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Afghan Kabob
Categories: Restaurants Middle Eastern Restaurants Afghan Middle Eastern, Afghan [Edit]
4040 W Montrose Ave(between Elston Ave & Keystone Ave)
Chicago, IL 60641
Neighborhood: Irving Park
(773) 427-5041
- Hours:
Mon 9 am - 5 pm
Tue-Thu 10:30 am - 9 pm
Fri 2:30 pm - 10 pm
Sat 10:30 am - 9:30 pm
Sun 11 am - 8 pm
- Attire:
- Casual
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Price Range:
-
$
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- Yes
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch, Dinner
- Alcohol:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Caters:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
100 reviews for Afghan Kabob
Review Highlights
"...with mantu, then have the Kabuli palaw, and maybe some..."
(in 8 reviews)
"The lamb shank was on the fatty side, but very tender."
(in 12 reviews)
"It was a very nicely-flavored masala chai tea."
(in 7 reviews)
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100 reviews in English
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Review from erin k.
Chicago, IL
2/7/2012
It was a dark and frigid night...
and then, duhn duhn duh...
The ambiance included some twitchy kids, and there was a little bit of schmootz on my fork.
The entree I ordered, which was the vegetable korma, was supposed to be spicy, and it was seasoned, but that ain't spicy.
But the vegetarian sampler appetizer was dreamy. just dreamy.
And, dear reader, the dinner was just about perfect (in my mind).
You see, as we drove up on a wintry evening, looking for a sign of kabobs in a neighborhood of cheese fries, we nearly missed the place. The windows were steamed like the back seat of a '57 Chevy. And before we even scurried in, I figured where the warmth is, I wanna be.
The cloud of steamy dumpling vapor greeted us only a half-second before the owner. The server was sweet, and young, and messed up a little, but was accommodating to those of us (me) who were new to the cuisine. The service was unhurried and we enjoyed each course without being crowded with another. And considering our late arrival I worried about being the last person to leave the restaurant, but the owner and the server could not have been more gracious - when we left the restaurant, well after everyone else. -
Review from David M.
Ann Arbor, MI
Updated - 1/21/2012
ADDENDUM: This place still rocks.
Seriously, I keep going back and getting the Kabiri Palaw thing, I want to try other things but it's just not gonna happen. We keep getting different appetizers though, so far all good. Then the soup comes, the delicious soup that only gets better when you add a ton of the spicy stuff, but you're still just waiting, waiting, waiting for the delicious rice with the raisins and carrots and that melty, dreamy lamb on the bone. Seriously, I just gave myself a food boner.
Two extra tips: Check Groupon Now before you go, they've been having deals on there a lot lately. Actually, just check daily and go whenever they have one. Secondly, try the hot Chai tea, it's very sweet but good. Just don't drink down the last part, all the chai spices are in there and it isn't good.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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5/28/2010
Absolutely loved this place. And, I'll probably sound like a corporate shill here, but I found it… Read more »
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Review from Soudary K.
Oak Park, IL
10/29/2011
We ventured out beyond our usual kabob place, and discovered Afghan Kabob!
Everything tasted like it was made to order - because it WAS!
We ordered the okra, the leek dumplings, potato turnovers, few meat dishes, and the eggplant.
The herbed yogurt that came with every dish was a hit. I also loved the dumplings.
The chai after the meal was perfectly balanced - and again, made to order. -
Review from James L.
Chicago, IL
1/31/2012
Went in there for order and take out. Very friendly service. Had the combination plate and it was very good for the price! I'd go back and eat next time to sit in and try some other dishes... Close to home too.
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Review from Ernesto S.
Chicago, IL
1/20/2012
This is my First Review, Great Food at a great price, the staff needs a little work they are not very familiar with the dishes but very pleasant surprise food tastes great. I have always loved Hole in the wall joints, that is not to say that the place looks bad it doesn"t it's just a pleasant place very warm and on the Corner of Montrose and Elston. We had Korma Chalaw and Lamb Biriyani assortment. All of it was well prepared served, and very tasty. I would reccomend this place to anyone looking for a quick tasty and somewhat healthy bite. They do not have delivery as of yet but that isn't a problem with our location. ..So thumbs up Afghan Kabob you deserve it!
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Review from Angie E.
Naperville, IL
1/10/2012
Some really great items on this menu. The best to me are the turnovers. They are SO good, I can never get enough of them. Their lamb dish is also very good and filling. Venue and location isn't great though, so be warned. Oh, finally, their tea is AMAZING and I can't seem to duplicate it at home.h
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Review from Jeanne H.
Chicago, IL
8/26/2011
A friend and I randomly stopped in Afghan Kabob and were delightfully surprised at how amazing it is! This small, charming restaurant serves up delightful cuisine and offers several vegetarian options (think beans/rice/veggie type dishes). We particularly liked the eggplant dish. So yummy! The rosewater rice pudding dessert was also to die for.
Yay for Afghan Kabob! Try it out! -
Review from Chicago Y.
Chicago, IL
12/6/2011
Take that USA, this food loves freedom! After reading the reviews for this place I think I was expecting to sit down, consume nirvana and be taken straight to Budha. I started with the Bolani Kachaloo (turnover with chopped leeks, potatoes and seasoning). Super fantastic. Next I decided to have the Kabuli Pulao as it is considered to be the the national dish of Afghanistan. It wasn't much to look at. Oily rice with lamb on the bone, some raisins and carrot shavings. I started munching on it and was underwhelmed. But then the waitress brought out a separate bowl of what looked like stew. After I poured the stew on the Kabuli Pulao the dish was much more satisfying. Even though the food wasn't a grand slam home run, the raving reviews, the low prices and the fact that this place isn't trendy yet, means I'll be coming back soon for another try.
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Review from Jean C.
Updated - 6/29/2011
I haven't been back here since I moved out of the 'hood back in '08, so today when I was early for a dental appointment, I stopped in for lunch and remembered all over again why I like this place so much. The food is really tasty and the owner is one of the nicest guys you'd ever want to meet.
I had the vegetarian appetizer sampler which included a really excellent hummus; aushak, a steamed leek dumpling with garlic yogurt dill sauce, bourani badenjan a sauteed eggplant dish with the same garlic yogurt sauce, and bourani kadu which is like the badenjan but with butternut squash which gave the plate just the lightest touch of sweetness. It was served with warm pita, and was really just enough for lunch. I tried the hot sauce this time and I found it exactly to my taste, about medium hot and a bit piquant. Not scary at all, but a very nice addition to the dishes, particularly the bourani kadu.
The restaurant is more homey-looking than the last time I was there, with some lovely middle-eastern touches, but it's still a very unpretentious place with reasonable prices. A TV over the desk is tuned to Al Jazeera, so you'll be getting a lot of world news, but that's cool; perspective is important. And you can always ignore it.
Don't expect anything fancy, just good food at good prices, a warm greeting and friendly service. Honestly what more could you ask in a neighborhood restaurant?1 Previous Review: Show all »
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8/13/2007 First to Review
I've been meaning to stop in here since they opened but just haven't had the opportunity. I've… Read more »
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Review from Jacob K.
Chicago, IL
4/16/2011
I was in the mood for some Middle Easter food and after doing my Yelp homework Afghan Kabob looked like a good choice based on prior reviews. I have driven past this place numerous times on my way to The Fish Guy and Tony's but never noticed it.
The Decor was nice inside; nothing fancy and there was a TV with what I assume was Afghan television. There are a handful of tables.
When trying a new restaurant I like to sample a bit of everything I can get my paws on. For appetizers we tried an okra dish which was very good and a fantastic "mashed potato turnover" appetizer with home made yogurt. There are three to an order and they are quite large. I cannot say I have anything quite like them aside from samosa, but these were 10X better.
The dinners were very good as well. As its Afghan Kabob I figured I should have a kabob- the lamb kabob. It was a small piece of heaven- well spiced tender pieces of lamb of basmati rice with spices and some vegetable stew to go over the rice. The lamb and tomato stew was good but my selection was better. I heard the chicken kabob and lamb shank were very good as well but didn't try them lest I be forced to share my own selection as I was protective of my tender lamb.
Don't make the mistake of not ordering the ferni dessert. It is an unusual delicious pudding with the consistency of yogurt. Even the tea was fantastic- the chai tea was well spiced and mixed with some spices and milk. It was a pinkish color and much different from any chai tea I had before.
The prices were very reasonable and the owner came over and chatted with us for a while after we finished our meal. There were a few beautiful rugs on the wall and some wooden kammels I thought were a nice touch. I will be back sometime soon for the lunch specials. -
Review from Renee K.
Chicago, IL
4/27/2011
I can't get enough of this place! I order from here while at work at least once a week. The delivery is always super quick and friendly. The bread that comes with most of the meals is delicious and the sauces (one yogurt one hot) are great too!. I generally order the veggie sampler because they have so many dishes to choose from that are all delicious.
I have never eaten in the restaurant but delivery service has never let me down. Have to stop myself from ordering from here everyday while at work. -
Review from Tristan B.
Bloomington, IL
6/29/2011
Good food. Waitstaff could stand to be a little more informed about the dishes. After the meal asked if they had dessert. Was told they had two different dishes. Can't remember the names. Asked the waitress to explain what they were and she said "well the _____ is pretty good" It was ok.
The lamb dish that they describe on their menu as a speciality was excellent. My friend had a different dish that was also good. Should have taken a pen and paper so I could remember the names of things. -
Review from Catherine H.
Chicago, IL
5/20/2011
Yum!
I didn't know what to expect when I ate here with friends recently, but wow - great food.
My palette was very happy after eating at Afghan Kabob. And it's good to go with a group of friends so that you can try a lot more off of the menu.
Speaking of groups, my group of friends and I thought this place was a BYOB. After nearly insulting the owner due to the fact that alcohol is not part of his culture, we were told that it is not a BYOB and we removed our wine bottles off the table. -
Review from Rebekah H.
Chicago, IL
4/6/2011 2 Check-ins Here
This place is GREAT! We have ordered both carryout and eaten in and the food is consistently great. Be prepared service is not the best when you dine in however, the food more than makes up for it.
I don't know the official names but we have had both of the appetizer samplers and they were fantastic, I am not an eggplant fan and thought the eggplant dish was great, the squash is my favorite and the leek dumplings are awesome. We also love the Kubali Palaw sp?, the lamb shank is delicious and meaty and there is something about the raisins in the rice that is addictive. The "pita" bread they serve with the appetizers is crazy good, I could eat a basket of that and the squash by itself.
Our friend tried the cheesecake the last time we were there and it was delicious, the perfect slice, not too sweet not to tart. We love this place and are so glad we live around the corner from it! -
Review from Eugene C.
Chicago, IL
4/5/2011
Delicious. My brother recommended this place and I can see why. We started out with the Chef's sampler which included some Mantu ( meat dumplings ), a pureed squash and eggplant which both had delicious garlic yogurt drizzled with hints of mint. It was also served with this delicious flat bread somewhere between pita and naan. We had to eat half to save room for the main courses.
Our main course consisted of the spicy chicken shish kabob and the chef's lamb special entree topped with shredded carrots and raisins. All were good and the service exceptional. My only complaint that it is not closer to where I live. -
Review from Rima W.
Chicago, IL
3/13/2011
Love this place. Good, cheap, fresh & tasteful food with great service. I've taken a few friends here and they all loved the food as well - no complaints! One friend couldn't stop raving about the lamb.
My favorite item is badenjan chalaw - sliced sauteed eggplants drizzled in homemade garlic yogurt sauce. I never thought eggplant could taste this good! The chicken kabob sandwich is great too.
If you're in the area then definitely stop by. You won't be disappointed. -
Review from Jeff K.
Wausau, WI
10/23/2010
I love to try different ethnic foods, especially if they are tasty. Afghan Kabob did not diappoint.
We went in fairly late but the staff was prompt and very attentive. They were friendly. They warmed up even more when they learned that one member of our party had served in Afghanistan.
We ordered a variety of dishes and shared. Although the cuisine wouldn't rank as one of my favorites; it was all fresh and very tasty. I loved the contrast in meats and sauces.
I would like to go back again and even get a copy of their menu, if possible, to write down some comments.
I'd tell people to give it a try and although there may be disappointments, there will be foods that they will really please their palates. -
Review from Daniel H.
Chicago, IL
6/26/2010
I have found a suitable replacement for the Afghan Restaurant that closed a while back.
Firstly, they get special credit because we were there when there was no power, and they still managed to pull everything off more or less gracefully. Many items weren't available, but what we ordered was excellent. I will definitely have to go back on a day when they have electricity.
Food: I had the Kabuli Pulao and it did not disappoint. The savory flavor of the rice was delightfully accented by the sweetness of the raisins and carrots. The lamb shank was on the fatty side, but very tender. I didn't mind the gristle, lamb shanks are always fatty at Afghan restaurants, so it's not a problem. The spicy chicken kebab was outstanding: spicy with a strong sourness from the sumac. The only thing I felt was lacking was the soup they brought at the outset. It wasn't terrible, but it wasn't great.
Service: They were not a very efficient team; however, this is a family run joint and they are VERY nice and friendly, so I couldn't be happier. They made it pleasant to be there.
Ambiance: Not bad for an Afghan place. The decor at South Asian restaurants, in my experience, tend to run at either garrulous or spartan extremes. This place was comfortable without seeming superficial. I wish they would uncover the mural of the side of meat being roasted! I guess they are afraid of offending the sensibilities of white folks. Alas...Listed in: Desi Places.
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Review from Rachel H.
Chicago, IL
11/12/2011
This place is DELISH! Any time I want to have exotic yummy inexpensive food I take a trip up to Montrose and go nuts. They have numerous enticing appetizers at an unbeatable price. I love taking friends visiting to this place because it's unique and yummy.
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Review from Geoff A.
Chicago, IL
5/1/2011
I try not to just give 5 stars out. This restaurant gets 5 stars because: I love middle eastern food and they do it extremely well, the price is great and they have some stuff here that are new cravings for me (I will explain below).
I ordered online and picked up for the two of us. I had passed the place many times but didn't pay much attention. I caught on when I saw they were one of the highest rated restaurants in my hood. I don't know how this place has gotten by without me knowing for so long. Okay, so we were starving. We started off with the bulanee kachaloo. They are deep fried thin triangles stuffed with various ingredients. Ours came with mashed potatoes and other seasonings. They were a little greasy but well flavored. We inhaled them and moved on. For entrees my wife and I are always looking at the same thing on the menu, we have very similar tastes. So we both spotted the spicey chicken kabobs and locked on. They sounded great and were a popular item on the menu. I am sooo glad we ordered this because it was one of the best kabob plates I have ever had (and yes I have been to the great Noon O Kabob countless times). The word that comes to mind when I think of the spicey chicken kabob is, bazinga!. The chicken itself has a nice kick to it. But the hot sauce they put on the side for us was really where it is at. That hot sauce was off the hook good. Both zesty and hot at the same time. Great flavor that I enjoyed lingering in my mouth well after I had finished eating. Yes, that good. Now if you're not a hot fan, just don't use the hot sauce. The chicken itself is good enough. But you will be missing out on one of the best hot sauces out there. We both wolfed our food down. No leftovers. Cause that's how we roll. And to finish it off we had the ferni. Now originially I half heartedly ordered this. But again, bazinga! Think rice pudding without the rice. I know, that is like the best part of rice pudding! Sooo very, very good. I didn't have much room at that point, but yes, I did finish that pudding. We will get food from here again. And next time we may dine in. A couple things I noticed: No parking directly out front of the place (which makes it a little tricky for a quick grab and go) and delivery has a $4 charge. No biggy. So, the next time you have your Noon O Kabob craving, think Afghan Kabob. Try them and you will find out what others have, Noon O Kabob has some competition! -
Review from Dan K.
Chicago, IL
6/4/2010
My first reaction is that this restaurant isn't in Irving park, but rather the great neighborhood of Mayfair!
That aside, what a delight. I have yet to have a bad experience eating here. The owner, as many have already pointed out, is a friendly and extremely helpful fellow who remembers you from past visits and is always happy to make (delicious) suggestions when planning your meal. The kabob is fantastic, and the squash dish (I can't recall the name) is fantastic. The clientele truly represent the variety of cultures in Mayfair, making it one the most neighborly of neighborhood restaurants I've come across.
One thing: let that giant photograph of a Afghan butcher shop see the light of day again. Awesome! -
Review from Emily H.
Chicago, IL
7/3/2010
The meal I had was a less than ideal experience.
The service was slow, the meat was overdone and dry, the water was un-iced and tepid, and virtually everything was incredibly oversalted.
We started with some mushroom turnover appetizers that were good but still mouth-puckeringly salty.
The soup tasted like the cook threw in a handful of every spice in the kitchen and half a cup of salt, and hoped for the best.
My entree choice, the Shami kabobs would have been good had they not been Sahara desert dry. It was like trying to chew through beef jerky with pinches of red rub sprinkled over them that crackled like sand or grit when you bit down on them.
The accompanying basmati rice was plain and uninspired, which is shocking because then one part of the meal that could have benefited from salt was lacking it entirely.
We also ordered what is described as the house specialty, the lamb shank with raisin rice and carrots. It too, was overdone and dry. The rice mixture was ok on this, saved by the ambient moisture of the raisins and excellent spicing.
The manager was very friendly, but a smile only goes so far when my mouth is hurting from overexposure to sodium. -
Review from Sylwia B.
San Jose, CA
3/19/2010
I have been a an enthusiast of Middle Eastern foods for several years now. Having lived in Vancouver I was lucky enough to be exposed to a variety of cuisines including Iranian and Jordanian. Delicious kabobs, rice flavored with rasins & of course my very favorite drink 'dough' pronounced duuu-gh is a staple of most Iranian dishes.
However, an interest in Afghan cuisine eluded me until I read 'A thousand splendid suns" two years ago. Not only a wonderful read, but the food described within the book sparked my interest. Food is so very much part of the dynamics of family and community life in the Middle East where families gather & share. I have been fortunate to have tried this as my first Afghan restaurant - in fact, it has been so very good I have not gone anywhere else!
Although Afghan cuisine is very similar to Iranian, I must say that it has a certain refinement to it I appreciate more! The hint of spices, delicious aroma & visual appeal keeps one coming back for more!
This restaurant does not look special from the outside. Just a typical family run local business. However those are exactly the type of establishments worth supporting! The owner is a lovely man who never ceases to smile & thank you for your business. Typical appetizer ranges from $2.50-$5.00 and a main course under $10.
I highly recommend the Bulanee Kachaloo - turnovers stuffed with spiced mashed potatoes complimented by a yogurt type of dip. DELICIOUS. Also, try the Bourani Kadu which is a sauteed butternut squash dip sprinkled with spices and a thin yogurt.
As for the main courses. For vegetarians do try the Badenjan Chalaw - a green vegetable sabzi (sauce). I cannot get enough of it, just thinking about it makes me want to fly to Chicago! For meat eaters try the Kabuli Palaw a perfect combination of lamb leg, basmati rice topped with sweet raisins and carrots. Again AMAZING!
In all, this restaurant has the very best Middle Eastern food I have tried to date. The meals are large and the food flavorful. This little nook on Montrose is worth the drive :)
Enjoy!
...now for me to find a good Afghan restaurant int he Bay Area!
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Review from Ryan M.
Chicago, IL
8/26/2009
Afghan Kabob is one of Chicago's hidden neighborhood gems! It's so refreshing to walk into a restaurant when the owner greets you as he would one of his family and says 'thank you,' after you offer a compliment, with such sincerity, you can't help, but feel a bit emotional.
I've been to Afghan Kabob twice so far and can't wait to return. Your meal will begin with a complimentary soup: I'm not sure what it is, but some sort of pureed, spicy chicken and vegetable soup, I believe? I've had the opportunity to have the Mantu Plate, which was spiced beef, wrapped in a noodle, covered with a spicy tomato tinged sauce, topped with a cool mint sauce - outstanding. I've also had the Korma Chalow, which is chicken in a spicy, creamy tomato based sauce, with vegetables and rice - again, outstanding... I've also had their Shir-Berinj (rice pudding) for dessert - which, was light, refreshing, and very tasty.
Afghan Kabob is very much a small, family run establishment, with lots of love and care put into it. You will be welcomed in with a warm smile and will leave with the same.
Afghan Kabob is a must!! -
Review from Mary T.
8/4/2009
Food: 3.5 stars
Service: 2 stars
Resulting GI issues: 0 stars
I'm not one to point the finger at a restaurant for making me sick, but it seems like more than just coincidence that both me and my dining companion experienced some undesirable GI issues following our meal here. I won't bore/disgust you with the details, but I'll just say I felt unpleasant, which is being kind, for the next 24 hours.
Coming here was a game-time decision, we were in the area and this was one of a few places I found that was Yelp-approved. The place is small and simple - a counter with a place to order and pick up and some tables to dine in. I'd guess that it seats about 25 people tops. The only thing I didn't like was the framed picture of the National Geographic Afghan Girl (http://tinyurl.com/577r4w); the photo itself is cool, but it was like one of those paintings where the eyes follow you no matter where you are - creepy!
I went with the hummus sandwich - hummus, lettuce and tomato on a pita - and a side of white basmati rice. Not very exciting I know, but I was playing it safe (or so I thought); the sandwich was good, nothing spectacular, but the hummus was very creamy. The rice was well...rice; I don't know what I was expecting when I ordered the rice, but it really did nothing for me. My dining companion got the Dahl Chalaw.
Service was friendly, but inattentive. We were warmly welcomed and told to sit, rather than order from the counter. We had to hail down water refills and the check; we finally gave up on getting change and left a more generous tip than deserved or intended. In my opinion, if you're going to offer table service you really should be more on the ball, if it had been busy I would've understood.
Bottom line: Even without the resulting stomach problems this place didn't wow me; throw in my stomach problems and I won't be coming back any time soon.
TIP: If you're not a big fan of yogurt sauce, this may not be the place for you - most items come with it.Listed in: PI-TAstic
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Review from Svitlana P.
Buffalo Grove, IL
10/14/2010
The only reason I'm giving this place 4 stars is because they got my order wrong, twice.
The appetizers were great! Bulanee Mushroom was especially great, and the leek dumplings as well. Anyway, back to the wrong order, I ordered salmon kabob and they brought me lamb. I wasn't upset, even told them to just put the salmon kabob over the same rice.....about 10-15 min later I get salmon stake....it was good, but would have rather had the kabob.
Either way, I might be going back this weekend and I hope they get my order right this time. -
Review from Garnet S.
Chicago, IL
6/20/2009
Afghan Kabob is damn awesome! :::queue echo of that sentiment from the 3 friends I was with:::
The owner is the only server and takes care of everyone personally. He's just such a nice man you can't help but feel welcome in this establishment that's about the same size as my living room.
For starters: hummus was one of the better ones I've ever had in Chicago but I don't know if there was anything profoundly different about it, the Bourani Badenjan (eggplant dish) was silky, creamy tasty and perfect, and the flat-cripsy-like-a-samosa-pastry filled with squash and topped with a cool yogurt sauce was the star. A perfect medley of flavours and crunch with the pastry.
For dinner we ordered the Kabuli Palaw, the spicy chicken kabob and the Mantu plate. The Kabuli Palaw is a lamb shank, slow-roasted (and the most tender I've ever had) and topped with a brown basmati rice, carrot and raisin mixture. Now, I've had a lot of things in my mouth in Chicago (*tsk tsk*) and the Kabuli Palaw is one of the tastiest things ever. Even the rice, carrot, raisin accompaniment was perfectly seasoned and I was hard-pressed to stop shoving piles of it in my mouth.
The spicy chicken kabob was well-spiced but not overly spicy (though my one girlfriend that doesn't handle spice well would disagree). Also served with a buttery basmati rice, but not as complex as the flavours that were in the rice that came with the lamb.
The Mantu plate was a plethora of steamed beef dumplings, covered in a yogurt, meat, mint, onion topping. This was my least favourite of all of the meals, but still a killer meal. I don't know if it was the meat or what, but I was picking up the flavour of blueberry or something in the yogurt sauce. So if you're a fan of game meats with fruited sauces (like I am) I would recommend giving this meal a go.
We didn't get any dessert, but for the 3 appetizers, 3 entrees and maybe 2 of us with soda, the total check, with tip, came out to be $14 a person.
I live in the West Loop, but Afghan Kabob is a crazy fast hop off the highway and will definitely be added to into my rotation of ethnic dining experiences.
The ONLY small itty bitty thing that makes this place a less desirable ethnic experience: no BYO. But the food makes me forget I even need to drink and my liver was thankful for this policy because it finally got a break. -
Review from sarah l.
Chicago, IL
9/17/2011
Ummm....so good! Having lived in Albany Park for a number of years, and often driving past, I would never have considered stopping in here on my own. It's so hole-in-the-wallish, which sometimes can translate into scary dining experiences.
However, a friend has an Entertainment book coupon (which by the way, are NOT valid here) and wanted to go. I'm glad I did!
i have to say, the 4 stars instead of 5 is because the ambiance of this place is only a 2. Do not take anyone here you are trying to impress, unless it's with your knowledge of well kept culinary secrets in the city. The bathroom even has (employee) lockers in it.
Still, the food was excellent. My friend and I split the vegetarian appetizers. The butternut squash and eggplant dishes were so yummy and the bread tasted like it was actually fresh baked. The leek dumplings were amazing. I had the spinach vegetarian dish for dinner and the portion sizes were reasonable, and the entree was only 7.99. I HIGHLY recommend the food....I almost wish I still lived in Albany Park so I could do delivery. I could skip the dine-in experience. -
Review from Mary T.
Chicago, IL
4/16/2008
Before I tried this place I used to make fun of them when I drove by because you can see a large picture through the window of what looks like a side of meat hanging over a little open fire. Anyway I'm glad that I overlooked our differences in what constitutes appropriate restaurant art because the food was tasty.
We were given soup as we sat down, not sure what kind but delicious. I really liked an appetizer called mantu, little meat dumplings in sauce. The kabob entrees were huge, the leftovers made another dinner.
I didn't think that the brown rice was as tasty as the rest of the food although that tasted better the next day!
And like lots of others have mentioned, a very nice couple run the place. -
Review from Seth Amelia R.
Chicago, IL
5/31/2010
Authentic. Absolutely delicious. Wonderful, straightforward and thoughtful service.
Recently, it's come to my attention that I may give 5-stars too easily. But after much thought - I declare this five stars emphatically and with confidence. Everything about this place is on point. The food is consistently excellent. The portions are generous. The owner and staff make you feel relaxed and at home.
Yesterday, the dishes we enjoyed:
1. Spicy Chicken Shish Kabab: Oh, yes! My only regret is that I didn't order a second round to take home.
2. Vegetarian Sampler (humus, aushak, bourani badenjan, and bourani kadu): Smart move! With the exception of the aushak (yes, I had to Google it), this sampler rocked the table. The pita-like bread included is fresh and warm.
3. Daal Chalaw: Delicious! This dish was good - really good. We just like the first two even more.
Misc.
The entrees come with an excellent soup. For the vegetarians, a simple salad with creamy dressing.
To enjoy your Afghan meal to the max - have the sweet and milky tea!
The service: The servers, who were excellent, were charmed by my 17-month niece and very accommodating. -
Review from Sambit P.
Lafayette, IN
11/27/2010
The food tastes good, but a little on the dry side. Also, I don't think I got as much as I expected off the money I paid in terms of quantity.
But on the other had, service is great, and has a personalized touch to the ambience.
Reason for 3 stars: I've had similar food at other places, nothing special about this one. The other reasons I have stated earlier.
Recommended: Yes, maybe at least one. Only if you are around the area. -
Review from colleen p.
Chicago, IL
3/9/2008
If you know me, you know that I am obsessed with kabobs. I've tried all different kinds, from Lebanese to Greek to Moroccan, but had not yet sampled the Afghan variety up until a few moths ago. I'm pleased to report they rank right up there with the best of them.
Afghan Kabob is a small neighborhood restaurant that's run by an incredibly warm and friendly family. Their food truly tastes homemade and believe me, you get a lot of it for your money. You won't walk out hungry, that's for sure. The owners are quite helpful in selecting dishes. The times that I've been there, they offered one soup "just to warm you up" and then brought out another soup before the meal. I'm not a bread person, but their flat bread is wonderful, served warm and perfect for dipping in some of the appetizers. I recommend the bourani kadu (baked pumpkin/squash) and the sauteed spinach to start out.
Chicken kabobs are my personal favorite, and theirs did not disappoint. They are perfectly seasoned with just the right amount of spice to give it a kick without being overbearing. They're served up with a huge portion of either brown or white rice (I love having the brown rice option!)
Its a small place with a no-frills, clean atmosphere. However, the quality of food and friendly service make up for the plain interior. A great addition to the neighborhood! -
Review from Ryvre H.
Chicago, IL
3/26/2009
I've only had Afghan food once before, and I remember not being terribly impressed. This place was relatively close, cheap, and had good reviews so I decided to give Afghan food a second chance to rock my world. And, oh my, it did.
They started us off with some soup. I have no idea what was in it, but it was fantastic. My fiance ordered the Kabuli Palaw- a lamb dish with raisins and carrots, which was really good. But I won at ordering food. I ordered the Badenjan Chalaw- an eggplant dish with garlic yogurt, and it was one of the most delicious things I've ever put into my mouth. If I could only have one food for the rest of my life, I might pick that eggplant meal. Both of our entrees were pretty big - I ended up bringing home almost as much as I ate.
The service was quick and friendly, the prices were good, and the food was to die for.Listed in: Make Your Mouth Happy
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Review from Shyam S.
5/4/2008
Alhamdulillah (all praise to Allah), this is a wonderful restaurant located very close to the oldest, continually run mosque in Chicago, MCC (on Elston). The food is excellent and you can feel the friendliness of the family who run the place and put their TLC into every dish.
I would strongly recommend the bulanee kachaloo (large, flat potato pastries with two great sauces) as an appetizer and if you like lamb, the kabuli palaw (a fragrant rice dish with raisins and a giant shank of lamb in the middle).
The owners also gave us two free cups of the house Afghan tea and it was a refreshing way to end a fantastic meal. Would strongly recommend! -
Review from Brett K.
Chicago, IL
Updated - 3/2/2009
I am so happy to see this wonderful restaurant is gaining popularity. As for the rug that seems often in question I believe it represents the Soviet Occupation of Afghanistan. I have a similar one that I purchased when I was there.
My favorite is still the keftka kabob.Listed in: Top Restaurants, Buy Me Dinner
2 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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8/22/2008
I haven't been in a couple months and I really was feeling guilty when I stopped in today. Partly… Read more »
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Review from amish s.
Elkhart, IN
1/1/2010
I would give this 10 stars if I could. The food is amazing. It's a quaint (meaning small) little family run place with a great selection and amazing food. What makes the food amazing - very flavorful and authentic - the spices, sauces and preparation. I got my food to go and while waiting i saw other the dishes on other tables - i cant wait to try more. I had the lamb chops and the chicken kabobs.
If you like spice this is a great place. i have been looking for a good middle eastern eatery and this certainly will be a place i frequent.
Also the service was great - and the owner / server was extremely friendly. -
Review from Joe R.
Chicago, IL
5/7/2011
The service here is warm. The food is very tasty. moist chicken, seasoned well. I would recommend the lunch special. I have had their kabobs and they were wonderful. low key environment that is great for a date or dining alone with a book. Another gem in an area devoid of most everything.
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Review from marjie w.
Midlothian, IL
11/22/2008
My friends and I loved this place. It's super close to my apartment so we decided to walk there. I've never been intrigued to try it but now i want to go back!
They make sure you're warm when you get there by giving you soup, and you don't walk out full.
My kabob was $10 and included more food than I could handle.
the owners are so very sweet! I can't wait to go back :] -
Review from Eman A.
5/21/2009
I have not eaten at a ton of afghan restaurants. Two in Chicago and one in New York. So I've eaten at more than most. But this is the BEST. The food is spectacular. And NO it's not Middle Eastern food. It's very different. The prices are reasonable and the service is good. It's a small place, but a diamond in the rough. You have to try the butternut squash and the pink tea! It's so good. I like Kabul House and what this restaurant lacks in atmosphere it makes up in taste.
I love this place!!Listed in: Where we are Regulars!
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Review from Nick W.
Chicago, IL
5/20/2011
Great food! pleasant staff. I always leave satisfied
