Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
oChef » Cafe Zum Zum – Seattle
Cafe Zum Zum - Seattle
Photo from Cafe Zum Zum
Cafe Zum Zum at a glance
Seattle Central Business District
- 🍛 Pakistani Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 34 of the guests
#333 out of 858 places to eat in Seattle
#1 Pakistani Restaurant out of 1 in Seattle
Good
7.8 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
265
Reviews
78.9%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Generous portions
- Affordable specials
- Efficient service
Frequently criticized
- Limited seating
- Inconsistent food
- Long queues
The restaurant Cafe Zum Zum is a delightful Pakistani Restaurant located in the heart of Seattle’s Central Business District. You’ll find it’s a perfect spot for a quick bite, offering a casual atmosphere where you can enjoy authentic flavors.
Whether you’re looking for healthy options, vegan choices, or delicious Halal food, this place has you covered with its diverse menu.
Overview: Introducting Cafe Zum Zum
Cafe Zum Zum offers a compelling lunch experience, often praised as a hidden gem for its quick service and satisfying meals. Many appreciate the generous portions and the overall efficiency, making it a popular choice for a speedy downtown bite.
However, navigating the space can be a bit challenging, with some finding the seating limited and the atmosphere occasionally feeling cramped. While the food generally receives high marks, there are occasional remarks about oily curries or inconsistent preparation.
Good
7.8
out of 10
265
Reviews
78.9%
Satisfaction
46
negative
10
neutral
209
positive
Cafe Zum Zum earns a solid 7.8 overall, reflecting a generally positive dining experience. Customers particularly commend the Food (8) for its quality and generous servings, alongside the excellent Value (8.1) it provides.
The efficient Service (7.8) also stands out, ensuring quick and friendly interactions even during busy periods. While the Ambience (6.5) is considered average, it doesn’t detract significantly from the overall satisfaction.
This positive sentiment is echoed in the 78.9% customer satisfaction rate, drawn from 209 positive remarks against 46 negative ones, out of 265 total customer observations. The consistent positive feedback highlights the restaurant’s strengths.
What people like
- Generous portions
- Affordable daily specials
- Efficient, friendly service
What people don't like
- Limited seating space
- Inconsistent food quality
- Long lunch queues
If you’re seeking a quick, satisfying meal with excellent value, Cafe Zum Zum is a solid choice. With a strong recommendation score of 8, it’s particularly well-suited for those who prioritize generous portions and efficient service during a busy lunch hour.
However, be prepared for potential queues and a potentially cramped dining area. While the food is generally well-regarded, some dishes might be inconsistent.
It’s worth trying if you value speed and affordability over a perfect dining atmosphere.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Cafe Zum Zum
Food (8 out of 10)
mentioned by 95% of the guests
When it comes to the food here, youre in for a treat! With a solid score of 8 and customer satisfaction at a great 81.5%, its clear that many diners are loving whats on their plate. Out of 157 total remarks, a whopping 128 rave about the generous portion size, home-cooked vibe, tasty dishes, and the fact that its halal.
Expect delicious, well-spiced meals that often provide leftovers! However, not every dish hits the mark for everyone, with 24 negative comments noted. Some diners found certain curries to be a bit too oily or watery, and a few mentioned a lackluster flavor in specific items.
There were also comments about the naan not being authentic bread, which might be a dealbreaker if you're particular about your sides.
Food
157
Reviews
81%
Satisfaction
24
negative
5
neutral
128
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Generous portion sizes
- Delicious, tasty food
- Home-cooked vibe
What people don't like
- Excessively oily curries
- Inauthentic bread
- Lackluster flavor
Often praised
- foodThe owner is one of the most hospitable and kind humans. I enjoyed fast, friendly, and healthy well-made food. I'll be going back as soon as possible.
- portion sizethe portion size is huge and enough for two
- portionsMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! It's easily my favorite downtown lunch spot, and they provide generous portions that are enough for leftovers. The prices are great, and the food is absolutely delicious.
- lambeverything, whether veg, chicken or lamb - can't go wrong
- lamb curryTried the lamb curry, which is served with rice and bread. Excellent quality
- riceThe rice was also good
- vegetarian optionsThe two very friendly men who work there remember me and are so nice! There are plenty of options, including vegetarian options, and the prices are so fair, especially considering the portion size. I can leave my leftovers at work and it'll make for two lunches.
- curriesserve softly stewed vegetable, chicken, lamb curries
- curryStill true. This is the best curry around, spanning from Westlake to BelRed. I followed them here from their previous location.
- good foodMy experience at this restaurant was characterized by good food served fast. However, there was always a line out the door at lunch time.
Frequently criticized
- riceThe place felt very cramped and was not very clean. The chicken curry was excessively oily, and the rice was overcooked and mushy. The garlic naan was cooked on a grill instead of in a tandoor.
- foodThe food was very salty
- naanthe "naan" was a store brand flour tortilla
- Indian foodI hadnt eaten Indian food before... I wasnt impressed.
- authentic breadthey don't make authentic bread as it's impossible to not have desi bread
- chicken curryThe chicken curry was very oily
- chicken spinach curryOn the positive side, the portions were big for the price, and the inside area was quiet, which was nice given it's located within a larger food court. However, the chicken spinach curry was very watery and salty. The accompanying item resembled a tortilla more than naan.
- curriescurries are EXTREMELY OILY
- currylooking for good curry pass on this place
- flavorlackluster flavor
If you're looking for flavorful, generously portioned, and often home-style food, especially for lunch, this spot is definitely worth a try. Just be mindful that some dishes might be on the oilier side, and the bread might not be what you expect from traditional Indian/Pakistani cuisine.
Service (7.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 63% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot generally hits the mark, boasting a solid score of 7.8 and a customer satisfaction rate of 80%, both indicating a good experience. Many patrons rave about the quick service, friendly owner, and wonderful hospitality. Based on 44 positive remarks out of 55 total, it seems the staff and efficiency truly shine here.
However, it's not without its snags. The main concern, highlighted in 11 negative comments, often revolves around the queue or line during busy times, with some mentioning a rude cashier or staffer. While the service is generally good, be prepared for potential waits and occasional less-than-stellar interactions at the counter.
Service
55
Reviews
80%
Satisfaction
11
negative
0
neutral
44
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly owner
- Quick service
- Wonderful hospitality
What people don't like
- Long queues
- Rude cashier
- Staff attitude
Often praised
- ownerI was impressed by the tasty vegan options available. The owner was exceptionally hospitable, making the visit very pleasant. I highly recommend this place for a value for money and quick meal.
- serviceIt's a good place to try when I am in downtown Seattle for Pakistani style dishes. The restaurant gets very busy during lunch, but they offer fast service.
- staffBe prepared for a queue at lunchtime, as it often extends outside. I particularly enjoyed the great add-ons, the Punjabi-pop playlist, and the fantastic staff. Keep up the great work!
- ServiceService:5
- businessthis great business!
- cafeteria stylelove the cafeteria style quick to order
- cooksThe cooks were so friendly and inviting aswell.
- efficiencyIt operates at an elite tier of lunch restaurants that should be aspired to. The food is great, the prices are great, and they do a few things and do them very well, extremely efficiently.
- fastgood food fast
- friendly servicequick and friendly service
Frequently criticized
- cashierperson on cash was consistently rude to us
- customer serviceworst customer service experience of my life
- lineThere's always a line
- line out the doorMy experience at this restaurant was characterized by good food served fast. However, there was always a line out the door at lunch time. They offer vegetarian options, and the food was not too spicy.
- ordering foodhe started shouting leaving us uncertain that we are committing some crime by ordering more food
- queueThe queue at lunch time extends outside the door
- recommendwill not recomend to anyone of my freinds
- serving foodHe serves food in such a way that he's offering the finest food
- staffthe staff was rude
- stafferthey are least bothered
If you're looking for a place with generally friendly staff and quick service, especially from the owner, this spot is definitely worth a visit. Just be mindful that you might encounter a line during peak hours, and a few experiences suggest the cashier could be more welcoming.
Ambience (6.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 35% of the guests
The ambience here offers a mixed experience, with a score of 6.5 placing it in the average to good category, and customer satisfaction at 59.3%, indicating a somewhat mixed bag. Many of the 16 positive remarks praise the vibes/atmosphere, calling it a hidden gem and a quiet area with cafe style seating. It sounds like a pleasant spot for a relaxed meal.
However, its not without its challenges, as 7 negative comments suggest. Some found the seating limited and cramped, and a few noted it could be tricky to find. ' While the overall atmosphere is often appreciated, these points highlight areas where comfort and accessibility could be improved.
Ambience
27
Reviews
59%
Satisfaction
7
negative
4
neutral
16
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great vibes
- Hidden gem
- Quiet area
What people don't like
- Limited seating
- Tricky to find
- Not very clean
Often praised
- lunch spotmy favorite downtown lunch spot
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- atmosphereThe atmosphere nice and clean
- cafe style seatinglots of cafe style seating
- courtyardthere a courtyard with more tables and chairs
- easy to findEasy to find
- hidden gemWhat a hidden gem of a lunch spot
- playlistgreat Punjabi-pop playlist
- quiet areaquiet area inside a larger food court
- re-openedThey re-opened in a new location
Frequently criticized
- cleanlinessMy experience at this restaurant was overall pretty poor. The place felt very cramped and was not very clean. The chicken curry was excessively oily, and the rice was overcooked and mushy.
- closedit’s closed as of October 8th 2020
- placeThe place was very cramped
- restaurantit was the worst restuarant i have ever seen
- seatingTheir seating is limited
- seating insideSeating inside is tight
- tricky to findIt’s a little tricky to find
If you're seeking a spot with good vibes and a quiet atmosphere, this place could be a hidden gem worth discovering. Just be aware that seating might be a bit tight, and it could take a moment to locate it.
Value (8.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 35% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot really shines! With a good score of 8.1 and good customer satisfaction at 80.8%, guests frequently rave about the great prices and affordable daily specials. Many appreciate the big portions for the price and feel they get excellent value for money, as seen in 21 positive remarks out of 26 total.
However, a few voices, 4 out of 26, did find some aspects a bit challenging. While generally praised, a couple of opinions mentioned it could be a bit pricey or not worth it for the price on occasion, especially if not opting for the popular specials. The term pricey popped up, suggesting some items might not align with everyone's budget expectations.
Value
26
Reviews
80%
Satisfaction
4
negative
1
neutral
21
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Affordable daily specials
- Generous portions
- Great value
What people don't like
- Can be pricey
Often praised
- priceCan't beat the price for their daily specials
- pricesthe prices are so fair
- daily specialscan't beat the price for their daily specials
- Friday specialThe $6.59 Friday special for vegetarian curry, rice and a drink is probably the best (and cheapest) lunch
- affordablefood amazing and affordable
- affordable priceGreat food for affordable price
- big portionsbig portions for the price
- cheapIt's one of my favorite places because it's cheap
- cheap eatGreat cheap eat
- perfect priceat a perfect price!
Frequently criticized
- priceFor the price it was not worth it
- priceyAs this was my first time trying Indian food, I had heard that this place was delicious, although a bit pricey. Unfortunately, I wasn't impressed.
If you're looking for a budget-friendly meal with generous portions, especially by taking advantage of their daily specials, this place is definitely worth a visit. However, be mindful that some items might lean towards the pricier side if you stray from the acclaimed deals.
How are the prices at Cafe Zum Zum?
You’re looking at roughly 19 per person – reported by 34 diners. That puts it in the $11–$20 category. For a Pakistani Restaurant in Seattle, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Looking at what people actually spend, most guests stick right within this $11–$20 sweet spot, showing a pretty consistent pricing experience.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 34 reviews.
How does this restaurant’s value stack up against similar spots in Seattle?
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Pakistani restaurant in Seattle, especially given how consistently guests spend within that mid-range. It seems like a reliable choice for a good meal without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Cafe Zum Zum
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Excellent Vegan Options & Hospitable Owner
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I was impressed by the tasty vegan options available. The owner was exceptionally hospitable, making the visit very pleasant.
I highly recommend this place for a value for money and quick meal.
- vegan options10
- owner10
- value for money9
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Quiet
6
Decent but watery curry
My experience at this restaurant was mixed. On the positive side, the portions were big for the price, and the inside area was quiet, which was nice given it's located within a larger food court. However, the chicken spinach curry was very watery and salty.
The accompanying item resembled a tortilla more than naan. Overall, it's a decent option in a pinch, but the quality wasn't outstanding.
- big portions8
- quiet area7
- chicken spinach curry3
- naan4
- quality4
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
10
Delicious Halal Food & Courteous Owner
During a trip to Seattle, we had lunch on a Monday. The food was delicious, fresh, and warm. The atmosphere was nice and clean.
It's a great option for those looking for Halal yummy food! The owner was extremely courteous as well.
- food10
- atmosphere9
- Halal yummy food10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
6
Great Vegetarian Options, But Oily Curries
My experience at this restaurant was mixed. I found they have great vegetarian options, which is a definite plus. However, the main downside was that the curries were EXTREMELY OILY.
I was surprised that this hadn't been raised as a concern before. I've been eating here occasionally for the past two years and even informed a staff member about the oiliness, but they seemed least bothered. I witnessed a staffer pouring a jug of oil into the curries, seemingly to make them shine.
- vegetarian options8
- curries2
- staffer2
- oil1
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
10
Authentic Home-Style Food with Amazing Service
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The food was fresh, tasty, and truly authentic, reminding me of home-cooked meals. The prices were amazing, offering great value.
The service was incredibly quick, and the restaurant was clean. I especially appreciated how friendly and nice the owner was.
- food10
- prices10
- service10
What Cafe Zum Zum offers
Crowd
- Family-friendly
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Free Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
Offerings
- Vegan options
- Healthy options
- Halal food
- Vegetarian options
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Catering
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
What kind of dining options and dietary choices can you expect at Cafe Zum Zum?
At Cafe Zum Zum, you can enjoy a range of dining options including lunch, dinner, and dessert, with comfortable seating available. The menu is inclusive, offering excellent vegan options, healthy choices, and a variety of vegetarian dishes, all while serving delicious Halal food to meet diverse dietary needs.
What service and accessibility features does Cafe Zum Zum provide for its guests?
Cafe Zum Zum offers convenient service options like dine-in, takeout, and delivery, plus the added charm of outdoor seating. The restaurant is committed to accessibility, featuring a wheelchair accessible entrance and seating, ensuring a comfortable experience for all guests. Free Wi-Fi is also available.
What is the overall rating for Cafe Zum Zum and what aspects contribute to it?
Cafe Zum Zum holds a good overall score of 7.8. This is largely driven by its strong Food (8), excellent Value (8.1), and efficient Service (7.8). The Ambience (6.5) is considered average.
Is Cafe Zum Zum a good option for an affordable and quick lunch?
Yes, many customers praise Cafe Zum Zum as an affordable lunch spot, highlighting its daily specials and generous portions. The service is often described as fast and efficient, making it ideal for a quick meal.
What are some potential downsides to dining at Cafe Zum Zum?
Be aware that seating can be limited and feel cramped, and there are often long queues during peak lunch hours. Some customers have also noted occasional inconsistencies in food quality, such as overly oily or salty dishes.