Resturant Review: Great Zucchini

On one of my post-Friday prayer lunch hunts, I ran across The Great Zucchini. You can drive right past it—unless you see the Halal BBQ sign outside—and not have known it existed. The décor and arrangements are simple; no complicated interior design, no museum-like setup, but rather you feel like you’re home.

Its hidden location adds to the feeling of being detached from the busy street- and world-outside. For the past two years, Zahid Khan has been serving a rare mix of American, Mexican, and Pakistani food. With 17 years of experience working in the American fast food industry, for Khan, running the Great Zucchini is a dream come true. "I would eat at different restaurants with limited choices of halal food, and would find the food lacking freshness," says Khan. "What we offer at the Great Zucchini is fresh food that has a touch of flare and great

The menu is filled with these hybrid dishes, and with choices like Desi Macho
Nacho’s, one wonders how the hybrid of ethnic foods might taste, I began with the Great Zucchini Combo appetizer. Fresh fried onion rings, zucchini and cheese sticks. The appetizer was well-breaded, making it crunchy all around. Choley Chat Masala, a zesty garbanzo bean appetizer that makes your mouth smack with delight is also a great appitizer.

I started my main course with classic American items, the Cheese Steak Sandwich and a Sloppy burger. With Khan’s experience in fast food, these items are close to the real thing. Here, however, you can enjoy the classics; don’t expect "in and out" service.

I then tried the Beef Birayani, a rice and meat dish flavored with tomatoes, saffron and spices, which is a special Pakistani dish that hits your taste buds in all the
right places. Sprinkled with fried onions, it is a delectable fusion of tastes.

Usually, I stay away from Pakistani food because nothing compares to my Mom’s Pakistani cooking, but this birayani had all the right tastes.

Not expecting much from the Mexican food after some good Pakistani food, the Wet Burrito turned out to be a surprise in a nicely wrapped tortilla. The inside is filled with basmati rice and beans, along with well proportioned chicken and a hint of spicy salsa. This was by far my favorite dish. I had a chance to also try chicken
tamales, and, if available, I highly recommend them. Made in traditional Mexican
fashion, the mixture of green chutney, a Pakistani chili condiment, flavors the
tamale into a world of tastes.

This off the beaten path restaurant is a culinary gem because of the twist on
ethnic foods. The food is mild for those who do not eat spicy food, but can be made
to suit your taste. I would have enjoyed more spice in my meals. However, the
service is cozy and familiar, the food fills the happy stomach and you walk out with
a sense of adventurism for the next visit.

The Great Zucchini Desi BBQ
765 S. State College Blvd. #B
Fullerton, CA 92831
( 714 ) 879 - 8522
Monday – Thursday (11 am to 8pm)
Friday – Saturday (11 am to 10 pm)
Sunday: Closed