Zareen’s Pakistani Kitchen

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Zareen’s Pakistani Kitchen

Recipes from a Well-Fed Childhood

by Zareen Khan and Umair Kahn

Replete with beautiful images and evocative odes to the flavors of great Pakistani food, this cookbook demystifies favorites like kababs, curries, and samosas.

In this introduction to Pakistani cooking, the folks behind Zareen’s Michelin Guide-approved restaurants in the San Francisco Bay Area share 95 recipes designed for American cooks.

Featuring the most beloved dishes from the popular California restaurants, the authors’ favorite home-cooked comfort foods, and street fare from growing up in Karachi, you’ll find:

An introduction to the Desi pantry, with substitutes, common methods, and equipment
Popular street food like Paratha Rolls, Bun Kabab, and Chaat.
Entrée staples like the famous Beef Nihari, Biryani, and specialties from Zareen’s Memoni community like Memoni Crispy Fried Chicken
Vegetarian-friendly mainstays like Tarka Daal and Bhindi Masala
Handmade breads like Naan, Roti, and Laccha Paratha
Sweet treats like Kulfi and Burfi, and even Zareen’s riot-inducing Doodh Patti Chai
Menu planning section with special occasions including Eid and Diwali
Spotlights on inspiring women (including poet Rupi Kaur and food blogger Michelle Tam), with a portion of the proceeds going to select charities.

The authors’ goals are threefold: first, to make Pakistani food simple and accessible; second, to share their sheer foodie joy and vibrant Pakistani culture; and third, to inspire women (especially other immigrant women) to entrepreneurship and activism.

Perfect for foodies who want to get their travel fix through their taste buds, as well as those seeking the comfort of nostalgic recipes from their youth, Zareen’s Pakistani Kitchen is a culinary adventure you can bring home.

Mar 18, 2025 | Price: $35.00

“Zareen’s dishes are vibrant, flavorful, and made with love! Let the beautifully crafted recipes transport you to a weeknight dinner at her delicious Palo Alto restaurant, where I’m lucky enough to be a regular.”
—Emily Mariko, lifestyle content creator

“Zareen masterfully combines the rich tapestry of our culinary heritage with a modern, accessible approach to cooking. Her passion for food shines through each beautifully crafted recipe, making it easy for home cooks to re-create delicious, authentic dishes. This book is not just a collection of recipes; it’s a journey through flavors, traditions, and the joy of bringing people together over a shared meal. Zareen's Pakistani Kitchen is a must-have for anyone who loves to cook, eat, and celebrate life’s most delicious moments.”
—Shiza Shahid, cofounder of Our Place cookware

“I’m beyond thrilled to finally get my hands on the recipes from Zareen's, the best Pakistani restaurant in the SF Bay Area! Zareen’s Pakistani Kitchen: Recipes from a Well-Fed Childhood is bursting with authentic, mouthwatering dishes that will spice up your home cooking!”
—Michelle Tam, New York Times—bestselling cookbook author and creator of Nom Nom Paleo

“Zareen’s Pakistani Kitchen feels like bringing a piece of my favorite restaurant home. Every recipe captures the incredible flavors and love that Zareen and Umair pour into their food. It’s a must-have for anyone who craves bold, authentic Pakistani dishes.” —Ronica Rupan-Tompkins, BuzzFeed Tasty culinary content creator and recipe developer

“Zareen’s dishes are vibrant, flavorful, and made with love! Let the beautifully crafted recipes transport you to a weeknight dinner at her delicious Palo Alto restaurant, where I’m lucky enough to be a regular.” —Emily Ellis, lifestyle content creator