How Zahida Became Copenhagen’s Beloved Pakistani Restaurant: A Story of Family, Struggle, and Passion
The 3 horsemen of romersagde
When my brother and I opened Zahida, we never imagined just how much this little restaurant would shape our lives — or the lives of the people who walk through its doors.
Zahida isn’t just a name. It’s our mother’s name — the woman who inspired it all. We grew up watching her in the kitchen, cooking with effortless passion, filling our home with the smells and tastes of Pakistan. When we moved from the UK to Copenhagen, what we missed most wasn’t just the food — it was the feeling of home. So in 2017, we opened a small food stall in the now-closed Westmarket in Vesterbro, serving her recipes and, importantly, the spicy chicken burger we craved and couldn’t find anywhere in the city.
The Dream and the Storms We Survived
In 2019, we opened our first full restaurant. Three months in, COVID hit.
Like so many in the restaurant world, we were forced to shut down, reopen, shut down again. I let the staff go and ran Zahida alone for a year — dishwasher, chef, cleaner, bar, floor, admin, you name it. At one point, our account was minus 180,000 DKK. Every day, I thought: this is it, we’re done.
"Having my brother by my side through it all was truly a gift — we kept each other strong."
Then came the media storm: the deportation of two of our chefs, including Michelin-level talent. Their stories hit the news — read more here — and we were touched by how many politicians and locals reached out to support us.
The Flavors That Hold Our Story
Every dish at Zahida carries a memory. Mango chutney reminds me of climbing trees in my mother’s village, eating mangoes straight from the branch. Our menu is a love letter to the past, crafted with Sherwin, our Michelin-experienced head chef, to be both authentic and modern — Pakistani flavors reimagined with a Nordic touch.
"We evolve street food classics using modern techniques — but the soul stays the same."
We’ve hosted intimate dinners, wild celebrations, and magical proposals — like last Valentine’s, when a guest surprised his girlfriend with a public proposal. We had the music, lights, and cameras ready — the whole restaurant applauded. It was unforgettable.
Lessons, Community, and What’s Next
Running Zahida has humbled me like nothing else. Some days, we have an 80-person waitlist; other days, we’re putting out fire after fire. I’ve learned never to take anything for granted.
We keep a network of local restaurant owners, sharing tips, equipment, advice. My biggest advice to new restaurateurs? Don’t be too proud to ask for help. Someone’s been through what you’re facing.
Looking ahead, I hope we keep innovating, experimenting, and pushing South Asian cuisine — and someday pass the torch to the next generation.
"Honestly? I wish I’d paid more attention in Excel class."
Why Zahida Is More Than a Restaurant
At the end of the day, Zahida isn’t just a place to eat — it’s a place to connect, to feel, to remember. When I walk the floor and chat with guests, it feels less like service and more like sitting with old friends.
We weren’t just fed. We were welcomed.
Book your table now and become part of the Zahida story.
