) Some other details: A bit tricky to find but very accessible. I was a little confused with how seating worked since we came in late in the evening and it seemed like things were winding down and items already used had been left behind by regulars. It feels more like having dinner with a family than going out to eat so it may help your experience to adjust any formal expectations you may have :) Also since it is minimally staffed consider letting Amir and Saquiba do their culinary magic and clean up after yourself to give them a break :) These husband and wife proprietors are warm, super friendly, and rather chatty so it's a nice social experience and we were definitely taken care of during our visit. Definitely will go back again!
(4)Omar S.
We came here for a good meal and we got an amazing meal! It felt like like we had a home cooked meal. The owners are very hospitible and warm. They care about the quality of thier food. Everything is fresh. I had the chapli kabob, chicken karahi, lamb karahi and the butter chicken with some nan. The flavors were fantastic with the perfrct amount of spiciness. I topped off my meal with a mango lassi which was the most flavorful mango lassi i have ever had, they don't spare the mango. All in all was a great meal, since all the meals are fresh it can take some time but it's worth it
(5)Lauren S.
So happy we stumbled into this place when oh Mai was closed on a Sunday. The food is amazing and the couple who own it could not be more inviting. It feels like they invited you over for a meal. Can't wait to come back!
(5)Chaowei F.
Really good food! This is a small family run restaurant. The owners were great! I highly recommend to get awesome Pakistan food there!
(5)Aaron S.
I've been here 3 times, and I'm a bit torn. The first two times were great. The lady who runs the place was super attentive and helpful, piecing together a combo plate with kabob, BBQ, chicken, rice and daal. I don't even think it was listed on the menu. I went in recently with my young daughter. After a while, the lady came up to let us know that a big family was coming in (who she obviously knew) so she dismissively said wanted to take care of us (so she could get to the family). We ordered Masala Buryani and chicken curry and yogurt Lassis. They both came out as a big portion of rice with 3 tiny chunks of chicken. I'd hoped to ask her about the ratio of chicken to rice, but she never came back to see how we liked the food. So, we basically paid $30 + tip for rice and drink. From the looks of the kitchen, her friends ate well though. Maybe she couldn't spare meat for us? Anyway, the place is a bit hit or miss. Catch them on the right day and you'll eat well.
(2)Jennifer W.
Yes it's a bit hard to find, doesn't have the ambience of other eateries and seems to be run solely by a husband and wife team so it may take a bit to receive your order. But it is so worth looking past these small idiosyncrancies. The boneless chicken curry is amazing, the lamb kebab heavenly and the chickpeas left me wanting more, a lot more of them! Oh, and the naan, fresh from the oven and sprinkled with sesame seeds may usurp my beloved garlic naan. It is that good. This isn't Indian, this isn't Middle Eastern, this is Pakistani cuisine. And it is divine.
(4)Dennis H.
Friendly service, amazing food. Incredibly reasonable. If you haven't been, you won't be disappointed.
(5)Brian P.
Came here last week and got the special combo to go. Food tasted great. Came back today to try the buffet. Buffett looked like it hadn't been used for days (it was 12:30). Every unoccupied table was weighed down with dirty dishes. I found an empty chair by a non-dining table and sat down. Was ignored for over 20 minutes despite the owners mentioning to other customers that I was sitting there. What caused me to leave (and never go back) was food on the floor covered in ants. Food had been left on the dining room floor long enough to be COVERED in ants. Not just a couple, but covered. If the dining room has those kind of conditions I'm scared of what's in the kitchen and food prep areas.
(1)Jim B.
WOW!!! This is by far the best Southeast Asian restaurant I have EVER been to, and I have been to a bunch! Don't be fooled by Pakistani and Kashmiri food - for those not in the know, basically Indian food. The difference maker is the owners, and their insistence and delivery of the highest quality, freshest dishes I have ever had in any Indian/SE Asian restaurant. INSANELY GOOD! Can't say it enough. Can not wait to go back to Salt Lake City just to eat here. The owners are the nicest as well.
(5)N H.
The restaurant is owned by a very friendly pakistani married couple, their food is very tasty, and going to this restaurant kind of feels like going over to some friends house who are entertaining you as they're cooking your meal. It feels very homey. The only thing they could do differently is add combo options available at all time and not just for lunch.
(4)Drew R.
When I first walked into the place was super empty around 7 pm. The food portion is very small for the price they are charging. As for the cleanliness of the place...it is questionable. The plates doesn't look that clean. The water is serve in plastic solo cups and it look also dirty. Now for the food itself. We order chicken Karahi, chicken buryani, garbanzo beans, chicken kabob, naan, and shami kabob. The portion is very tiny. It wasn't all that good also. I could have had better at either Kathmandu or some place like that. Totally not worth it. I would have to super think about coming back.
(2)