Nestled conveniently between Los Angeles and Orange County, at 12155 E Carson St. in Hawaiian Gardens, a new restaurant just opened, poised to redefine the experience of Desi cuisine in an upscale setting. SHOR Bazaar, the latest venture from the creative minds behind the Michelin-recognized Khan Saab Desi Craft Kitchen, opened its doors on Friday, February 9th. Its debut marks a significant moment that features culinary traditions of the Indian subcontinent.
The interior, designed by the renowned AkarStudios, transports guests to the vibrant alley markets of Afghanistan, India and Pakistan. Luxe interpretations of traditional motifs and textures fill the space, creating a backdrop that is as rich and bold as the cuisine it serves. Here, the restaurant emphasizes on the sharing of rich traditions and authentic flavors of the Indian subcontinent, offering a taste of bazaar-inspired halal that’s hard to find elsewhere.
When dining here, expect communal-style feast, featuring starters like crisp papadum paired with an assortment of chutneys and innovative idli fries. For those seeking more robust flavors, the menu satisfies with dishes like the richly spiced keema mattar and a succulent whole branzino, delicately seasoned with a Bengali mustard rub. Desserts are a deep dive into the essence of Desi cuisine, infused with aromatic cardamom, tangy tamarind and saffron. If you want to elevate the finale of your meal, the team features an interactive dessert experience, bringing the art of dining to life with table-side sauce pourings, dramatic flambé presentations and the luxurious touch of 24k gold embellishments.
Executive Chef Imran ‘Ali’ Mookhi (above), at the helm of this culinary adventure, speaks of SHOR with a passion that is palpable, “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 the Executive Chef. “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.”
The commitment to an upscale and unique dining experience is also evident in SHOR’s approach to mixology. Under the guidance of Head Mixologist Ahmad Hosseini, SHOR elevates the mocktail experience to unprecedented heights. Following the pioneering footsteps of Khan Saab, California’s first establishment to boast a 100% alcohol-free mocktail bar, SHOR offers an expansive selection of globally sourced, hand-crafted non-alcoholic beverages.
From original mocktails to its complex water bar and a curated selection of non-alcoholic wines from Europe, SHOR’s beverage menu is a testament to luxury and creativity. Among its offerings is a zero-proof sparkling white wine from Spain, infused with 24-carat edible gold and an exclusive Japanese water, priced at a staggering $1,000 per bottle, sourced from the country’s purest springs. Signature non-alcoholic highlights that gained Khan Saab acclaim, such as the Mango Mojito with mango nectar and innovative takes on classics like the Negroni and Peshawri Mule using Seedlip Non-Alcoholic Spirits, will also feature prominently.
It’s clear that this isn’t just another addition to Southern California’s dining scene; it’s a tapestry of flavors, cultures and stories woven together under one roof. From the first sip of a meticulously crafted mocktail to the last bite of a saffron-infused dessert, each moment here is a celebration of the rich culinary heritage of the Indian subcontinent. Executive Chef Imran ‘Ali’ Mookhi and his team have not just opened a restaurant—they’ve opened a gateway to an immersive dining experience that pays homage to tradition while boldly charting new territories. SHOR Bazaar stands as a testament to the power of food to bring people together, to transform the ordinary into the extraordinary and to remind us that every meal has the potential to be a journey. As guests depart, they carry with them not just the flavors of the night but the promise of return, drawn back by the allure of discovering what new stories will unfold on their next visit.
To stay up to date with SHORnews and Grand Opening announcements, follow SHOR on Instagram at @shorbazaar_la and visit shorbazaarla.com. Reservations are highly recommended for the Grand Opening and can be made on OpenTable.
Location: 12155 E. Carson St., Hawaiian Gardens
Phone: (562) 202-9274
Hours: Monday – Friday: 4-10 p.m.
Saturday – Sunday: 2-10 p.m.
Photo credits: Photos by SHOR BAZAAR
