New Pakistani Indian restaurant opens in Fayetteville
Lately, it’s difficult to throw a rock in Fayetteville without hitting a delicious pizza restaurant. We’ve got plenty of Mexican food, quite a bit of Thai food, and Martin Luther King Boulevard might as well re-change its name to Chicken Restaurant Street.
But for all the food choices we have in Fayetteville, this town has been seriously lacking in Indian food options. Until now.
On Sunday, Fayetteville got its first dedicated Indian food restaurant when Zauq Pakistani Indian Cuisine & Grill opened on Archibald Yell Blvd., inside the building where Greenhouse Grille got started.
The new restaurant had a soft opening on Sunday and expects to have a grand opening in a few weeks. On Sunday, the food was served buffet-style, with several traditional Indian and Pakistani dishes available for sampling, but manager Niriha Kadambi said that Zauq will offer regular menu service beginning today.
“We’re just trying to gauge what dishes everyone will like. We plan to have all kinds of vegetarian options, plenty of lamb and beef dishes, kebabs,” Kadambi said. “Apart from that, nobody has explored as many possibilities as far as Indian Pakistani food. We’re going to open into everything you could possibly think of.”
Kadambi is from India, and came to Fayetteville as a student at the University of Arkansas before helping to start the restaurant. The owner of the restaurant is from Pakistan.
Zauk is open for lunch Monday through Saturday from 10:30 am – 2:00 pm, dinner from 5:30 pm – 9:00 pm, and will also open for Sunday brunch from 11:00 am – 2:00 pm.
Kadambi said the soft opening went better than they could have expected.
“We’ve had so many people call and ask, ‘Are you really open,” she said. “We’ve had a great response so far.”
Discussion
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By Kristin on January 11th, 2010
I can’t wait to try it! This is great news for Fayetteville!
By Tom Sawyer on January 11th, 2010
YAY! No more trekking to Rogers, and it can be a “last minute” choice added to the slate.
Now we just need a GOOD GERMAN restaurant in town!!!
By Offcamber on January 11th, 2010
Looking forward to it. The location is one of those spots that seems to be a victim of bad feng shui, so hopefully they can last. I will try and round up my friends to visit soon.
(Admittedly, MLK, Jr., Boulevard anchoring the Fried Chicken District earns a smirk. Hey, I didn’t rename Sixth Street!)
By dcoody on January 11th, 2010
Excellent news! The Indian community and everyone else who loves Indian food has been waiting a long time. Now the Diwali banquet may be catered locally instead of having to be catered from Oklahoma City or Tulsa.
By Brandon Kittler on January 11th, 2010
Excellent. I might check this place out tomorrow.
By sofresh-n-sogay on January 11th, 2010
dcoody, there is always India Corner in Rogers for catering.
Hopefully this new place is good!!!!
By FayettevilleTransplant on January 11th, 2010
Offcamber, excuse me while I go get you and Ted Kennedy some coffee. LOL.
Does anyone know the telephone number to this place so I can call ahead of time?
By Todd Gill on January 11th, 2010
A phone number would be great. We forgot to ask them for it yesterday. Anybody?
By Todd Gill on January 11th, 2010
Nevermind. Got it: 479-684-9007
By a. brown on January 11th, 2010
Anyone know how to pronounce the name so I can talk about it in real life?
By Sage on January 11th, 2010
I just had lunch there. If anyone does plan on going, make to go early as the buffet gets picked over pretty quickly. They had trouble keeping dishes coming out. Don’t expect your Indian favorites like dal, mattar paneer, and tandoori chicken. Their menu was quite different than I’m used to, but still tasty. There were also some problems like overly dry chicken and way too salty spinach. I don’t think they’re quite ready for the big time yet, but it’s definitely promising.
By Hum on January 11th, 2010
The “Chicken Korma” was the best dish there today at lunch.
By Fat Boy on January 11th, 2010
Lets not forget that Ella’s Has an Indian Buffet on Tuesday and Saturday.
By zauq on January 11th, 2010
I am so pleased to here people are excited!
I am helping at Zauq, and good friends of the owners. Like all new things, we have encountered a few problems due to the recent weather that delayed shipments, and hence our full menu.
re: Sage – Today we didn’t expect the turn out we had, and were not prepared for so many people. We apologize for this. We appreciate your comments, and will improve immediately.
Please remember this is just a Soft Opening.
All the Indian favorites will be on our full menu in about a week.
Hope to see many of you soon!
Zauq -(479)684-9007
479
By Me on January 11th, 2010
Yes, I saw this the other day and was wondering if it was open yet. I’ll probably give them a bit to work out the kinks, but I will definatly be checking it out. I agree with Tom Sawyer – now we just need a good German restaurant! I love having some good ethnic food options in town!
By Sage on January 11th, 2010
That’s what we figured Zauq. You all seemed a bit overwhelmed. How the heck do you pronounce the name? Zowk? Zock? Zow-ook?
By Raven Jorn on January 11th, 2010
Shouldn’t the local news be capable of reporting new businesses before they open?
By Arkansas Foodie on January 11th, 2010
Sage I am picking up what you are putting down
By Ye-olde Foodie on January 11th, 2010
I tried out Zauq today, however was disappointed unfortunately. The restaurant was busy, however with the large number of staff they had, they were really having some problems. When given the menu, we were given a small wrinkled piece of paper with approx. 10 dishes on it, the majority of them being biryanis. Though I should have tried out the biryani, I decided to be adventurous…the egg curry. We placed our order and waited.
From what I could see, there were 4 people in the kitchen, and 3 waitstaff, however after 40 minutes our food had still not arrived. I could see that there were at least 5 complete dishes waiting to be served, however these same 5 dishes sat for 10 minutes unattended. I was glad that I didn’t see the egg curry amongst them, however once it did arrive, regrettably, my curry was cold and thin.
I would like to try out Zauq again, however would like to see a little more variety on the menu, not just biryanis. I am not asking for a five page menu, but one that highlights regional flavors of both India and Pakistan, variety. Also, for temperature sake, please don’t forget about the finished dishes waitstaff! There were some instances where the waitstaff were all huddled together checking their mobile phones, when food had been sitting for minutes getting cold.
Overall though, I’m glad you took the plunge Zauq, we have needed an Indian restaurant for some time now.
By ZAUQ on January 12th, 2010
Guys,
Thank you for the overwhelming response. We were pretty happy when the trail run for the restaurant went perfectly. However, we had unforeseen failures last night.
@Ye-olde Foodie: I understand your frustration with the cell phone chaos. We had a last minute glitch with the register and had to start calculating tax and other checks using calculators. I can see how it would look pretty irresponsible, but we are working round the clock to fix the current situation and be prepared for the unexpected as well. Thank you for cutting us some slack though. :)
Please come back and visit us and if your experience continues to remain dissatisfied, kindly let us know.
Again, thank you for all the love and encouragement. We strive to make your experience at Zauq worth while.
@Sage: It goes like “HAWK” except with a “Z”…ZAUQ!
Loving all the comments and the suggestions. Keep it coming guys.
Hope to see you soon.
:)
By Beebs on January 12th, 2010
@Zauq I think it’s great that you’re here on the Flyer actively addressing everyone’s comments. All restaurant owners and business owners should be doing the same. I can’t wait to try the new place once all the kinks get ironed out.
By Atif on January 12th, 2010
I had lunch at Zauq yesterday. I think food tastes really good. I recommend using less cooking oil. White boneless meat would be a plus. Gulab Jamuns would be awsome to have as a desert. Desi restaruant right here in Fayetteville is just sooo goood!!
By ddp gallery on January 12th, 2010
Just went with foodie friend, Susana. She was loving the cardamom pods found in some dishes. The owners are listening to us and asking questions. They want to know what the people want, what a fabulous democratic way to start a restaurant. Give them a break on some stuff (like no naan yet), as they develop the menu. If you love to eat and critique – get in to Zauq!
By Halalpalooza! on January 12th, 2010
Hi Zauq , we just moved here from New York and we wondering whether the meat you serve is halal?
By zauq on January 12th, 2010
Thank you all for all the comments, both good and bad.
We are learning everyday- and today seemed to go the best. We really love to hear your comments and suggestions, as it helps us improve for you.
And- Yes, all of our meats are kosher and halal :)
Hope to see you guys in the near future! We Have great dreams and aspirations and are striving to make them a reality!
Zauq
By Sage on January 12th, 2010
Zauq, you’ve hit on something that many businesses never quite get. Connecting with your customers. We all know that some people will love it and some people will hate it, but how you respond to those people will decide your future. The fact that you are open about criticism and respond directly to your customers’ experiences shows a huge understanding of how connecting with your customers is a really good thing (even when they don’t like it).
While I was disappointed with my first visit, I am well aware that you guys were terribly overwhelmed. The fact that you were willing to talk directly to your customers about these problems really shows me that you care about the people that are walking in your door. I applaud you for your openness and I eagerly await my dinner tomorrow night. Perhaps I’ll get a refill on my water this time. :)
By Ahmad on January 13th, 2010
Zauq ur doing a great job and I wish you success. Like Sage wrote, it seems u really care about ur clients and that is a winner’s characteristic. Keep up the good work and let Fayetteville enjoy the delicious food of Pakistan and India. It’s no wonder the curry rules the UK now!! Is Fayetteville next?
By ZAUQ on January 13th, 2010
Everyone,
Thank you for all the support.
@Sage: We are looking forward to seeing you again :)
@Atif: Got Gulab Jamun for Sunday’s Lunch. You up for it? :)
@ddp gallery: Thank you girls. We have our chef working on your suggestions :)
See you all soon…
ZAUQ
By Atif on January 13th, 2010
I am all for big juicy tasty Gulab Jamuns :-) Yummy!! I like them even better when served warm with lots of juice. Keep ‘em ready!
By Smith Oakland on January 13th, 2010
I tried out this place for lunch today. I must say the experience is highly disappointing. May be I must say that University students who is running this are not really ready. I have been to Asian Fusion in School Ave as well as Aroma India-Pak restaurant in Rogers. Both the places were found reasonably flavorful. The whole flavor of indo-pak food is missing. The biriyani was just rice mixed with goat meat. When one container was almost empty they even mixed chicken biriyani and lamb biriyani. All the rice items were kind of dried/half cooked.There was no breads in the buffet. Also popular dishes like Paneer Butter Masala, Chicken Tikka Masala, India/Pak Desserts like kheer, gulab jamun were missing. They have not advertised student discount on the place. So if you don’t ask, you may not get it. They have replenished all the items with Potato. So if you are allergic/hate Potato, you can’t eat anything. Asian Fusion do not have buffet on weekdays. But they have better food. “Aroma” at Rogers seems to be a sister concern/ model for Zauk, but the lot to catch up.
By Kim Agee on January 13th, 2010
We were the first customers of the evening tonight, and while the food was good, what really impressed us was the service and friendliness of the staff. Admittedly, this is a new place and they’re still working out the fine points, but overall it was a great experience. Two of the servers asked us for our opinion of the food/service/atmosphere, and it was obvious that they were genuinely interested in our opinions. We’ll be back!
By Raven Jorn on January 13th, 2010
Absolutely pathetic!
I was stoked until I walked in and saw their so-called “buffet”. Merely an old table with 4-5 metal catering trays of what looked like boiled meat, basmati rice, and stewed vegetables. No naan, no curries, no raita, no chai, not really anything, so we just left.
This place probably won’t last more than a few months.
Too bad, b/c we need some decent Indian cuisine.
By dcoody on January 13th, 2010
Please don’t be so hard on them. They are risking their own money and effort to try something different in town. I, too, was rather disappointed in the lunch we had on day 2, but I think they are willing to learn and improve. They should try Indian buffets in any big city to see what is possible (and expected). I bet they get better, so let’s give them a fair chance. It is in our best interest that they improve and flourish.
By skalmt on January 14th, 2010
I went with a friend on day 2 (saw dcoody leaving) and we were pleasantly surprised! (At both dcoody leaving AND the food!)
For being day TWO of a soft opening I was very impressed (and I am not easily impressed…see my comments re:Ella’s indian buffet). The flavors of each dish were unique and different from the other dishes, just enough spice without being totally overwhelming, and enough variety (for being day TWO like I said) that I was content and will definitely go back!
I really am picky with my indian food and think that once these guys get the full menu going (and the waitstaff keeps the waters full ;) ) that I have found a new regular lunch spot. I for one am glad you’re here Zauq and will see you again soon!
By Sorry on January 14th, 2010
Beyond pathetic…
I don’t understand why we must wait for the food to get better. Why open up if you havent figured out the basics? Learn from the recent demise of so many other dining establishments, do it right or don’t do it at all.
By einfrau on January 14th, 2010
I think it very unjust to say that something be “pathetic” when you didn’t try the food…..
I believe TASTE is what matters- if you travel to many countries, you often find the Best food on the side of the road and in a banana leaf.
Don’t judge unless you tried the food.
After that, you are entitled to your opinion. Appearances deceive.
I have gone twice already- both times the food was outstanding!
(Yes they are missing a few things- but they seemed encountered some problems due to the snow, and the original chef quit the week before the opening- so cut them some slack.)
They are really open to opinions, and what I asked for was there the next time I came.
I hope to be a regular!
Thanks Zauq!
By burgerboy on January 14th, 2010
I agree with dcoody.
Lets view this restaurant, and that particular location as an incubator for new venues. Those who survive will move onto bigger and better digs with good followings, just like Greenhouse Grille did.
Wouldn’t it be great to see this place succeed eventually and move onto a bigger, better location within the Mill District?
Then, a small German restaurant start-up takes their former space…
Circle of life, er vittles.
By FoodFan on January 14th, 2010
I had dinner Tues. evening and found everything I tried -the rices, the vegetable and chicken dishes- very tasty and well seasoned in terms of heat. Very nice. My greatest wish is that you keep it authentically spicy and don’t tone it down for people unfamiliar with your cuisine. Cook it the way you like it and all will be well.
My wish list would include more vegetable dishes, since I and many potential regulars I know don’t eat red meat, and also some different textures. One fresh salad type selection would be nice on the buffet. I don’t know if northern Indian/Pakistani cuisine has fried goodies like pakoras or samosas but something with a little crunch would be great.
Overall I thought your food was wonderful. Even the dessert was well executed – not overly sweet or reeking of flower water. Look forward to your breads and to trying whatever you decide to offer. If you do this well at the very beginning, the line is sure to be out the door in no time. Which reminds me-start looking for a bigger place now.
By wondermike on January 14th, 2010
“(Admittedly, MLK, Jr., Boulevard anchoring the Fried Chicken District earns a smirk. Hey, I didn’t rename Sixth Street!)”
Awesome. I too think of racial stereotypes when I think of one of the greatest, if not the greatest, leaders of the Civil Rights movement.
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By Cassy on January 14th, 2010
I went two nights ago and they were still serving only a few buffet items. I didn’t stay, but I will go back when they plan on serving the full menu. I was hoping for some chicken tikki masala, butter chicken, or chicken korma, but the only dishes were biryanis, goat dishes, and egg curry so far.
They offer a student discount, though. That’s pretty sweet.
By Michael on January 14th, 2010
wondermike – Other than the Rockin’ Chicken all of the chicken places were already established on 62 when the city decided to rebrand it from 6th Street to MLK BVLD. I had heard many people refer to the area between Pop Eyes and Chik Fil A as ‘Chicken Alley’ before the renaming proposal came about. So if anyone was having latent racist thoughts it was the city and the Flyer was merely pointing it out.
By burgerboy on January 14th, 2010
White people love fried chicken, too.
Not sure about Asians, though. Anybody got a copy of the Asian Person Behavior Manual?
I checked the White Person Behavior Manual before posting. I tried to check the Hispanic Person Behavior Manual, but it was all in Spanish, which I found very frustrating. I bet they just did that to piss me off.
By wondermike on January 14th, 2010
Michael – I was quoting the commenter Offcamber(the 3rd comment on this page), not the Flyer. The Flyer was only pointing out there are a lot of chicken restaurants on that street. Offcamber was employing a racist stereotype.
By David Franks on January 14th, 2010
wondermike–
I think Offcamber was making fun of a racist stereotype, but it won’t really matter unless somebody learns to read.
You know who I mean.
By eLwood on January 15th, 2010
Tried it. Very inept staff. Wanted to give local check and was refused, no notices posted. Tendered a $100 bill and server asked for something smaller which I didn’t have. Making change was a challenge. Lots of small bills.
I choked on the rice, it was very dry. I shouldn’t have tried the eat it.
The bryania was floating in fat.
Doubtful these folks can pull it off.
By wondermike on January 15th, 2010
David Franks-
That’s possible, but Offcamber brought it up unprovoked. I’ve read it several times and all I get is “it is funny that 6th Street was changed to MLK, because MLK was black and there are many chicken restaurants on that street and black people like chicken.” I really don’t see any other way of reading that one. I do, however, believe that burgerboy was making fun of stereotypes.
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By Angel Lust on January 15th, 2010
Went for lunch yesterday. They are clearly working out the kinks in the process. I will return when the menu comes out and they start making breads. Just happy to have the ethnic flavor.
By zenandjuice on January 16th, 2010
is there a to-go option available yet?
By bananasforbiryanis on January 16th, 2010
I am so thrilled that we have another option for Indian food in Fayetteville. Haven’t made it over to try the cuisine yet, but looking forward to when I can go!
By Gardensinger on January 19th, 2010
We tried the lunch buffet today…hesitantly. Being a pesca-vegetarian, I was really hoping for some veggie dishes that surged with flavor and hot spice, but also brought some protein-packed veggies into the mix. My overall rating on the restaurant is “Ok”.
Food: Ok. Flavor was pretty good, hot-spice was barely detectable, variety was minimal. The charred flatbread was a sorry excuse for naan; we couldn’t eat it. Vegetarian dishes offered little protein, leaving me feeling tired and unsatisfied. I had to make a run to Inta-Juice to get a protein-infused smoothie (which, by the way, is very tasty and did the trick).
Service: Good. Smiling faces and all.
Drink: Uhhh. No beer to go with the food. Since it was pretty mild anyway, we weren’t extremely disappointed.
Price: A little overpriced for the value…especially for a lunch buffet.
If Zauq were to ask for pointers from me, they would be:
* Kick up the hot-spice. I like to feel the warmth in each bite.
* Variety. Get a full menu ready asap with lots of vegetarian dishes.
* Naan bread is a must-have side item.
* Beer. Indian food just is not Indian food without it. We prefer a nice cold Kingfisher.
We’ve been waiting for an Indian restaurant to open in town for a long time. I hope Zauq can make some improvements…we’d be loyal patrons for sure. But, for now, I’d rather drive to India Corner or Aroma.
By Smith Oakland on February 8th, 2010
I agree with you gardensinger- i donno when Zauq will be ready with Indian recipies!!! My colleagues went there and commented that it is TERRIBLE..Absolute waste of money..What do they mean soft opening when you cant even make the basic dishes right!!!!!!
By Atif on February 9th, 2010
I ate last night and was satisfied with the improvements they have made. Food quality was really good and it was in general very delicious. ‘Roti’ was freshly made and was my favourite! They are also serving goat meat which is very close to lamb meat and is really very good. Deserts like Kheer was awsome! Service has also improved and staff was really friendly. Will definitely come back!
By Really? on February 13th, 2010
This is one of the worst restaurant experiences I’ve had in my life. We called an hour ahead and asked if we could reserve a table for about 6 people. They said this was no problem. We arrived and there was a table for four available, so we took what was available. One member of our party ended up not showing, so it worked. When our fifth member arrived no one made an effort to find him a chair. Two of us had water, the rest were ignored for about 15 minutes until we told them that all of our party had arrived. It took about another 10-15 minutes for them to take our order. Our order took approximately 40 minutes to arrive. When it did, they forgot all our orders of naan, even though the waitress seemed to write everything down. We told her that we had ordered three butter naans, and one plain. She brought two plain. She seemed as though she was definitely stoned. We ate, the food was ok, but the saucy dishes definitely needed more sauce. The waitress came to bring us our checks, but did not remember what we had ordered, so she asked us again. Then when we received the tickets, she stood at the table and waited for us to pay. Two of us were mid-conversation and she interrupted to ask for money. I asked if they were closing. She said no. Food was ok. Service was incredibly horrible. I’ll likely trek up to India Corner in Rogers next time I feel like Indian food.
By Foodlover on February 17th, 2010
Went to Zauq the other night. They had their menu for dinner and that was a great change they have made. I think these guys have done a great job in improving the service and quality of the food. Ordered the goat curry and it was one of the best I have ever had and they have my favorite shish kebabs. Naan was fresh and I found the wait staff very friendly. Love the new decorations. Definitely on the top list of my restaurants.
By Zauq on February 17th, 2010
Thank you guys for your comments and criticism. We appreciate both and do look at things very critically on our end. We are constantly trying to improve our service and food and want to give the Fayetteville community the best ethnic experience in town. As most of you might have found out we have a menu available for dinner everyday. You will see a lot of variety of different types of meat, vegetarian items, desserts and also items from the grill. We are also serving tandoori naan baked fresh in our tandoor. Please do come back and try out the new items and give us your feedback. You can also email us with suggestions or comments at zauqnwa@gmail.com. The menu is up on facebook and we will be coming out with our website very shortly. Please follow the link to look at what we have to offer. Hope to see you all soon. http://www.facebook.com/pages/Fayetteville-AR/ZAUQ/288808460038?ref=ts
By Zauq on February 25th, 2010
Please visit our website. http://zauqrestaurant.com/
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