ZOQ Cuisine

Twenty five years ago, a 17-year-old girl stepped off a plane in the United States with two suitcases — one filled with clothes, and the other filled with spices from home.

Her name was Ameena Chaudhry, and she had left behind the bustling streets of Lahore, Pakistan — a city known for its soul-stirring food, centuries of culinary tradition, and unmatched hospitality. Raised in Model Town, she developed a deep love for traditional street food, especially the legendary “Siddique Bhaiya Kabab,” a flavor she would carry with her forever.

Fueled by a passion for the smoky, tender kababs she grew up loving, Ameena opened the first Pakistani halal kabab restaurant in Redmond, Washington — “Kabab Palace.” With it, she brought the authentic taste of Lahore’s street-side grills to a new world, quickly earning the love of the local community.

From coast to coast, Ameena journeyed across the U.S., meeting Pakistani chefs and communities, each sharing stories, flavors, and a deep love for their culinary roots. Along the way, she curated a passionate team dedicated to authenticity and excellence.

Now in Seattle, Ameena brings a bold new dining experience that celebrates the rich, diverse flavors of Pakistan. Her vision fills a long-standing gap in the city’s food scene — offering a vibrant space where tradition meets modernity, and every dish tells a story.

She curated and perfected one of Pakistan’s most iconic dishes — *karahi* — At the heart of the restaurant are two karahi specialties that speak to the soul of Pakistani cuisine: *Lakshmi Chowk Karahi, inspired by Lahore’s most famous food district, and **Shinwari Karahi*, a tribute to the bold, rustic flavors of the northwest frontier. Cooked in traditional woks with fresh tomatoes, garlic, green chilies, and tender meat, these karahis are a celebration of both tradition and craft.

“Seattle is ready for this,” says Ameena. “We’re proud to bring something truly special, deeply rooted in tradition and full of flavor, to a community that appreciates

Welcome to the true taste of Pakistan!
Welcome to ZOQ. Welcome to Ameena’s story. Welcome home!!