Signature
Chicken Dum Biryani
Authentic Hyderabadi-style chicken dum biryani: aromatic basmati rice slow-cooked with tender chicken, fresh mint, and fragrant saffron.
CHEF-CRAFTED · FAMILY-OWNED
Home of Authentic Indian Flavours
OUR STORY
Scars, Stories & Spices
Some flavours can't be rushed. They're built slowly - over years spent in working kitchens, in recipes guarded and passed down, in the patience to do things the old way when the easy way is right there.
Zaika was born from that kind of devotion. Not a recipe lifted from a book, but a craft carried across the world and planted here, in Victoria.
What reaches your table is authentic Indian cooking the way it's meant to taste - not softened for the West, not watered down, not rushed. The same spices. The same fire. The same care it would be given anywhere flavour is taken seriously.
This is for everyone who's searched for that taste and never quite found it here - the one that feels like home, wherever home happens to be.
We can't bring the whole world to your table.
But we can bring the flavour.
Meet Chef Jahir Shaikh
Chef Jahir Shaikh brings decades of culinary mastery to Victoria. His cooking is grounded in the deep traditions of Indian cuisine - slow-built techniques, whole spices toasted by hand, and a refusal to cut corners.
Every dish at Zaika reflects that standard: authentic, cross-border flavour crafted with passion, resilience, and a deep respect for tradition - served the way it was always meant to be, right here in Canada.
CHEF JAHIR SHAIKH'S
Signature Dishes
Signature
SignatureLamb Rogan Josh
Authentic Kashmiri-style lamb rogan josh: tender lamb slow-braised in an aromatic gravy of yogurt, tomatoes, and warming whole spices.
SignatureButter Chicken
Classic North Indian butter chicken: tandoor-charred chicken simmered in a silky, creamy tomato-butter sauce finished with fenugreek.
SignatureChicken Dum Biryani
Authentic Hyderabadi-style chicken dum biryani: aromatic basmati rice slow-cooked with tender chicken, fresh mint, and fragrant saffron.
SignatureLamb Rogan Josh
Authentic Kashmiri-style lamb rogan josh: tender lamb slow-braised in an aromatic gravy of yogurt, tomatoes, and warming whole spices.
SignatureButter Chicken
Classic North Indian butter chicken: tandoor-charred chicken simmered in a silky, creamy tomato-butter sauce finished with fenugreek.
A Glimpse of Zaika
Experience the ambiance and the vibrant, authentic dishes crafted by Chef Jahir Shaikh.
DELIVERY & TAKEOUT
Order Online
Get Zaika delivered or ready for pickup through your favourite platforms.
GUEST EXPERIENCES
Loved by our guests
Real words from diners across Victoria and beyond.
“The Chicken Dum Biryani is the best Indian biryani in Victoria - fragrant saffron basmati, tender chicken, and that real dum aroma. Authentic Indian food done properly.”
“Their Butter Chicken is creamy, smoky, and perfectly balanced - hands down the best butter chicken in Victoria, BC. Zaika is now our go-to authentic Indian restaurant.”
“The Lamb Rogan Josh is rich, tender, and deeply spiced - genuine Kashmiri flavour you can't find anywhere else in Victoria. Outstanding Indian dining experience.”
“The Champaran Mutton Handi blew me away - slow-cooked goat in a sealed clay pot, smoky and melt-in-your-mouth. A must-try authentic Indian dish in Victoria.”
“Crispy, juicy, and perfectly spiced - the Chapli Kebab here is the best in town. Zaika serves truly authentic Indian street food in Victoria, BC.”
“As a vegetarian, the Palak Paneer is a dream - fresh spinach, soft paneer, and warm spices. Easily the best vegetarian Indian food in Victoria.”
“The Dal Makhani is velvety, buttery, and comforting - slow-cooked the right way. Zaika is my favourite authentic Indian restaurant near Victoria.”
“Their Samosa Chaat is perfection - crunchy, tangy, and loaded with flavour. The best Indian chaat and street food in Victoria, BC.”
“Chicken 65 here is addictive - crispy, spicy, and fresh with curry leaves. Great authentic Indian appetizers and friendly service every time.”
“The Vegetable Biryani is fragrant and beautifully spiced - a fantastic vegetarian biryani in Victoria. Generous portions and authentic Indian taste.”
“Finished with the Gulab Jamun - warm, soft, and soaked in rose-cardamom syrup. The best Indian dessert I've had in Victoria, BC.”
“The Mango Lassi is thick, creamy, and refreshing - the perfect pairing with their spicy curries. Authentic Indian flavours every single visit.”
“Fresh, fluffy Garlic Naan straight from the tandoor - soft, buttery, and perfect for scooping up curry. Best naan in Victoria, hands down.”
“The Kadak Masala Chai is brewed just right - strong, spiced, and comforting. Zaika nails authentic Indian tea and breakfast in Victoria, BC.”
“Creamy Kheer with cardamom and toasted nuts - a perfect end to the meal. Authentic Indian comfort food and a warm, welcoming dining room.”
“The Lacha Paratha is flaky and golden - so good with their dal and curries. Best Indian takeout in Victoria when I want the real thing.”
“From the Butter Naan to the Lamb Rogan Josh, every dish is authentic and full of flavour. Zaika is the best Indian restaurant in Victoria, BC.”
LOCATION & HOURS
Visit Us
Zaika by JJ
2630 Bridge St, Victoria, BC V8T 1T6, Canada
- Monday – Thursday11:00 AM – 11:00 PMDine-in closes at 10:00 PM
- Friday – Sunday11:00 AM – 12:00 AMDine-in closes at 11:00 PM
Dine-in closes at 10 PM Monday to Thursday and 11 PM Friday to Sunday.