Cut the Crust by Mona, a vibrant new pizza shop, opened its doors in October last year at 50 Burnside Road West, and it has quickly become a local hub for those seeking a unique blend of Pakistani, Indian, and Italian flavors. Co-owner Mona Saqib, alongside her husband, brings a fresh and exciting twist to Victoria’s dining scene, combining the beloved traditions of South Asian cuisine with the universally loved comfort of pizza.
A Community-Centric Vision
Mona’s vision for Cut the Crust is rooted in community-building. Before venturing into the restaurant world, Mona did not have a background in hospitality, but she knew that she wanted to create a space where people from all walks of life could gather and share meals. “When I see all the ethnicities under one roof, it makes me so, so happy,” Mona shared in an interview with Victoria Buzz.
This ethos is also reflected in their other restaurant, Biryani Palace, where Mona and her husband built a loyal following. Mona emphasized that having a space where different communities can dine together is a core part of their mission. “I didn’t want to open a franchise. I wanted the freedom to experiment and share the cuisine we grew up with,” she said.
A Fully Halal Dining Experience
A key aspect of both Biryani Palace and Cut the Crust is their commitment to providing a fully halal dining experience, making it culturally safe for all to enjoy. Mona proudly notes that Cut the Crust is the first fully halal pizza shop in Victoria, catering to a need that had been long overlooked. “So many girls and boys have told me, ‘now we have freedom to eat outside our parents,’ because [Cut the Crust] is fully halal,” she explained.
Overcoming Online Challenges
Despite the restaurant’s initial success, Mona and her team faced some unexpected challenges shortly after opening. Some online critics, particularly on a Victoria subreddit, accused the restaurant of having fake reviews on Google. “After a month of being open, I noticed a review that said, ‘A lot of fake reviews,’” Mona recalled. This was followed by a series of negative comments that called the business deceitful without ever having tried the food.
However, Mona and her team focused on the support from their loyal customers and refused to let unfounded negativity overshadow their mission. “We’ve been striving to let the food and the community who support us speak for themselves,” Mona said.
Fresh, Homemade, and Flavorful Menu
At the heart of Cut the Crust is a dedication to fresh, high-quality ingredients. Mona is particularly proud of the fact that everything at Cut the Crust, from pizza dough to sauces, is made in-house from scratch. The menu reflects both the vibrant flavors of South Asia and classic Italian comfort food, offering dishes that are truly one-of-a-kind in Victoria.
Some standout pizzas include the chicken chapli kebab pizza, the karahi paneer pizza, and the tandoori chicken pizza. For those craving a more traditional option, Cut the Crust also offers the 1889 classic margherita pizza, wild mushroom pizza, and beef pepperoni pizza. But the creativity doesn’t stop at pizza. They also offer unique sides like maple sriracha wings and butter chicken poutine, adding a distinctive South Asian flair to familiar comfort foods.
Specialty Drinks to Pair with Your Meal
To complement the food, Cut the Crust offers a range of refreshing and creative beverages. One such specialty drink is the Pomegranate Devil, made with fresh pomegranate juice, mint, ginger syrup, and homemade lemonade. Another popular choice is the Mango Caramel Lassi, which blends natural yogurt with mango puree and caramel syrup for a sweet and tangy treat.
A New Flavor in Victoria’s Culinary Landscape
With its unique fusion of South Asian and Italian cuisines, Cut the Crust by Mona is offering something fresh and exciting to Victoria’s dining scene. The restaurant’s commitment to community, quality, and innovation has quickly earned it a loyal following, and Mona is thrilled to see how far her vision has come. Despite the challenges, Mona and her team remain focused on providing a space where food brings people together and offers an authentic taste of both their heritage and creativity.
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