SHOR Bazaar, the Desi concept from the team behind SoCal’s Michelin-recognized Khan Saab Desi Craft Kitchen, will debut with a Grand Opening celebration on Friday, February 9th. The evening begins at 5:30 PM with a pre-dinner ‘mocktail hour’ held at the entrance of the restaurant, featuring henna tattoo artists, dhol drummers, an outdoor bar, and a chai cart. Doors open at 6:30 PM for dinner and reservations are highly recommended. Additionally, 10% of the evening’s proceeds will support the National Alliance on Mental Illness of Orange County (NAMI).
Located at 12155 E Carson St. in Hawaiian Gardens, nestled between Los Angeles and Orange County, SHOR features an interior adorned with luxe interpretations of motifs and textures reflective of vibrant alley markets in Afghanistan, India, and Pakistan, thoughtfully curated by leading design firm AkarStudios.
“It’s incredibly rewarding to be able to open SHOR, building off of the success and momentum of Khan Saab, and see the Southern California community welcome another upscale Desi restaurant with open arms,” said Executive Chef Imran ‘Ali’ Mookhi in a statement. “Our mission extends beyond providing a unique dining experience, we’re committed to sharing these rich traditions and authentic flavors of the Indian subcontinent with the local community, introducing them to a genuine taste that may not be easily found nearby, especially in an upscale and lively manner.”
SHOR’s chef-driven menu draws inspiration from century-old techniques and offers elevated interpretations of dishes and flavors found in Afghanistan, India, and Pakistan. A celebration of bazaar [alley marketplace] flavors with a sophisticated and modern edge, the menu features starters including Kale Fritters (fried in chickpea batter and served with tomato chutney) and Mantu (a traditional Afghan beef dumpling served with hung yogurt). Classic Desi staples from the menu include C.T.M., a British favorite Chicken Tikka Masala, and lamb curry Aloo Gosht. Signature dishes, highlighting 100% premium halal meats and showcasing Chef Moohki’s flare for fusion include ‘The Dance of Kabuli Palao,’ a specialty Veal Osso Bucco, and the Tomahawk Kabob made with Australian Wagyu Hunter Beef.
SHOR’s confectionary team, led by Executive Pastry Chef Mark Medina, include options boasting a traditional artisanal preparation infused with prominent flavors and spices from the Desi regions. Guests indulge in the likes of Karachi (NY) Cheesecake (Toasted Pistachio Nut Graham Crust, Vanilla Bean Whipped Creme Fraiche, Honey-Lavender Glazed Turkish Figs, Triple-Berry Rosemary Scented Coulis), or the Cardamom Poached Pear (Anjou Pear, Honey-Saffron Syrup, Chai Mousseline, White Chocolate Pistachio Tuile), always made fresh daily.
Following halal tradition, SHOR presents a 100% alcohol-free environment, introducing a non-alcoholic beverage program with hand-crafted mocktails like The Cozy Blanket (Non-Alcoholic Tequila, Cinnamon, Lime, Pomegranate, and Santos Bitters), the Sunset (Passionfruit, Lime, Seedlip, Blood Orange, San Pellegrino), and the Egg Not (Oat Milk, Low Cream, Date Molasses, Cinnamon) as well as a comprehensive zero-proof wine, beer, and spirits selection. Chef Mookhi and the team’s innovation behind the bar extends beyond the mocktails to encompass an exclusive water menu. The distinct water menu will showcase a global array, featuring limited-production handcrafted bottles of Fillico Jewelry Water sourced from Japan’s renowned pure and natural spring in Kobe at $1,000 per bottle.
“We initially pushed the boundaries of mixology at SHOR’s sister restaurant, Khan Saab, where we proudly pioneered California’s first 100% alcohol-free mocktail bar,” said Chef Mookhi. “Now, our Head Mixologist, Ahmad Hosseini, is elevating the experience to new heights of luxury at SHOR, offering an expansive array of limited, globally sourced and hand-crafted non-alcoholic beverages. From our wide variety of original mocktails and our revolutionary water bar, to a curated selection of non-alcoholic wine from Spain, France, and Italy, SHOR promises an unmatched luxury dining experience throughout the entire menu. Our unique and rare beverages are thoughtfully sourced from around the world, with zero-proof sparkling white wine from Spain infused with 24-carat edible gold, and Japanese water sourced from the country’s purest, most protected natural spring, priced at $1,000 per bottle.”
SHOR is located at 12155 E Carson St. in Hawaiian Gardens and will be open, Monday through Friday from 4 to 10 pm, and Saturday to Sunday from 2 to 10 pm.
