Zain Restaurant & Bakery Café

Zain Restaurant & Bakery Café is a hidden gem, serving up delicious East African dishes in addition to fresh-baked pastries, sandwiches and more. This family-owned business is run by a crew of siblings with Somalian heritage, and their passion for hospitality and sharing their culture through food shines through in the quality of the food and the welcoming atmosphere. The siblings opened the cafe in 2022, building on the success of the adjoining Tawakal Mini Market which their family has been running since 1999. Since then, Zain quickly became a favorite of the community and a welcoming spot for newcomers to African cuisine.

NEED TO KNOW:

Signature Dishes: Enjoy gyros made with fresh, tender beef, lamb or chicken prepared by an in-house butcher. Or fill up on tender goat meat, lamb shank, chicken with pilaf, or Somali beef stew. And don't miss out on the fuul -- a deeply flavorful vegetarian dish made of smashed fava beans and chickpeas in a tomato base, seasoned with a Xawaaji spice that gives it a faintly sweet, complex flavor and is popular in Somali cuisine.

Perfect For Groups: The "Group Dishes" include generous portions meant to be shared. Think: Flavorful Beef stew over a heaping plate of spaghetti or rice.

Fresh-Baked Desserts: The in-house pastry chef prepares fresh pastries daily, including a light, flaky cream cheese Danish, baklava with pistachio and almond, donuts and slices of fluffy coconut cake.

Location: Conveniently situated in SeaTac, a ten minute walk from the Tukwila-International Boulevard Station.

THE VIBE:

Zain Restaurant & Bakery has an inviting, casual atmosphere where you can come to grab a quick snack to go, or settle in for a relaxed meal with friends or family. The staff are consummate hosts: if someone is waiting for a meal, they'll take the time to show them around the adjoining market.

GOOD TO KNOW:

Locally sourced ingredients: The restaurant supports local farmers and suppliers by sourcing fresh ingredients from nearby producers, ensuring both quality and sustainability in every dish.

Cultural Representation: As a minority and women-owned business, Zain celebrates diversity and brings authentic flavors to the community, offering a unique dining experience that reflects the owners’ cultural heritage.

Community Engagement: Zain Restaurant proudly sponsors local youth sports programs, helping to foster talent and build community spirit among youth.