Today we’d like to introduce you to Amina Naeem
Amina, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
The Story of Urban Punjab
Urban Punjab is more than just a restaurant; it’s the culmination of two passionate individuals’ dedication to authentic flavors, community connection, and exceptional dining experiences.
Amina Naeem: Amina’s journey to becoming a restauranteur is deeply rooted in her entrepreneurial spirit and love for people. With over a decade of experience running a successful Allstate agency in Garden Grove, Amina built a reputation for trust and reliability. Her close ties to the community, bolstered by her experience as a realtor, laid the foundation for Urban Punjab’s warm and welcoming ethos.
Amina’s vision brought a unique twist to the restaurant’s menu. By introducing authentic Pakistani dishes inspired by her heritage, she created a bridge between cultures that delighted patrons and turned these dishes into instant customer favorites. Her ability to connect with people, both through food and relationships, has been a cornerstone of Urban Punjab’s success.
Harmanpreet Singh (Preet): Across the globe in Chandigarh, India, Preet was refining his expertise in luxury dining. As the owner of the renowned Sunshine Gardens, a venue with a capacity of 1,000 guests and multiple fine-dining establishments, Preet cultivated a reputation for excellence. His commitment to quality was unwavering, with a team of 15 master chefs handpicked to deliver extraordinary culinary experiences.
Eager to share the rich culinary traditions of Punjab with the world, Preet partnered with Amina to bring his expertise to Orange County. In 2022, the pair opened Urban Punjab in Garden Grove, blending their individual strengths to create a dining experience that feels like home but tastes like luxury.
A Destination for Culinary Excellence:
Urban Punjab quickly became a highly rated fine-dining restaurant, known for its authentic flavors, innovative dishes, and exceptional service. The restaurant’s commitment to quality and its warm atmosphere resonated with guests, leading to overwhelming demand. Within a year, Urban Punjab expanded its space by incorporating two adjacent retail stores, creating a spacious, vibrant environment to host even more patrons.
Today, Urban Punjab stands as a testament to the power of passion, partnership, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Whether it’s the rich aromas of a traditional curry, the artistry of a perfectly charred naan, or the innovative fusion dishes that blend cultures seamlessly, Urban Punjab continues to delight and inspire.
Urban Punjab isn’t just a restaurant; it’s a journey, a community, and a love letter to authentic Punjabi and Pakistani cuisine.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
At Urban Punjab, the journey has been incredibly rewarding, but like any venture, it hasn’t been without its challenges. One of the biggest hurdles was navigating the complexities of opening a fine dining restaurant in a highly competitive market like Orange County. There were many sleepless nights spent ensuring every detail of the restaurant’s ambiance, menu, and service was perfect for our guests.
We’ve always stayed true to our commitment to authentic flavors and high-quality ingredients, which has been the key to overcoming any obstacles. And, of course, the unwavering support from our loyal community has been the biggest motivator for us to keep pushing forward. We’re proud of how far we’ve come and excited for the future of Urban Punjab.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about URBAN PUNJAB THE ROYAL KITCHEN?
At Urban Punjab, we are dedicated to bringing the authentic flavors of Punjab to Orange County through our thoughtfully curated fine dining experience. Our restaurant specializes in serving dishes that blend traditional recipes passed down through generations with modern culinary techniques, creating a unique menu that pays homage to our heritage while delighting the contemporary palate.
What sets us apart is our commitment to quality and authenticity. We grind our own spices to ensure the freshest and most robust flavors, and we do not use any artificial food coloring in our dishes. This natural, wholesome approach allows us to deliver meals that are as healthy as they are delicious. We also offer a wide variety of options that cater to different dietary needs, including vegan and gluten-free dishes, ensuring there’s something for everyone.
We are excited to introduce our new cocktail and mocktail menu, which further enhances our offerings and creates a complete dining experience. Since we cook everything fresh and are passionate about cooking and serving, we take pride in customizing dishes to suit our customers’ unique tastes and preferences.
Beyond the restaurant, we offer catering services for events big and small – from corporate gatherings to birthdays, weddings, and “just because” celebrations. We’ve been honored to host many Pakistani and Indian celebrities, as well as local medical professionals, who have become part of our growing community. For us, it’s a true accomplishment when customers tell us they feel good after dining with us.
At Urban Punjab, our loyal customers are a testament to our commitment. Many dine with us several times a week, and their trust inspires us to continue providing exceptional food, service, and hospitality. Whether you’re looking for a cozy meal, a vibrant celebration, or a new culinary adventure, Urban Punjab is here to offer an unforgettable experience that feels like home.
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
At Urban Punjab, we firmly believe in optimism and the power of positivity. While luck can sometimes influence circumstances, we attribute our success to hard work, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to our vision. Rather than relying on luck, we focus on creating opportunities, fostering relationships, and delivering excellence in every aspect of our business.
Challenges are inevitable, but with a positive mindset and a proactive approach, we’ve been able to navigate obstacles and turn them into growth opportunities. For us, positivity is the foundation of our journey—it fuels our passion, drives innovation, and helps us connect meaningfully with our community.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://theurbanpunjab.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/urban_punjab1/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UrbanPunjabTheRoyalKitchen
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/urban-punjab-the-royal-kitchen-garden-grove
