A beloved Coquitlam restaurant that’s know as much for its community outreach as its tasty Afghan-Indian fusion dishes is expanding.
Jamila’s Kitchen is opening a second location on Vancouver’s Commercial Drive. It’s first day of business is Monday, Nov. 6.
Owner Malik Malikzada said the choice to move into East Vancouver was driven by their own desire to help people in need through what he and his wife, jamila, know best — food. He told the Tri-City News their own policy of not asking for payment if someone comes into their Coquitlam restaurant and can’t afford to pay will be extended to the new site with a special meal on Friday’s for patrons facing hardship.
“Our door is always open to those who ask for a free meal,” Malikzada said, adding he expects a few more takers on Commercial Drive due to its proximity to many more people living below the poverty line.
Malikzada and his wife are no strangers to hardship. Almost 30 years ago they fled the civil war in Afghanistan, alighting in a refugee camp in neighbouring Pakistan.
They spent six years there, working in a hospital, before immigrating to Canada in 2000.
Malik worked a variety of jobs, from McDonalds to a bakery to warehousing, while Jamila raised their three children. But, he said, it was always her dream to cook food in her own restaurant.
In 2016 they took the plunge, opening Jamila’s Kitchen at 103-2733 Barnet Highway.
“[Jamila] supported me all these years, it’s time for me to support her passion,” Malikzada said.
Since 2017, the Malkizadas haven’t turned anyone away who needed to fill their hungry belly.
“One of the basic duties of every human being is to help each other,” Malik said.
During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the couple prepared special meals for staff at Eagle Ridge Hospital and other first responders who were enduring the brunt of the public health crisis. They’ve also contributed to SHARE Family and Community Services and provided special lunches to honour high school valedictorians.
The Malikzadas’ efforts haven’t gone unnoticed. In May Jamila’s Kitchen and Grill was named business of the year (one to 10 employees) by the Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce after it previously won a community spirit award in 2020.
But Malkzada said he’s not looking for recognition.
“Community has always been important. We’ve stood on the shoulders of others, and now we need to create the opportunity for the next generation to stand on our shoulders.”
The new Jamila’s Kitchen is at 2586 Commercial Dr.
