Khan Saab Desi Craft Kitchen is expanding to Santa Monica, bringing its MICHELIN Bib Gourmand-recognized Pakistani and Indian cuisine to the Westside. The new Downtown Santa Monica location marks the latest chapter for the acclaimed Southern California restaurant, introducing its modern approach to South Asian dining, signature zero-proof beverage program and 100% halal menu to one of Los Angeles’ most popular coastal destinations.

Founded in Fullerton in 2020 by Chef-Partner Imran Ali Mookhi alongside business partners Ahmad and Iqbal Hosseini, Khan Saab Desi Craft Kitchen has built a reputation for elevating traditional Pakistani and Indian cuisine through refined techniques, premium ingredients and contemporary presentation. The restaurant became the first Pakistani restaurant in Southern California to receive MICHELIN recognition and has earned a MICHELIN Bib Gourmand distinction every year since opening, cementing its place among the region’s top destinations for South Asian cuisine.

The Santa Monica expansion brings Chef Imran’s culinary vision to a broader audience while remaining rooted in authenticity. Born in Pakistan, the award-winning chef blends time-honored recipes with seasonal California ingredients, creating dishes that celebrate the diversity and depth of Desi cuisine while appealing to modern diners.

The menu showcases a balance of traditional flavors and creative interpretations. Guests can begin with shareable favorites such as Pani Puri and Goat Cheese Kulcha served with butter tomato sauce before moving on to signature entrées including Khan Biryani, Peshawari Chicken Karahi, Smoked Beef Kabob and Apricot Curry Salmon prepared in the tandoor. One of the restaurant’s most recognizable creations, the Sloppy Khan, reimagines the classic Sloppy Joe with keema-style grass-fed wagyu beef.

Additional menu offerings include charcoal-grilled kabobs, wood-fired steaks and slow-cooked curries such as Butter Chicken, Lamb Rogan Josh and Nihari. The restaurant also embraces plant-based dining with flavorful vegan selections, including Bhel Puri with pomegranate and sesame leaf and Dal Lala Musa. Desserts continue the culinary journey with elevated takes on South Asian classics, including Shahi Gulab Jamun, Rasmalai Milk Cake and Rasmalai Knafeh.

A defining feature of Khan Saab Desi Craft Kitchen is its commitment to a 100% halal philosophy, emphasizing responsibly sourced ingredients and thoughtful preparation while introducing authentic Pakistani and Indian flavors to a wider audience.

Complementing the cuisine is one of Southern California’s most distinctive alcohol-free beverage programs. Developed by mixologist Ahmad Hosseini, the zero-proof menu reflects the growing demand for sophisticated non-alcoholic dining experiences. Signature handcrafted mocktails include the Dirty Sprite, Basanti Ecstasy and Devil’s Kiss, alongside traditional lassis and a curated collection of premium non-alcoholic beverages. A rotating water program featuring rare mineral and spring waters from around the world further enhances the dining experience.

As Khan Saab Desi Craft Kitchen continues its growth across Southern California, the Santa Monica location reinforces the brand’s mission of redefining Pakistani and Indian cuisine through elevated halal dining, exceptional hospitality and innovative culinary experiences. By combining authentic South Asian flavors with contemporary techniques and one of the region’s leading zero-proof beverage programs, the restaurant brings a fresh perspective to the evolving Los Angeles dining scene while expanding access to award-winning Desi cuisine on the Westside.