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Zareen Khan

Chef/Owner at Zareen's Restaurant

Zareen Khan is the owner and chef of Zareen's Restaurant, which specializes in contemporary Pakistani and Indian cuisine. She co-founded the restaurant with her husband, Umair Khan, opening its first location in Mountain View, California, in March 2014. Following the success of the initial restaurant, they expanded to a second location in Palo Alto in 2016 and a third in Redwood City in 2020.123 Zareen's has gained recognition for its authentic dishes and has been included in the Michelin Guide from 2017 to 2020.14

Background

Zareen Khan was born and raised in Karachi, Pakistan. She graduated from the Institute of Business Administration before moving to the United States in the 1990s, where she furthered her education in economics at Northeastern University. Before venturing into the culinary world, she spent over a decade working in product management within corporate America.12 Her passion for cooking led her to start teaching Pakistani cooking classes from her home, which eventually evolved into catering services and ultimately the establishment of Zareen's Restaurant.13

Culinary Philosophy

Khan emphasizes the importance of sharing her cultural heritage through food. She aims to create a welcoming environment where guests can experience authentic Pakistani flavors while fostering connections among diverse communities. The restaurant serves traditional dishes such as chicken Memoni samosas and Karachi haleem, and it is known for offering free cups of chai to all patrons.123

Community Engagement

Zareen Khan is also committed to social causes, contributing to various charities and ensuring that anyone in need can receive food from her restaurant. She believes that her establishment serves as a joyful symbol of the immigrant experience, bringing people together through shared meals.23

Overall, Zareen Khan's journey from corporate professional to restaurateur reflects her dedication to showcasing Pakistani cuisine and culture while fostering community connections through food.

Highlights

Jul 30 · indianexpress.com
Salman Khan is 'intimidating': Zareen Khan recalls shooting debut ...
Zareen's Restaurant: Appreciating Heritage + Good Food
Q&A: Zareen's Restaurant founder discusses inspiration, Michelin ...

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Zareen Khan
Zareen Khan, photo 1
Zareen Khan, photo 2
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Location

Santa Clara, California, United States