Zoq Cuisine
About us
Zoq Cuisine is an authentic Indo-Pakistani restaurant based in Kirkland, Washington, created to share the comfort and warmth of South Asian cooking. Our menu features fragrant biryanis, tender tandoori dishes, and rich curries that reflect recipes passed down through generations. Every plate is thoughtfully prepared to feel familiar, filling, and deeply satisfying. Visit us and enjoy a dining experience that feels like home - come hungry and leave with your heart and belly full.
Our Story
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.