A narrative of hope and humility.

Afghan food holds a key to the history and cultural story of Afghanistan: It establishes love, communication, collaboration, and unity between families, relatives, and strangers — turned into friends.

When we begin to think about the world, we think of globalization as a uniquely modern phenomenon, yet two millenia ago, it was a fact of life, one which presented opportunities, through goods & ideas between the West & the East. In many ways, Zarak embodies the Silk Road. It has been well-documented that foods, tastes, and spices of Afghan dishes are a tasteful blend of the regions that surround Afghanistan: Stepping away from an Afghan table hungry, simply never happens.

Zarak is sharing Afghan heritage through exemplary hospitality, innovative cocktails, and elevated dishes.

We are a small team and this is our passion project that unites and showcases our people: Mum’s generational recipes, chefs’ creativity with modern technique and Afghan ingredients, our unique take on cocktails through our personal histories, our Front of House staff who work relentlessly through busy dinner rushes and impossible brunch hours but give it their all with every guest experience, our prep cooks who start at 6AM every morning, line cooks who fry, grill, make rice throughout the night, dishwashers who scrape every plate.

Thank you for believing in us and loving us. Without you, there would be no “us”.

Team

  • Hassib has extensive management experience in both retail and restaurant industries, where he oversees all aspects of Zarak including sales, accounting, and human resources.

    Hassib’s successful venture of Afghan Kitchen, his first, family-owned Afghan restaurant, was met with recognition from the Surrey Board of Trade, Globe & Mail, CBC, and Food Network Canada.

  • A self-taught mixologist, Winnie describes her cocktails as coalescence of her Chinese heritage, travels, and love for all food. Previously a marketing & sports management professional, and as a law graduate, Winnie finally found home in the world of cocktails and sees them as a narration of her busy and eventful life.

    Winnie was awarded the prestigious Top 30 Under 30 Award administered by Kostuch Media Ltd. in April 2024.