Network:– Recently, on October 17, 2025, Dera hosted a special dinner in honor of Rehan Naseem Bharara, the President of the Faisalabad Chamber of Commerce & Industry (FCCI), who was visiting the United States. Organized by owner Saif Nagra and his relative Javed Cheema, an IT business professional, the event featured exquisite dishes like fresh boti kebabs, beef and chicken skewers, fruit-infused naan, and roti. Guests indulged heartily, with the flavors doubling the delight and evoking the ambiance of a grand restaurant in Lahore’s Chowburji or Faisalabad’s Cherry Bazaar. Nagra personally attended to the guests, ensuring a memorable evening that highlighted Dera’s role in bridging cultures and fostering connections.
Why Dera Remains a Cultural Icon
Dera Restaurant is not just a place to eat—it’s the heart of Pakistan in New York, preserving traditions, flavors, and community bonds. Whether for a quick bite of authentic kebabs or a gathering to celebrate milestones, it offers an experience where everyone feels important and at home. As Nagra hopes, may it continue thriving for generations to come. For anyone seeking a taste of Punjab in Queens, Dera is an essential destination.
Nestled in the heart of Jackson Heights, Queens, Dera Restaurant stands as a traditional and cultural center for the Pakistani-American community. The name “Dera” draws from the Punjabi tradition in Pakistan, where a dera serves as a gathering place for local leaders, choudhris, and friends to discuss various topics, resolve community issues, enjoy meals, and entertain. In Punjab, some deras are so renowned that a quick Google search reveals their deep-rooted cultural traditions. Similarly, Dera Restaurant in Queens embodies this spirit, acting as a focal point for Pakistani culture and authentic, flavorful cuisine. It has been connecting the community for decades, attracting newcomers from Pakistan who make it a priority to visit upon arriving in New York City.
A Rich History Rooted in Tradition
Established in 1971 originally as Shaheen Restaurant, the establishment has been serving a blend of Pakistani, Indian, Bangladeshi, and Nepali dishes since its inception. In 2004, Muhammad Saif Ullah Nagra, who immigrated from Gujranwala, Pakistan, in 1991, took over the lease and renamed it Dera Restaurant. Nagra, with no prior restaurant experience beyond working in a bakery, transformed the space by improving sanitation, extending operating hours, and leveraging his community ties from his previous jewelry business. Today, it operates from 10:00 AM to 1:00 AM, drawing crowds for its homemade flavors that evoke the streets of Lahore or Faisalabad. Over the past 40-plus years, Dera has evolved into more than just an eatery—it’s a symbol of resilience and cultural preservation in the diaspora.
Nagra’s journey exemplifies the American dream. Starting with odd jobs in Brooklyn, he opened a jewelry store in Jackson Heights before venturing into the restaurant world. He also manages a pharmacy and continues his gold business, showcasing his entrepreneurial success. Known for his constant smile and warm embraces, Nagra makes every guest feel valued and at home, reinforcing the dera ethos of hospitality.
Culinary Excellence: Flavors That Transport You to Pakistan
Dera Restaurant is celebrated for its traditional Pakistani dishes, prepared fresh daily by experienced chefs who excel in cooking and presentation. Signature items include barbecue specialties like seekh kebabs, lamb chops, and Bihari kebabs, alongside sizzling naan and roti that arrive hot and flavorful. Other highlights feature beef nihari (a slow-cooked stew), goat paaya (trotters), haleem (lentil and meat mash), butter chicken, and chicken biryani—all under $20, making it affordable and accessible. The menu boasts over 60 items, with famous naan varieties such as garlic, sesame, and keema naan drawing patrons from afar. Sweets like jalebi, gulab jamun, and rasgulla round out the experience at just $10 per pound.
The food’s authenticity transports diners to iconic Pakistani spots, reminiscent of Lahore’s Anarkali Bazaar or Faisalabad’s eateries. Every dish is crafted with care, ensuring guests feel honored and satisfied. The welcoming atmosphere, combined with reasonable prices, makes Dera a go-to for both casual meals and special occasions.
A Center for Community, Politics, and Celebrations
Beyond dining, Dera serves as a hub for political, social, and religious activities in the Pakistani-American community. It hosts events like the annual Eid Milad-un-Nabi parade, fostering unity and tradition. Nagra’s involvement extends to community service, often seen hosting guests and embodying leadership.
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