For more than a quarter of a century, Zain’s Curry House has been serving the Ayrshire town of Dalry with a simple but powerful formula: quality food, friendly service and a deep commitment to the local community.
Founded 26 years ago by Khurrum Jabbar’s father, the family-run takeaway has grown from a small local business into one of the area’s best-known curry houses, attracting loyal customers from across Ayrshire and beyond. Today, Khurrum is helping lead the next generation of the business, combining his father’s traditional work ethic with a modern approach to social media, branding and customer engagement.
Khurum Jabbar, owner of Zain’s Curry House, said his involvement in the business has grown significantly over the past decade.
“Zain’s is a business that my dad started 26 years ago, and over the last 10 years I’ve taken more of an interest in it,” he said.
“My dad is still very much involved. He’s a grafter, I’m the one that pushes the social media and the newer ideas, it’s a bit of old with the new, and I think that gives us a good mix for success.”
For Jabbar, taking over more responsibility is about honouring the sacrifices his father made for the family.
“My dad is still very much involved. He’s a grafter, I’m the one that pushes the social media and the newer ideas, it’s a bit of old with the new, and I think that gives us a good mix for success.”
For Jabbar, taking over more responsibility is about honouring the sacrifices his father made for the family.
“My dad worked hard all his life. For 18 years, he didn’t take a day off, and that was all for us as a family,” he said.
“So, for me, as his son, it’s only right that I take some of the pressure and stress off him.”
The family’s love of cooking remains at the heart of the business.
“We enjoy food and we enjoy cooking. My dad loves it, I love it, and there’s no better feeling than making a customer happy,” Jabbar said.
That customer-first philosophy has helped Zain’s Curry House build a strong reputation in Dalry and the surrounding area.
“The two most important parts of this business are service and quality,” he said.
“As soon as a customer walks through the door, we want them to feel welcome. The banter is always there, and we try to make everyone feel part of the family.”
Jabbar believes the takeaway’s success is closely tied to its relationship with the local community.
“We’re part of the community. If something is happening locally, we try to be involved,” he said.
“We put money back into the community and support charitable causes because the people here have given us so much over the years.”
That support works both ways. In a close-knit town like Dalry, customer relationships often extend beyond the takeaway counter.
“We know so many people personally. Whether they’re walking past the shop or I see them out and about, there’s always a chat and a wave.”
Like many hospitality businesses, Zain’s Curry House has faced rising costs in recent years. However, Jabbar said the business has worked hard to keep its food affordable.
“Prices have gone up significantly, but we’ve tried to maintain our prices and portion sizes,” he said.
“We always look at the customer’s pocket. It’s not just about making money. If we can offer a deal, we will.”
“It’s going to take time,” he said.
“If you want to succeed, you need to put in the hard work, the dedication and the sacrifices. Businesses aren’t built overnight.”
Despite the accolades and growing recognition, Jabbar remains grounded.
“If you haven’t tried us yet, come down and give us a try,” he said.
“I promise you won’t be disappointed. We keep it humble.”
With a loyal customer base, a strong family foundation and a genuine connection to the local community, Zain’s Curry House continues to prove that success in hospitality is about more than great food, it’s about people.