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Afghanistan Kebab House
Categories: Restaurants Afghan Restaurants Middle Eastern Afghan, Middle Eastern [Edit]
764 9th Ave(between 51st St & 52nd St)
New York, NY 10019
Neighborhoods: Hell's Kitchen, Midtown West, Theater District
(212) 307-1612
- Nearest Transit:
-
50 St (A, C, E)
50 St (1, 2)
7 Av (B, D, E)
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- Yes
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Very Loud
- Has TV:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- No
90 reviews for Afghanistan Kebab House
Review Highlights
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"Holy crap, this was some amazing yogurt sauce." In 12 reviews -
"Got the bulanee pumpkin and lamb tikka kebab." In 8 reviews -
"we ordered the bulanee pumpkin and samosas." In 8 reviews
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90 reviews in English
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Review from O K.
Manhattan, NY
2/1/2012
3.5
still has great food..
good korma and kebob..
place is a little cramped and the one waiter/manager/utility man is overworked and has little personality or patience...
but still a decnt place.. recently raised prices but better than places like bayman.. ariana down the block isnt too bad either -
Review from Matt B.
ASTORIA, NY
2/2/2012
Afghani is one of my favourite cusines, this is definately the place to go for Afghani food. The lamb dishes here are delicious. Perfect mix of spices, not too spicy, not bland. The rice is also very tasty. Nice presentation of the food on the plate. The portions are good also.
The restaurant is very small and narrow. But its cozy, there is a nice atmosphere, you feel like you are in someones home. The decorations on the walls are nice, motives of Afghanistan. The carpets used on the tables, under glass, give a nice touch to the interior. I'm not Afghani, but I think it feels very authentic here.
The service is so so, only one person working here, he is also the owner I assume. He is not unfriendly, but just to the point and nothing beyond that. Which is OK, I guess. But usually you have to ask for anything you need and he won't come to ask at his own initiative. I've noticed he never asks; what would you like to drink? I agree with other voters saying he has no charisma or personality.
The place is pretty clean. I was once allowed into the kitchen because the restroom was occupied and was allowed through the kitchen into the staff restroom.
Everything clean there as well.
It can get very busy in here in the evenings. They don't sell any alcohol here, but you are allowed to bring your own and they will store and serve your wine free of charge I think.
The prices are OK, but I wouldn't call this place cheap. A dish with lamb kebab costs something around 16 usd.
I wouldn't call this place fantastic or amazing, but it's nice, I would be happy to introduce any of my friends who is new to the Afghan cuisine. -
Review from Stephanie C.
Los Angeles, CA
1/8/2012 1 Check-in Here
I checked this place out purely based on the reviews here by fellow yelpers... and of course the no-corkage fee! I was really excited about this place, and definitely felt like I was walking into something authentic.
The service wasn't the greatest, and also the prices were quite ridiculous. Everything on the menu was pretty basic, just lamb, chicken, and beef kabobs, and some curry dishes. We were really hungry and wanted to order 3 entrees, but since it was all around $17, we stuck with two orders... it was strange how expensive this place was, since they are just selling regular kebabs that every other place sells. We got the lamb tikka and chicken kafta dishes and it was completely average. It tasted really normal, and the portions might have even been a little smaller than expected. We definitely left the place feeling like we should have gotten more.
The upside is the no-corkage fee for this place! This saved us a lot of money, but we probably would never even have come to this place in the first place if they didn't have this policy... I wonder if they attract a lot of customers that way because almost every table had a bottle of wine in front of them... I think even a father with 2 kids at a table...
It's not really a hole in the wall as other people said it was... it's much nicer and more organized and expensive. It's in a nice location near a lot of bars and not too far from the theater district... I've been much more impressed by other kebab places with better pricing, so maybe I'll stick to those. But I'm glad I tried it! -
Review from Evan E.
4/25/2012
This was my first Afghanistan cuisine experience and I was really pleased. I felt bad because no one was there. They were jackhammering right outside the door. The server was very attentive and the food was fresh and affordable. The chicken kebobs came with Basmati rice, salad, and bread for about $14. My friend got the chicken korma which is like stew with peas and potatoes for the same price. Everything had such good flavor and spices. The small dining room was very inviting and comfortable. I can't wait to bring my friend back to experience this place.
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Review from Marcus D.
Manhattan, NY
5/10/2012
I went to Kebab House #1 after reading some glowing reviews about the restaurant and I was not disappointed. The restuarant was not particularly large, but the seating was adequate and the atmosphere was more reminiscent of Afghanistan than other places I've been. Some might be put off by the straw on the wall, but I felt it gave it an authentic feel and the paintings depicting Afghan cultural events were a nice touch. My guest and I started off the meal with the Sambosa appetizer. We were a little disappointed with the size of the beef patties, but they were still pretty good for the price. For the main course we ordered the Beef Kafta Kebab and Beef Tikka Kebab. Borth of them were tasty, and luckily enough each of us enjoyed the dish we ordered more than the other. The Kafta was ground meat with spices while the Tikka was chunks of beef (I ordered the Tikka). The meats themselves had good flavor and the white sauce they served the food with had a nice horseradish type flavor. The main dishes also came with salad, rice, and Afghani bread, and all rounded out the meal nicely. My guest and I had contemplated dessert before we ate our meal but afterwards we were full and definately satisfied. I would definitely consider going back to try the Tandori chicken, which has also gotten rave reviews. My only advice is to bring your own wine or beer, as the restaurant does not have any of its own.
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Review from Nadia B.
12/25/2011
I wasn't totally impressed with this place. The service was definitely not good or personable at all! I compare it to the place a block away, Ariana, where the service and food is impeccable! We ordered salmon kebabs (tasty char taste). Chicken kabuli pulao which came with one or two raisins and that was bothersome!! The reason I ordered the kabuli pulao dish was for the carrots and raisins! Anyways.. Moving along... I also ordered the lamb and chicken combo, and it was unimpressive. While the chicken was extreeeeemely juicy and moist, the flavor was lacking and without the amazing side sauces, would have been a total failure.
The baklava was nice though (not sure it was made on premise, but tasty anyway).
I don't think I would return, BUT if you're in midtown and Ariana is full...then try it out! -
Review from Dina D.
2/21/2012
I would have to agree with Nadia B. about food and service. The food was OK, nothing special.
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Review from Amanda S.
New York, NY
Updated - 2/28/2012
After being alerted to their rather worrying latest health inspection comments about the presence of rats I will not be eating here anymore, regardless of how yummy it was. Ariana Kebab House, which got an A on its health inspection report is just as delicious... go there!
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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12/27/2011
Delicious food and good value (huge portions). I am in love with their kabuli palow (both the… Read more »
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Review from Anton E.
Manhattan, NY
8/3/2011
This place is tiny but it's no hole in the wall! I've been going here for over 15 years and they have kept up with their standards because the food is still delicious.
I have had a few dinner parties with large groups (10 or more people), they are pretty good with accommodations but the place does get a bit cramped because it's so small.
Appetizers: I love samosas with yogurt sauce!
Entree: Shish kabab or Adana kabab with brown rice are amazing! -
Review from julie l.
Flushing, NY
2/21/2012
Current Grade
[Grade Pending]
Inspected on
02/16/2012
Restaurant
AFGHAN KEBAB HOUSE #1
764 9 AVENUE MANHATTAN 10019
212-307-1629
Inspections
Graded
Date Points
02/16/2012 19
03/01/2011 10
Violations recorded in the following area (s) and a Notice of Violation issued at the initial operational cycle inspection conducted on 02/06/2012.
"Critical" violations are displayed in red.
Violation points: 34
Sanitary Violations
1) Hot food item not held at or above 140º F.
2) Food worker does not use proper utensil to eliminate bare hand contact with food that will not receive adequate additional heat treatment.
3) Evidence of rats or live rats present in facility's food and/or non-food areas.
4) Evidence of mice or live mice present in facility's food and/or non-food areas.
5) Sanitized equipment or utensil, including in-use food dispensing utensil, improperly used or stored.
6) Facility not vermin proof. Harborage or conditions conducive to attracting vermin to the premises and/or allowing vermin to exist.
7) Pesticide use not in accordance with label or applicable laws. Prohibited chemical used/stored. Open bait station used.
8) Thawing procedures improper. -
Review from Chad L.
Brooklyn, NY
12/17/2011
Wow, chicken over rice. That sounds boring, but not here. Perfectly marinated over the most flavorful rice I've ever had. I'll be back. Great place.
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Review from Trisha B.
Clayton, CA
1/22/2012
Fantastic!
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Review from Jordan J.
7/3/2011
This was my first stop on what was an extremely gluttonous weekend with Jason H visiting. We actually had been planning on having a fancy pants, expensive foodie dinner this night, but after my friend's bus from Boston got delayed 3 hours in the Bronx (CROSS BRONX EXPRESSWAY FAIL), that reservation sadly had to be cancelled.
And so hoping to drown our sorrows in less expensive but still delicious food, we made our way to Hell's Kitchen and nabbed the last open table at Afghan Kebab House on a Friday night. Having tried Ariana across the street a few months ago to mild disappointment, I was really hoping this place would come through. And though I thought it was the better of the two, it unfortunately wasn't as exciting as I had hoped.
We started with the pumpkin bulanee. The bread itself was good and crisp, but while the pumpkin provided a nice, warm and smooth texture of a filling, I just didn't get much taste out of it. I felt like there either needed to be more pumpkin inside or that it should have been spiced a differently or something, but whatever the case, I was not enthused.
I then went with the Sultani Kebab, which was a mix of lamb tikka (non-ground cubes o' meat) and beef kafta (ground) that came with salad, rice and bread. The Afghan bread was fantastic. The rice was fine, nothing special, and the salad tasted very fresh. The meat was of course the centerpiece of the meal, and was pretty good. However, I wasn't blown away by it. It was nice and tender, pretty juicy and seasoned well, but for some reason it just didn't leave me excited.
Wait a minute. Did I say that the meat was the centerpiece of the meal? I lied. It was the YOGURT SAUCE. Holy crap, this was some amazing yogurt sauce. So tangy and rich. At the end of the meal, I literally started squirting it onto my plate, picking it up with my fingers and just licking it off. It was insanely good.
Unfortunately, while the food here was solid for the most part, the service was a definite miss. The place cleared out more and more as our meal went on, but our waiter remained inattentive throughout the night, and almost seemed to be actively ignoring us a few times that we tried to get his attention. He was clearly in a bad mood, and though he may have just been having a rough night, it got to the point that it was a bit annoying. It was difficult to impossible to ask for anything during our meal, and we were waiting a while to get our check, even after asking for it.
I'd give this place a 3.5 for food, and round down to a 3 for the poor service. Worth a second trip for sure, especially after seeing all the rave reviews on here - I'd like to see if another visit might leave me a bit more thrilled with the meat. And also, I can't die happy without having one more magical night with that yogurt sauce. -
Review from Derrick P.
Ann Arbor, MI
6/12/2011 1 Check-in Here
Really impressed with the flavor of the chicken kebab and rice here. It's like this distinct meat flavor that I've never tasted before. Imagine the meat flavor that makes out chicken but emphasized 3 times more, that's what you get. I don't know how they do it, or what spice they use, but I love it.
And the yogurt sauce goes wonderfully with the rice and chicken kebab meat.
I'm usually not a chicken breast person, but the quality of the meat, the spices, and the tenderness combined with the rice flavor, is just one of my favorite tastes experienced.
The kabuli is just the same as the kebab in terms of the actual meat, just different side dishes. -
Review from Brent C.
Sunnyside, NY
7/19/2011 1 Check-in Here
We had a great dinner here in June. A group of 6 wineos, we brought our own wines and stemware and had a great time with an out of town visitor. The kebabs were great but the bulanees were a bit under par.
When the tab arrived, 2 courses for 6 people with a 30-40% tip (we overtip like this when we bring so much wine and stay a long time) was only $28pp! A great value. -
Review from Lisa M.
Manhattan, NY
3/22/2011
I live across the street from this place and have been going for years.
Best afghani food ever by far.
The chicken kabuli is always a hit with my friends and family. The bread is always fresh and hot, the portions are huge and though its gone up just a little in pricing its still very worth it!
The main waiter, Nassir is the most competent and accomodating soul there is and always greets you with a smile and if you allow, tells you fascinating stories of his homeland. The owner is quite friendly also always trying to please. The firnee is to die for after you eat spicy food and its always fresh and cool on your tounge. Mmmm.
The fish kebob combo is another wonderful plate.
As for decor, Its small but very cozy and inviting!
Update* funny I wrote this today and havent seen Nassir the waiter in a long time and he ran up to me on the corner today and helped me carry my groceries home...talk about service *teehee* -
Review from Danielle K.
New York, NY
3/27/2011
Apparently there are two 764 9th avenue addresses so I ended up sitting inside waiting for my friend at the other one (which is the Indian one next door to Afghan Kebab House). Thankfully I snuck out in time so I wouldn't get harassed.
Nonetheless I made it to Afghan Kebab House. My friend got the Combo Kebab, which is beef, lamb, and chicken and I got the Sultan Kebab, which is spiced lamb and beef. I took some of theirs so I got the best of both worlds and I say go with any dish that has beef. It's really tender and well-cooked, which I can't say about the lamb or the chicken. Does anyone else think the lamb looks like poop? I felt like it was overcooked in the both of ours and the chicken was really overcooked in his so that I had to gulp a couple of glasses of water for it to really taste alright. But, the kebabs came with salad, bread, and an overabundance of rice so you feel like you're not really missing out on much
The service is mediocre. More than once we had to hail down the waiter for some service that we needed, which is a bit odd because the place doesn't hold that much to begin with. -
Review from Craig Z.
10/17/2011
Food was just OK. Decent portions, acceptable service. Not a steal by any means though, and I am annoyed that the prices are 50% higher than the menu they have posted in their window. That's some bull5HlT.
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Review from David F.
9/21/2011
Stopped here on the way to the Daily Show and were pleasantly surprised! We had the Kebab combo, which comes with chicken beef and lamb. All were seasoned magnificently and were extremely moist and amazingly delicious served on a bed of rice that was delicious as well. How should i put this in a not so ugly and gross way...Any who here it goes...when I later burped I really wanted to go back to this place and eat some more. That my friends should speak for itself...sorry if it was gross! Go here! Eat here!
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Review from Yeye V.
Staten Island, NY
4/20/2011
You want good Afghanistan food? This is the place you should go. I recommend it all the way.
Try the chicken tendoory mmmmmmm good.
try the cabuli palau mmmm good -
Review from Archie G.
San Jose, CA
9/11/2009
La Novia figured it was time to visit Hell's Kitchen. When in HK, we walked by many restaurants, but in the end we settled on this place.
I love Afghan food. It's in my top 5 for favorite types of cuisine, which currently looks like this:
1) Indian
2) Thai
3) Afghan
4) Korean
5) Mexican
Well, as much as I love Afghan food, I can only say I like Afghanistan Kebab House. A lot. Overall, it was a 3.5 star experience.
Our appetizer was delicious. I think it was something like pakawra-e-badenjan, which is usually batter dipped eggplant with yogurt and meat sauce. But at AKH, they serve it without meat, which works for me since La Novia does not eat red meat.
La Novia ordered the spicy fish kebab and it was excellent. It was the best thing I tried. Unfortunately, she found two bones in the fish. Come on cooks, please turn down the mariachi music and pay attention to detail.
My kebab platter, which included chicken, beef, and lamb was tasty. The beef kefta kebab was really good. There was a lot of flavor in that beef. That's what she said!
Unfortunately, the chicken was mediocre and the lamb was a bit tough.
Overall, I would say portions are small, but it's not that pricey so it works out. They gave us plenty of rice and the Afghan bread was the best I had ever tasted. But since I am not a big fan of that type of bread, that is not saying much.
The service was definitely interesting. The guy barely mumbled anything. He sat and read the paper most of the time and only got up to drop off food.
All in all, a solid Afghan restaurant and a pleasant experience, but certainly not up there with Bay Area Afghan restaurants such as Salang Pass and Kabul. -
Review from Sarah G.
10/20/2008
I truly have a new favorite restaurant. I am PISSED that I am leaving New York soon and I just found out this gem of a place (yes...I just said gem of a place...I guess I am taking quotes from my grandma now) is right down the block from me.
The place made me smile from the second I walked in the door. The 1 guy serving the restaurant (sorry I did not get his name) was so friendly and basically welcomed us with open arms the second we walked in the door. He was joking and chatting with every table and still managed to get our food out very quickly.
I had the lamb tikka kebab and the husband had the chicken shish kabab. I also ordered up a side of the pumpkin. Everything was AMAZING. The pumpkin is a MUST order. It had just the right amount of spice with a delicous sauce.
Seriously...I just got home and I want to order delivery.
I think I am going here for dinner again tomorrow...no joke. -
Review from Pria P.
New York, NY
7/12/2008
I'll be the first to give this place a not so shining review. Service was slow and erratic and the food was bland and overcooked. I've had Afghan food a few times before and am a big fan. But all the dishes here were lacking: we started with the pumpkin turnover which wasn't sweet as it should be and came with a bland yogurt sauce. We also ordered the scallion dumpling dish which was ok but nothing special. I ordered a combination veggie platter with cauliflower and spinach. It was all overcooked and watery. The "homemade" bread was not fresh and the yogurt sauce tasted like ranch dressing. I feel gross thinking about it.
The interior was also too dark- not so much mood lighting as lighting that aims to hide flaws. Only positive was that the bathroom was surprisingly clean. I would not recommend this place, especially if you're trying Afghan food for the first time. -
Review from Will K.
Houston, TX
8/25/2007
My first trip to Afghan Kebab House was also my first time to eat Afghan food. I loved it so much that I ended up searching for Afghan places in other cities such as San Diego and Houston. I have to say that Afghan Kebab House is the best of all that I have patronized.
The pumpkin bulanee is a must. The closest food that I have had to bulanee would be a samosa. Unlike the samosas that I have had, the pumpkin bulanee is sweet and could almost be a dessert.
The lamb kebabs have a terrific flavor and comes with salad and heavily seasoned rice. Sometimes salads and rice are only used to fill out a plate, but these would stand out on their own.
The firnee (a pudding type dessert with crushed pistachios on top) was a nice end to the meal. Its flavor was subtle, especially compared to the rest of the meal. I think it was cardamom that stood out in the firnee.
The sauces for the bulanee, kebabs, and dressing for the salad are bold tasting and, at least to me, unique. I can't wait to return. -
Review from K - R.
Bethlehem, PA
7/12/2008
I've been going here for 10 years.
It's awesome.
What to order:
- Appetizer: Sambosa or Bolanee
- Entree: Chicken Breast Kebab or Combo Kebab
The sambosa/bolanee is crispy and yummy and fried.
The kebabs are perfectly cooked, tender and well-spiced. Balanced - not too spicy, not bland. Just right.
Generously use the red, green, and yogurt sauce they provide.
Their rice, which accompanies the kebab dishes, is a high point. High quality basmati rice, cooked just right (not too moist or gloppy). Slightly cardamom scented.
Service is friendly. Generally efficient, but can be a bit of a wait on Friday/Saturday nights.
Bathroom is recently renovated, very clean.
Two other notes
- The name is Afghan Kebab House, not Afghanistan KH
- And it's Afghan food, not Indian and not Arabic. So it's meant to be different from those cuisines. Not the same sauces or sharp spiciness as Indian. -
Review from Helena H.
4/23/2009
BYOB or else just drink water.
Food is ok, big portions tho (so you better have a empty stomach for that).
Price is ok.
Small restaurant, not good for parties of 6 or more.
Only 1 waiter, so you have to have patience. -
Review from Betty B.
Brooklyn, NY
1/5/2011
Simply the best! I have nothing but nice things to say about this place. Hands down some of the best kebob's I've ever had! Me and a couple of co-workers ventured in here one day for lunch after it being recommended to us by a friend who spoke very highly of it. So we went in with very high expectations, and, and I can tell you that they delivered! From start to finish, everything was just spectacular! They greeted us with wholeheartedness. We started off with a lentil and vegetable soup, later the chef came out to greet us and sent out a sampler platter with sambosa, a stuffed deep-fried dumpling of some sort stuffed ground beef, peas and spices, another stuffed with spinach, and one with cheese. They served it with a delicious minted yogurt, so good! (We told them how their restaurant came highly recommended from a friend, and they were taking extra special care of us).
Then for the entrée, I had a shrimp kebob platter served over rice and with a salad, OMG, it was just bursting with incredible flavors! It was just to die for! My co-workers each ordered a meat and chicken combo kebob platter, and they just couldn't stop raving about how good it was! This was our first venture into Afghani cuisine, none of us had ever tried it before, and all of us have quickly become huge fans! Just the other day my co-worker was asking when are we going to go back to that awesome Afghan place again? Needless to say, we are making plans to go back there as we speak.
Highly recommend this place, be sure to check it out if you can. And don't be underwhelmed by it being so small, almost like a whole in the wall, it is actually very good, and cozy. -
Review from ER S.
Chicago, IL
4/24/2008
I love Afghan food, and this place was quite good.
We started with pumpkin turnovers, which my daughter loved. We had to order a second for her, which the kind waiter didn't charge us for (give that man a nice tip). She even ate the leftover yogurt sauce with a spoon!
We had the Sultana kebab... kefta and lamb, which was good, and the Lamb Pullao, which was even better. I love the carrots and raisins. And it's nice that it comes with a salad, to balance off the meat & carbs heaviness of the rest.
I'd absolutely go back. Yum. -
Review from Chris C.
7/6/2008
I've never had Afghan food and decided to make my maiden voyage last night at the Afghan Kebab House. It was a solid effort.
As I noticed from previous Yelpers, AKH (yeah, we're tight like that) is BYOB. We showed up packing a reliable California Zinfandel and dug in. Pumpkin turnovers were nice and light (equal parts dough and pumpkin) and were served with a yogurt and mint sauce. We got the Kebab salads which were very substantial and very good. Chicken Kebabs were just right. Lamb Kebabs were somewhat inferior (a little gamy) but, not bad. The salads were loaded with cucumber, carrots, lemon, lettuce, peppers and olives and came with an Afghan Bread which, I can only describe as a toasted naan.
I have to say, it was sad not to see more people in this place.
I'm certainly glad I got to try it.Listed in: Go to Hell
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Review from Korey L.
New York, NY
12/11/2010 1 Check-in Here
Wandered in here while waiting for Totto. Pretty solid kebabs and samosas (or the deep fried apps) forget what they're called.
Would definitely come back. The ambiance is a little funky, feels like you're on a magic carpet ride. =)
As long as the food is good, I'm happy. -
Review from Genevieve R.
San Francisco, CA
12/1/2006
Holy, holy moly. Went with four other friends and we pretty much all had the same thing--some appetizer that's similar to samosas and the kebab combo that comes with chicken, lamb and beef kafta.Everything on that plate was beyond good--you know it's good when you devour the SALAD. Their yogurt sauce was soo addictive--I called it the Afghan version of Ranch dressing. We put it on everythang that night!
Big plus: we brought in our own bottles of wine. The service was far from amiable, but it didn't matter. The food spoke loudly enough. -
Review from austin b.
New York, NY
2/13/2009
The food was "good." Just like the minority of people that review this restuarant, "I had a satisfactory meal." I would go back, I just wouldn't jump to offer it up.
Highlights for me were...
Best Area of the Resturaunt: The Bathroom
Best Amenity of the Resturaunt: BYOB
Best Food: The hot sauce.
Best Overall: The beer we brought in! -
Review from George B.
Sunnyside, NY
7/28/2006
Once again, hunger strikes and I find myself trying the Afghanistan Kebab House. While at work, I've ordered delivery from this restaurant and find the food quite delicious. This time, however, I lure my partner there to see how dining in compares with delivery.
The place was quite busy on a Friday night. Being so busy, I found it unfortunate that there was only one person waiting tables. The restaurant certainly isn't large - one person could handle it - but I found the experience somewhat lacking. We were seated promptly and given a few minutes to look at the menu. My partner had a few questions for the waiter, but he seemed less than interested in trying to answer them. He was quite harried, I assume because the place was full.
When we were finally able to order, we hardly could get through our choices without the waiter running off, thinking we had finished our requests for the meal. Well, I just chalked it up to his having a bad day and didn't let it ruin my mood.
When the food did arrive, it was delicious, just as I expected. We shared a lamb kebab meal and half chicken cooked tandoori style. Although there was a side salad with each dish, we also asked for another salad to fulfill our green-leafy cravings.
All-in-all, the food is really wonderful even though the service is a bit skittish. Don't let that put you off - if you like kebabs, then definitely give this place a shot! -
Review from Smog R.
San Francisco, CA
1/28/2009
Not really understanding all the great reviews about this place... I had a satisfactory meal here, but with all the other great places in the vicinity, I doubt I would come back.
I had the combo fish kebab. It was so so. Kind of dry. I am somewhat at a loss for words since it was just mediocre. It came with a so-so iceberg lettuce salad and some nicely flavored rice. I guess that rice would be the highpoint...? But still, that's not saying much.
My plate cost $17 and I think that $17 could have gone to better use elsewhere.
Redeeming point: It's BYOB. -
Review from Kiwi H.
7/30/2007
This hidden delight is a wonderful escape from the busy, noisy, loud and crowded Times Square nearby. Dark and quiet inside, the humble, friendly and attentive staff are happy to welcome anyone who is looking for some delicious, reasonably priced Afghani food away from the many tourist traps in the surrounding areas.
The decor is simple with Afghani accents everywhere, and they have a charming sort of relaxation mini-room at the back filled with pillows, draperies, etc. which I imagine is a great place to sip on some tea. The food is wonderful - fragrant and fluffy basmati rice, tender, juicy and wonderfully spiced meats, and excellent sauces. The breads are great, and the salads and greens are fresh. I recommend the lamb kebabs, and if you like okra, they make it really well. It's a little odd that tzatziki is on the menu too, but otherwise I'd recommend this place to anyone looking for yummy Afghani food in a cute, simple, casual atmosphere without dropping the big bucks. -
Review from Jasneet G.
New York, NY
3/14/2008
One of my favorite restaurants in the city. My family has been coming here for over 13 years and can honestly say that we have never been dissapointed
Appetizer wise the pumpkin turnovers are good and so are the samosas. I always get the combo kebab which has one skewer of chicken, one of lamb, and one of beef - absolutely amazing! It's the pefect balanced meal cuz it comes with rice, bread, and salad. Plus, it will give you left overs for lunch the next day! The white sauce is out of this world! The best white sauce I've had to date. The bread is amazing..an afghani version of regular Nan u get at an indian restaurant. The fish kebab is also really good - although sometimes it has a little bone here and there so that can be annoying.
Atmosphere - it's a cute little place. The decor is Earthy with a simplistic charm. Even though it's a small place you don't really feel cramped and arent sitting so close to other tables that you can hear their conversations.
Service - Definitely on point. Very friendly staff. The manager is really nice and even plays my dad's favorite songs when we eat there! Oh, but if you pay with credit card, tip with cash if you can because word on the street is sometimes the staff doesn't get the full tip they deserve.
FYI - it's BYOB so its the perfect place to go with some friends and crack open a bottle of wine, or two, or three! -
Review from Sonia C.
New York, NY
7/20/2010
3.5 Stars.
You know those places in your neighborhood that you take out from, get delivery from, dine in oh so regularly/often...Afghan Kabab House is one such place for me. & I must say, the reason I'm a regular there is only 'coz of the taste of the food. The food is delicious. The Spicy Chicken Wings (Appetizer) is my absolute favorite...& most other kebabs (Beef, Lamb Kafta & even Fish) are actually very good. The kebabs are more often than not flavorful, moist & very tender. The curry/korma is decent enough. The dip on the side is good too.
Since it's a tiny tiny restaurant, there's always only the same man serving & hence, the service is not always up to the mark. It's a moderately priced restaurant. They have tried to give the restaurant an Afghan feel but the decor is strictly OKAY. But, the food has not disappointed me yet.
If u happen to be in Midtown West or Hell's Kitchen...for good Afghan food, without too much attention to other details, go here!!! :-) -
Review from Richard H.
Indianapolis, IN
7/27/2011 1 Check-in Here
This is a great place to get dinner pre-theatre. It's a charming small restaurant with a nice menu and well-prepared food. The service was pleasant and attentive.
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Review from Simon X.
New York, NY
10/1/2007
+1 BYOB
Eggplant Bulanee
Sultani Kebab (Lamb Tikka + Beef Kafta)
I wouldn't say the food was fantastic, but it was definitely REALLY good. To me, kebabs are about texture first and taste second, and i think AKH out-performed in both. Coupled with your favorite wines at retail prices, I'd prolly give this place a 5 if it wasn't cos my fellow eat-mates. For some reason they did not really enjoy their meal, and that's making me hesitate.
Regardless, be it a 4 or a 5, this place definitely has great kebabs and worth checking out. -
Review from Greta G.
New York, NY
11/13/2010 1 Check-in Here
Went on a Friday night to get takeouts. Got the bulanee pumpkin and lamb tikka kebab. Bulanee pumpkin was very tasty, light, and came with a fantastic yogurt sauce. Lamb kebab came with rice and salad. I thought the lamb could have been a little less charred and more tender, but it was flavorful. Rice was well-seasoned and yummy. Salad was iceberg lettuce and was just so-so. I thought I wasn't that hungry,, but I ended up eating everything.
The restaurant was bustling but still had seating on a Friday evening. People looked like they were having a good time and I plan to go again sometime with a friend and try some other dishes.
