Former Gandhi restaurant has a new name and new look

By Ian Perrotta

Good news for anyone who missed their favorite flavors from the former Gandhi restaurant on Conant – it’s back (sort of) and better than ever. Rechristened ZamZam, the business celebrated its grand re-opening on Aug. 3.

The establishment takes its name from the ZamZam Well, which is located within the Masjid al-Haram in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. Revered for its uniqueness, Hamtramck’s own ZamZam is no different and well worth the pilgrimage.

Owned by former Ghandi partner Kollol Ahmed, the restaurant retains much of its past in terms of the food offered, but the similarities end there. With an all-halal menu, ZamZam features lower prices yet a higher-class dining experience. Patrons can choose between two completely remodeled seating areas – a casual café and a formal dining room – the latter of which can serve as a banquet hall that can accommodate all occasions. But in both areas, you’ll be waited on by pleasant servers in classy uniforms.

Though it’s currently Ramadan, ZamZam is still running its buffet special Monday through Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. The buffet varies each day, but it always offers a wide assortment of both meat and vegetarian dishes that are sure to please the most discerning palette. Manager Abul Kasham, who often greets customers with a smile as they walk through the door, says the buffet is a great deal.

“People can eat for less but it’s still good quality,” he says. “It’s the same food we regularly serve.”

In addition to serving appetizers, soups, salads and breads in the traditional styles of Bangladeshi, Indian and Pakistani cuisines, ZamZam has seafood specialties, lamb, chicken & rice dishes, vegetables and desserts. The eatery also serves up Shan E-Tandoori, which is food grilled in a clay oven on charcoal and, at ZamZam, served with Basmati rice.

Also on the menu at ZamZam is a variety of appetizers and desserts to go. Individually packaged and labeled with the restaurant’s information, they’re a great way to incite a friend to make the trip to Hamtramck if they’re not from the city. And if security is a question, tell them it’s covered – cameras monitor the entire restaurant and its parking lot.

“It’s a nice quiet place and we have quality food at less expense, and excellent customer service,” says Kasham. “If you’re not from Hamtramck it’s worth the trip.”

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