My Life on a Plate
From growing up in at a grandparent’s Italian café to founding Mirchi Cafe, our story stirs heritage and community into every dish.
My Journey From Lucia’s to Halal Comfort Cuisine!
Mirchi Cafe is my life on a plate. I was born in the Bay Area and raised in my grandparents’ Italian restaurant, where I met my husband, Mush, from Lahore, Pakistan. When he felt homesick, he’d blend Pakistani flavors into our Italian pizzas. After I converted to Islam and we married in 1991, we traveled to Pakistan, where I embraced new cultures and cuisine. Back in the U.S., I earned a Culinary Arts degree and trained in French baking, laying the foundation for Mirchi Cafe.
Lessons From Family Roots and Community Ties
My grandparents shaped my love for restaurants and community. After graduating, my grandfather passed away, and though I planned to work elsewhere, I returned to manage Lucia’s. In 2000, I stepped away to start my catering business, Sophia’s Delights, named after my daughter. I returned to Lucia’s in 2003, but a year later, we closed after 28 years. For the first time, I was without a restaurant—feeling incomplete, yet full of new ideas and energy.
Doodling a Dream Into Reality at Dinner
At a family dinner, I proposed the idea for Mirchi Cafe and sketched a logo that remains our brand today. Inspired by past experiences, I traveled to Pakistan to explore its food scene. As a novice street photographer, I captured my love for the country and brought those images back to adorn our cafe’s walls. Mirchi Cafe opened on September 1, 2004, with a grand celebration—joined by Imran Khan, former cricket star and future Prime Minister of Pakistan.
Filling a Gap With a Bold Halal Promise
Our menu offers American comfort food with a Pakistani twist. Noticing a lack of variety in Bay Area halal options, we aimed to give the Muslim community new choices. Our motto, “100% Halal or Nothing at All,” ensures trust in every bite. In 2013, we opened a second location in Dublin, and in 2018, Mirchi Meat and Deli—a halal butcher, sandwich shop, and grocery. We use locally sourced, hand-slaughtered zabiha halal meat to serve both our community and restaurants.
Growing Roots With Second Site and Butchery
In 2016, we celebrated our second location in Dublin, extending our reach across the Bay. Then in 2018, we opened Mirchi Meat and Deli—a halal butchery, sandwich shop, and grocery. There, we source our meat locally and hand-slaughter it for freshness. We source all our meat from our meat shop for our restaurants. Each cut of meat tells our story of respect for tradition and quality.
Building Community With Food, Art, and Outreach
I believe a restaurant can be more than tables and menus. We host art nights and music events that share Pakistani culture. We partner with community groups to serve meals during charity drives. Our guests and team are like family. When you dine here, you join a network of people who value connection and shared experience through food and fellowship.
Looking Ahead With Love and Flavor for All
Every day, I wake up excited to feed friends new and old. I aim to make each meal an honest reflection of my journey—from Italian kitchens to Pakistani spice markets. I invite you to join us at our tables or order for a cozy night in. As long as our community welcomes us, we will keep crafting dishes that bridge cultures, build trust, and offer a genuine taste of home.