In the Yelp era, when seemingly no establishment, good or bad, slips by without notice, Zam Zam Market version 2.0 somehow managed to avoid mainstream detection for about six years. Only a few Yelpers chimed in with five-star reviews for the seldom open Pakistani grocery and “cafe” before now-local Midtown Lunch founder Zach Brooks picked up on the under the radar gem in perhaps his best L.A. suggestion to date, which since led me to make repeated visits.
The Karachi-born owners took over a two-decade-old Halal meat market and grocery in 2005, practically in the shadow of the blue minaret that rises above King Fahad Mosque. A citation from the mosque recognized the contributions of Fahim Siddiqui, who may or may not be the owner. One thing is for sure: the name Zam Zam means “purification” in Arabic, which is kind of ironic considering the well worn signage, walls and floors. Boxed curries and bags of dry spices like clove and star anise rest on shelves in the back of the dimly lit space. Most people grab and go.
Zam Zam is only open from Thursday to Sunday, typically beginning mid afternoon, and their unpredictable menu normally incorporates meats like chicken, goat, lamb and beef. Of course pork is bound to be verboten in a Muslim restaurant near a mosque.
Lean chunks of mildly gamy goat littered the sprawling rice landscape like boulders. The aroma or spice could easily overwhelm some people, since the flavor builds with each bite. In that case, slather on a cooling, yogurt based chutney seasoned with mint, coriander and cranberry seeds. Or opt for a milder dish, either the lamb pilao or casing free beef or chicken kebabs, which reminded me of lule.
Traditionally, Indian chefs stain tandoori chicken red with anatto seed. Often times in the States, it’s the result of a dye. We’re not sure how the Zam Zammers accomplished that dazzling red color, but the flavor was certainly stupendous, with tender, supercharged meat. The chicken came with raw onions and would pair especially well tucked into naan, drizzled with more of that chutney.
Zam Zam’s also been known to sell samosas, but really, on any given visit, don’t expect to find anything in particular. Instead, trust the kitchen and you’re bound to receive generous, boldly flavored results.
Blog Comments
Zam Zam Market – The Best Deal on the Westside | Fooddouche's Blog
September 16, 2013 at 7:43 AM
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Talha Siddiqui
September 14, 2012 at 6:33 PM
Zam Zam market is now open 7 days a week! Also they now have a Facebook page. http://Www.facebook.com/zamzammarket2
Joshua Lurie
September 14, 2012 at 8:13 PM
Talha,
That’s exciting news, especially the every day news. My friend Adam was at Zam Zam Market today and devoured the biryani.
sumrina khan
October 8, 2011 at 6:37 PM
i <3 the food especially the chicken tikka and biryani are delicious. I go there all the time because they have such gr8 food and the owners are fahim siddiqui and fozia siddiqui btw if u haven't been thr already u got to go try the food out 🙂
Joshua Lurie
October 8, 2011 at 11:07 PM
Sumrina,
Glad to hear you enjoy Zam Zam too, and thanks for clarifying the ownership.
TreasureLA
October 7, 2011 at 9:38 AM
I’m grateful for Midtown Lunch pointing this gem out near my house. I’m jealous you encountered the goat biryani. That’s what I’ve been hoping to get every time, but last couple visits it’s been chicken (which is still so good. Nice write-up Josh!
Joshua Lurie
October 7, 2011 at 9:50 AM
Thanks, TreasureLA. Yeah, what people will find at Zam Zam is unpredictable, but it’s pretty much all been good, so I’m fine with dealer’s choice.