Story

At Zahida restaurant in copenhagen, we have taken a bold approach to revolutionizing the traditional Pakistani kitchen. Since our beginnings in 2017, in a small 20m² food stand in Copenhagen, we have focused on offering elevated versions of everyday Pakistani dishes with a Nordic twist. Our goal was to blend the richness of Pakistani flavors with the simplicity and freshness of Nordic cuisine. Over the years, with the inclusion of talented chefs like Sherwin Mariano and Anthony Delos Reyes, we have grown into a recognised culinary hotspot.

The heart of Zahida's innovation lies in how we reimagine classic Pakistani dishes. Take, for instance, our approach to streetfood staples like pakoras, daals and grilled meats, Instead of serving them in their traditional format, we have worked on refining their presentation and taste by incorporating Nordic techniques, such as pickling, fermenting, and using local seasonal ingredients. This not only modernizes the dishes but also makes them lighter, fresher, and more suitable for a Nordic palate while staying true to their roots.

Our journey since 2017 has been a challenging yet rewarding one. What started as a small operation in a now-closed food court has turned into a thriving restaurant. Along the way, we’ve faced challenges like the pandemic, but our focus on innovation has kept us going. By 2020, Chef Sherwin Mariano joined our team, bringing his expertise and vision to further enhance our menu. His influence helped in introducing techniques that have allowed us to take everyday Pakistani dishes and elevate them to a level that excites and delights our guests.

We take great pride in creating a dining experience that is both familiar and adventurous. Each dish is carefully crafted to highlight the robust flavors of Indian and Pakistani cuisine while introducing subtle Nordic elements that surprise the palate. For example, a simple dish like our gunpowder bites might feature locally sourced vegetables, giving it a Nordic touch, or we might serve our black daal with a tangy, fermented vegetable garnish for added depth and freshness.

This fusion of cultures reflects the diversity of Copenhagen itself, where global and local influences converge to create something entirely new. At Zahida, our goal has always been to push boundaries while staying grounded in our cultural heritage. Whether through our street food-inspired dishes or our more refined menu offerings, we aim to take our guests on a culinary journey that honors tradition but feels refreshingly modern.

As we continue to grow and evolve, we remain committed to experimenting with flavors, techniques, and ingredients. Zahida is more than just a restaurant; it’s a place where tradition meets innovation, and where every dish tells a story of cultural exchange. The indian and Pakistani kitchen, when combined with Nordic influences, offers an exciting space for creativity, and we are proud to be at the forefront of this culinary evolution in Copenhagen.

As we evolve, we remain dedicated to delivering top-tier INDo-Pakistani-Nordic cuisine that surprises and delights our guests, while always staying true to our core values of innovation, tradition, and culinary excellence.