Zam Zam Market! You haven’t lived until you’ve tried the authentic Pakistani flavors at this hidden gem!
Zam Zam Market! You haven’t lived until you’ve tried the authentic Pakistani flavors at this hidden gem!
by matt4711
15 Comments
matt4711
If you’re craving some authentic and delicious Pakistani food, you’ve got to check out Zam Zam Market in Hawthorne. Their menu is packed with amazing flavors that will leave your taste buds begging for more! This hole-in-the-wall eatery (actually used to be part of a supermarket) may not look like much from the outside but trust me, the food is absolutely amazing.
While the interior might not be the fanciest, the service is friendly, and the prices are very reasonable (the meal pictured is $35 and will last us for multiple meals).
My go to dish Lamb Biryani (only available on weekends), and I’m always blown away by the flavors. The fragrant spices were perfectly balanced, and the tender chunks of lamb were cooked to perfection. It was like a party in my mouth!
But here’s the thing, this place is not your typical butter chicken kind of joint; it’s a true representation of authentic Pakistani cuisine with a small, focused menu that’s bursting with unique and flavorful dishes that will take your taste buds on an unforgettable journey.
I would recommend the Nihari (a slightly sour-ish beef stew), Chicken Karahi (never had this kind of spice mix before) maybe with a side of Garlic Naan (also very nice).
I had the pleasure of speaking to a Pakistani uncle who frequents this restaurant, and he swears by the food here. He said that he only eats here because it reminds him of the authentic flavors he grew up with back home.
I personally prefer it over more popular indian/pakistani places like Al Watan, Al-Noor, Mayura or Tara’s Himalayan in Culver city.
b1gmouth
Love love love this place! Been going since they were over on Washington by the mosque. While the spicy biryani (understandably) gets all the press, don’t sleep on the delicious lamb pilau on Fridays(?). Chicken Tikka is great too.
hockeyislife45
This looks delish!! I’m def going to try!! Thank you!
Iceyes33
How is this food different than Indian food?
virginiawolfsbane
Wow looks amazing!
cerealpops
Where
yousexythangg
Apologies, but I’m going to have to be the dissenter here. As someone who was born and raised in LA and is Pakistani American, Al Watan is far far superior and down the street.
The nihari at Zam Zam is not authentic. Their weekend biryani is very good – but again Biryani House, down the street wins this battle.
alsoyoshi
Just a heads up to anyone reading this to be aware of spice levels here. I got the lamb biryani last year and couldn’t finish it because it was a bit higher than my comfort level. (Taking several bites was ok but a whole biryani was too much at that level.) Been meaning to try again and ask if they do mild for the faint of heart.
screech_owl_kachina
Come to Zam Zam’s a place to eat
Like it was built in one day
kappakai
Thanks for this and the other Pakistani recs in this thread!
jeref1
Really need to make another note to get over there
Jeffuary
Is it vegetarian friendly?
laurenkd89
100%! My mom is from Pakistan and she swears this is the most authentic Pakistani biryani in the US (other than the one my family makes) 🙂
RockieK
Thanks for the heads up! Always looking for new, healthy and interesting places to eat in the SB.
LoBears
Thoughts on charghab house vs zam zam? I’m assuming it’s Pakistani due to their selection of beef dishes.
15 Comments
If you’re craving some authentic and delicious Pakistani food, you’ve got to check out Zam Zam Market in Hawthorne. Their menu is packed with amazing flavors that will leave your taste buds begging for more! This hole-in-the-wall eatery (actually used to be part of a supermarket) may not look like much from the outside but trust me, the food is absolutely amazing.
While the interior might not be the fanciest, the service is friendly, and the prices are very reasonable (the meal pictured is $35 and will last us for multiple meals).
My go to dish Lamb Biryani (only available on weekends), and I’m always blown away by the flavors. The fragrant spices were perfectly balanced, and the tender chunks of lamb were cooked to perfection. It was like a party in my mouth!
But here’s the thing, this place is not your typical butter chicken kind of joint; it’s a true representation of authentic Pakistani cuisine with a small, focused menu that’s bursting with unique and flavorful dishes that will take your taste buds on an unforgettable journey.
I would recommend the Nihari (a slightly sour-ish beef stew), Chicken Karahi (never had this kind of spice mix before) maybe with a side of Garlic Naan (also very nice).
I had the pleasure of speaking to a Pakistani uncle who frequents this restaurant, and he swears by the food here. He said that he only eats here because it reminds him of the authentic flavors he grew up with back home.
I personally prefer it over more popular indian/pakistani places like Al Watan, Al-Noor, Mayura or Tara’s Himalayan in Culver city.
Love love love this place! Been going since they were over on Washington by the mosque. While the spicy biryani (understandably) gets all the press, don’t sleep on the delicious lamb pilau on Fridays(?). Chicken Tikka is great too.
This looks delish!! I’m def going to try!! Thank you!
How is this food different than Indian food?
Wow looks amazing!
Where
Apologies, but I’m going to have to be the dissenter here. As someone who was born and raised in LA and is Pakistani American, Al Watan is far far superior and down the street.
The nihari at Zam Zam is not authentic. Their weekend biryani is very good – but again Biryani House, down the street wins this battle.
Just a heads up to anyone reading this to be aware of spice levels here. I got the lamb biryani last year and couldn’t finish it because it was a bit higher than my comfort level. (Taking several bites was ok but a whole biryani was too much at that level.) Been meaning to try again and ask if they do mild for the faint of heart.
Come to Zam Zam’s a place to eat
Like it was built in one day
Thanks for this and the other Pakistani recs in this thread!
Really need to make another note to get over there
Is it vegetarian friendly?
100%! My mom is from Pakistan and she swears this is the most authentic Pakistani biryani in the US (other than the one my family makes) 🙂
Thanks for the heads up! Always looking for new, healthy and interesting places to eat in the SB.
Thoughts on charghab house vs zam zam? I’m assuming it’s Pakistani due to their selection of beef dishes.