Zaika is a long-established Pakistani restaurant with a 25-year history that was revived in Minami-Kamata in 2015.
Zaika is a Pakistani home-style restaurant located a two-minute walk from the south exit of Keikyu Kojiya Station. Its eye-catching green sign, a symbol of Islam, stands out along Kanpachi Dori. Zaika, written in Urdu, apparently means “taste.”
Exterior
While many people have tried Indian food, neighboring Pakistani cuisine is less well-known. Zaika offers delicious and unique Indian and Pakistani dishes at reasonable prices.
Haleem
Pakistan is a country with a population of 235.82 million, 96.5% of which are Muslim. Therefore, halal meals, which do not include pork or alcohol, are the norm in accordance with Islamic law. The cuisine favors meats such as goat, lamb, beef, and chicken, and is influenced by neighboring India, China, and Middle Eastern countries, resulting in some dishes being quite spicy depending on the region.
Nihari, slowly simmered to the bone, is a popular dish at Zaika. Another signature Pakistani dish. The soft, jiggly meat in the thick, collagenous soup is incredibly delicious. While rich, the flavor is enhanced by the green chilies and ginger, leaving a refreshing finish.
Nihari
Other Pakistani meat dishes worth trying include haleem, made with fibrous meat; paya, made with stewed beef or lamb feet; and karahi, a lean curry. This is biryani, a special celebratory dish enjoyed locally on special occasions. It’s also becoming increasingly popular in Japan, making it our most popular dish.
Mutton Biryani
Zaika offers two types of biryani: chicken and mutton. Carefully prepared using traditional layered steaming techniques, it’s lauded by customers for its authentic flavor. The vibrant orange, yellow, and white, fluffy, and fragrant basmati rice paired with flavorful, tender mutton creates an exquisite combination. The yogurt sauce adds a refreshing tang, making it even more delicious.
Shishalik, skewered chicken, is so delicious you’ll want to munch on it like yakitori.
Shishalik
This is tandoori fish, sea bream marinated in yogurt and spices and grilled in a tandoor oven. Apparently, fish dishes are popular in coastal areas of Pakistan, such as Karachi.
Tandoori Fish
Zaika’s Pakistani cuisine is all intricately crafted and flavorful. What’s more, it’s great to find fully halal food in Tokyo at a reasonable price. The restaurant’s proximity to Haneda Airport attracts many foreign tourists from Islamic countries.
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“Halal certification” is a mark of security for Muslims and a mark of trust that is advantageous for B2B businesses
Zaika has been halal-certified by the Japan Islamic Trust since 2022. As a result, all menu items are halal, and no alcoholic beverages, such as beer, are served. In Japan, few restaurants have obtained halal certification, as it is generally expected that Muslim-run restaurants serving Indonesian, Bangladeshi, or Pakistani cuisine will be halal. Obtaining halal certification restricts the freedom to change ingredients and seasonings used. In addition to the renewal fees, not being able to serve alcohol could put a strain on business. So why did Zaika obtain halal certification?
When I asked President Naim, he told me that Zaika initially considered halal certification unnecessary. However, one day, a large order for bento boxes was canceled. When I asked why, he didn’t disclose details, suggesting it was a customer request, but he said that without halal certification, they would no longer be able to do business with us. When dealing with tour companies and large corporations, even when we verbally communicate that something is halal, they often fail to understand. Even Japanese companies unfamiliar with halal can be persuaded by halal certification. We decided to obtain halal certification after learning that it offers advantages not only for export but also for business within Japan. We were very interested to hear how halal certification also serves as a symbol of trust in domestic B2B marketing.
Halal Bento
At Zaika, we offer a prayer space on the second floor so Muslims can enjoy their meal at their leisure. Kamata Mosque is located within a two-kilometer radius of the restaurant, making it a perfect location for Muslim tourism. Both President Naim and his wife are fluent in Japanese, so we encourage you to experience Islamic culture along with delicious Pakistani cuisine.
Supervisor / Recommender
- Halal Supervisor and Foreigner Food Coordinator (Cooking, Consulting, Public Relations)
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Click here for introduction
I currently work as an editor, but my previous job was as a chef, with many years of experience working in hospitals, restaurants, and the food service industry. Looking back, I think my connection to halal may have already been there.
Decades ago, I once worked in a cafeteria at an auction venue. Over 60% of the visitors were foreigners. Many Muslims were present, and the venue had a mosque-like prayer space. I remember being frequently asked questions about whether the meat was halal and what kind of meat it was. At certain times, the cafeteria would become as lively as a festival. The Indian restaurant next door would generously serve free biryani, curry, and sweet drinks to everyone who came. Over 100 people, including people wearing bright red turbans, galabeyas, and traditional attire, gathered in the cafeteria, all sitting around the same table and enjoying a truly enjoyable time. Looking back, it was iftar, the end of fasting, and I understand the significance of sharing, but at the time I was ignorant of halal and Islam, and didn't even consider how to respond. They only ate the curry made by the Indians in the restaurant. As I studied halal, I realized, "I wanted to eat Japanese food, but I couldn't." I regret not doing anything even though there was something I could have done.
If only it didn't contain pork! If only it didn't contain wheat or buckwheat! I could eat it... Food insecurity is different for each person.
That's why I think it's important to learn about the differences in culture, religion, and lifestyle that underlie it, and to create an environment where everyone can enjoy delicious meals in comfort.
The desire for delicious, safe, and secure food is universal. The times are calling for people to live in new ways that transcend borders and religions. I hope that halal can be a gateway to eliminating food insecurity, contributing even in some small way to a society where people can coexist and prosper with more liberal thinking, and to global harmony beyond.
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