Most reviewers describe Zam Zam as small and simple; a proud mom-and-pop market with specialized groceries that stands tall in a strip mall serving up hot platters from a focused menu.
This description barely scratches the surface of what comes out of that tiny kitchen, starting with their "legendary" Chicken Briyani. They call it legendary not to boast, but because that's what it truly is. The chunks of chicken are juicy, and every spice sinks through to the bone. That meaty umami seeps into every single grain of rice, and each bite is all-consuming.
Dip a wedge of a fluffy naan into the Lamb Korma gravy. Each meaty chunk glows scarlet beneath, tender like it's been braised for days. This curry is creamy with a yogurt base, and it manages to balance all the elements, giving equal pause to sweet, salty, tangy, earthy, and umami.
Almost everything has a little burn, and the Chicken Karahi is no exception. Acid sweeps the senses in a slurry of onion and garlic, pungent and bitter. The sauce is simultaneously sharp and seamless, with an attention-getting sophistication, and it's such a unique flavor that even I found new and exciting.
Michelin went to Gardena but he forgot to check out Hawthorne. I may not be familiar with Pakastani food, but Zam Zam is on par with half the Michelin stars I've tried. They deliver dishes that are undeniably superior with a skill that I can’t imagine is commonplace. I've eaten by way through the South Bay's best, and Zam Zam Market jumped to top five favorite in a single bite on a single night.
No comments:
Post a Comment