Global Rice News

Olivette Station: Serving Authentic Pakistani Cuisine in an Unlikely Location

When you step into Olivette Station, something seems out of place. Instead of finding tools and automotive supplies, you’re greeted by a whisk and a couple of slotted spoons hanging on a pegboard. The multi-gallon vessel under the counter holds cooking oil, not motor oil. It’s clear that this gas station in St. Louis County is not your typical one.

Located at 9680 Olive Blvd., Olivette Station is the brainchild of Nazia Afzal and her husband, Zaeem Riaz, who migrated from the city of Chichawatni in Pakistan in 2014. Upon their arrival, Afzal purchased Olivette Station with her brother, Qamar Zaman. However, they soon realized that they weren’t meant to be mechanics. The hired mechanic they brought on board ended up stealing their tools and shutting down their business.

Despite the setback, Afzal donned a red apron and stepped into the role of chef. One moment she’s selling lottery tickets, and the next, she’s hustling in her makeshift kitchenette, creating mouthwatering dishes. The samosa chana chaat is a must-try. It consists of a vegetable samosa filled with spiced potatoes and peas, topped with shredded cabbage, onion, cilantro, chana masala, greens, and tamarind chutney. Even if you’ve already had your lunch, the sight of this dish will tempt you to indulge in another.

The affordability of the food at Olivette Station is staggering. Just for $8.99, you can enjoy a feast-like meal that satisfies both your eyes and your taste buds. However, due to regulations regarding food and gas stations, all menu items must be ordered for takeout. Afzal emphasizes her disappointment with not having a full restaurant. She believes that if given the chance, she could do so much more.

Afzal’s talent as a chef didn’t come out of nowhere. Before leaving Pakistan, she spent 12 years teaching high school biology and computer science. Her culinary journey began by cooking for her family, including grandparents, parents, uncles, aunts, and cousins, as well as the farmers on their dairy farm. Alongside her teaching skills, Afzal’s ability to create delicious meals from simple tools like slow cookers and a fancy deep fryer is undoubtedly artistic.

While Afzal and her brother share 50% ownership of Olivette BP, she and her husband also own a second BP location on Big Bend Boulevard. As she prepares a plate of mouthwatering food, the question arises: what prompted Afzal to leave the scenic wheat and rice plains, the lush mango and orange orchards of the Punjabi region in exchange for a shopping strip in St. Louis County? Her response is simple yet profound – “We sold everything to come. Better opportunity. America is a beautiful country.”

Olivette Station is not just limited to lunch and dinner options. They also serve breakfast items such as a veggie omelet with a butter tortilla and a sausage sandwich with egg. Additionally, their menu features various renditions of crispy fried chicken.

For a unique culinary experience, visit Olivette Station and savor authentic Pakistani cuisine in an unexpected location. Don’t miss out on this hidden gem that’s redefining the gas station dining experience.

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