Zarak is a neighbourhood gem in the Mount Pleasant neighborhood of Vancouver, BC serving modern, Afghan cuisine with bold flavors at reasonable prices.
The owners of Zarak already operate Afghan Kitchen in South Surrey, which has been a successful concept for them.
With warm lighting, simple furnishings, and clean lines, this restaurant feels minimalist, yet upscale – the perfect environment for a delightful meal.
They are open primarily for dinner from Wednesday to Sunday and weekend brunch on Saturday and Sunday.
The dumplings on the dinner menu are a must-try. You can choose from fillings like spiced beef or vegetarian options like that includes leek, scallion, spinach and split pea.
The lamb shank is another popular item on the dinner menu; this tender piece of meat will melt in your mouth.
The beverage program features Middle-Eastern-inspired beverages like the Zarak Old Fashioned.
After dinner, ordering dessert is a must. Zarak’s dessert menu is filled with Afgan delicacies. Mum’s Secret Cake is most notable – a tres leches cake with cocoa and seasonal fruit.
Zarak is also a popular weekend brunch spot in Mount Pleasant.
Start your brunch with a flight of mimosas, an espresso martini, or other fun options like an iced strawberry latte or a dirty chai. Zarak also offers a seasonal fresh juice of the day and a selection of teas.
For brunch, we tried their Lamb Benedict on Gluten-Free English Muffins with Pickled Cabbage, Salsa Verde, and Chutney Hollandaise.
There was also the “Full Afghan” with Lamb Sausage, Eggs, Lubya (kidney bean curry), Mushroom, and Bolani (stuffed Afghan flat bread).
The sweeter brunch dish we enjoyed was the French Toast with Chai Poached Pear, Orange Blossom Mascarpone, Caramel and topped with Pistachio.
Check them out at 2102 Main St, Vancouver, BC.