Afghan Kebab House Introduce
Welcome to the vibrant world of authentic Afghan cuisine, right here in the heart of New York City. For those in search of a unique and flavorful dining experience, look no further than Afghan Kebab House. This Upper East Side gem offers a taste of Afghanistan's rich culinary traditions, blending hearty kebabs with delicately spiced rice dishes and savory vegetarian options. Whether you're a local New Yorker or just visiting, this restaurant provides a cozy and casual atmosphere to savor a meal that feels both exotic and comforting. From succulent lamb and chicken kebabs to traditional dumplings and a variety of vegetarian entrees, there's something to please every palate.
Afghan Kebab House stands out for its commitment to traditional cooking methods and fresh ingredients, which truly shine through in every dish. The menu is a celebration of Afghan flavors, featuring beloved staples and unique specialties that promise to transport your taste buds. Imagine tender, marinated meats grilled to perfection, paired with fragrant basmati rice, or savory vegetable dishes cooked in a rich, tomato-based sauce. The restaurant also prides itself on offering a warm, inviting space for a relaxed meal, whether you're dining alone, with a group, or just grabbing a quick bite for lunch.
This spot is a particular favorite for its dedication to quality and its reputation for being a great option for solo diners and groups alike. With a menu that includes small plates, generous entrees, and delightful desserts, Afghan Kebab House is an ideal destination for a full dining experience. Plus, its location makes it a convenient stop for a meal after exploring the surrounding neighborhood. It’s a place where you can enjoy traditional Afghan hospitality and a truly memorable meal without a lot of fuss.
Afghan Kebab House is conveniently located at 1448 1st Avenue in the Upper East Side neighborhood of New York, NY 10021. This prime spot makes it easily accessible for both locals and tourists exploring the city. The restaurant's location is well-served by public transportation, with several bus routes and nearby subway stations providing convenient access. For those coming by car, street parking can be an option, though it's always wise to check for availability in this busy area.
The restaurant offers a variety of service options to fit your needs and comfort. Whether you prefer to dine in and enjoy the cozy atmosphere or take your meal to go, Afghan Kebab House has you covered. They also provide no-contact delivery and curbside pickup, ensuring you can enjoy their delicious food safely and conveniently from your home or office. The accessible nature of the restaurant, including a wheelchair-accessible restroom, further enhances its appeal to a wide range of patrons.
The combination of a central location and multiple service choices means that getting your Afghan food fix is never a hassle. You can easily stop by for a lunch or dinner, pick up an order on your way home, or have it delivered right to your door. This flexibility makes Afghan Kebab House a go-to spot for many New Yorkers seeking authentic and delicious food without the stress of complicated logistics.
Afghan Kebab House offers a wide range of services to cater to its diverse clientele.
Dine-in: Enjoy a meal in the casual, cozy, and quiet atmosphere of the restaurant.
Outdoor seating: Perfect for a nice day, providing a relaxing space to enjoy your food.
Takeout: Grab your favorite dishes to enjoy at home or on the go.
Delivery & No-contact delivery: Have your food delivered safely and conveniently to your location.
Curbside pickup: A convenient option for a quick and easy pickup.
Reservations: The restaurant accepts reservations, making it easy to plan your meal, especially for groups.
Catering: While not explicitly listed on the menu, many restaurants with this kind of cuisine and offerings can provide catering services for parties and events.
BYOB: A significant highlight is that the restaurant is BYOB with no corkage fee, which is a fantastic way to enjoy your meal with your favorite beverage.
Afghan Kebab House boasts several features and highlights that make it a compelling choice for diners in New York.
Authentic Menu: The menu is a highlight, featuring traditional Afghan dishes like mantu (dumplings with ground beef sauce), aushak (chive dumplings), and a variety of kebabs that are marinated and cooked to perfection.
Halal Food: All meats are halal, which is a key consideration for many diners.
Vegetarian Options: A wide array of vegetarian entrees and side dishes, such as Palau Budinjan (eggplant), Palau Sabsi (spinach), and Palau Kadu (pumpkin), are available, making it a great place for plant-based diners.
BYOB with No Corkage Fee: This is a major plus, allowing customers to bring their own wine or beer to pair with their meal without an extra charge.
Cozy and Casual Atmosphere: The atmosphere is noted as casual, cozy, and quiet, making it a perfect spot for a relaxed and intimate dining experience.
Popular for Solo Dining: The restaurant is well-regarded as a good spot for solo diners, providing a comfortable and welcoming environment.
Accessibility: The presence of a wheelchair-accessible restroom ensures that the restaurant is accommodating to all guests.
For more information or to place an order, you can contact Afghan Kebab House using the details below.
Address: 1448 1st Ave, New York, NY 10021, USA
Phone: (212) 517-2776
Choosing Afghan Kebab House is a decision rooted in a desire for genuine, flavorful, and high-quality food. The menu is a testament to the rich culinary heritage of Afghanistan, with dishes that are carefully prepared and packed with flavor. The fresh ingredients and traditional cooking methods result in a truly authentic dining experience. From the juicy, perfectly seasoned kebabs to the savory vegetarian entrees, every dish is crafted with care. The Bolanee Gandana, a leek-filled pastry, and the Mantu, steamed dumplings with a savory meat sauce, are particularly popular choices that showcase the restaurant's commitment to tradition.
Beyond the food, the value of the experience is enhanced by the BYOB policy with no corkage fee. This allows diners to enjoy their favorite wine or beer with their meal without the usual restaurant markup. It's a fantastic feature that makes a meal at Afghan Kebab House not only delicious but also affordable. While some reviews mention mixed experiences with the service, the universal praise for the food itself speaks volumes. The consensus among diners is that the food quality is exceptional and consistently wonderful, making it a go-to spot for those who prioritize the taste and authenticity of their meal above all else.
Ultimately, Afghan Kebab House is an ideal choice for anyone in New York seeking a taste of authentic Afghan cuisine. Its strong focus on traditional recipes, use of fresh ingredients, and the variety of options—including halal and vegetarian dishes—make it a standout. The cozy and casual atmosphere, along with the convenience of dining options like takeout and delivery, further solidify its status as a local favorite. Despite any potential service quirks, the quality of the food makes a visit or an order well worth it, as many diners have enthusiastically confirmed. It is a true gem for food lovers looking for something special.
Afghan Kebab House Food & drink
Appetizers
- Sambosa $7.50
Fried dumplings filled with seasoned ground beef, herbs and spices.
- Bolanee Gandana $7.00
Fried turnovers filled with scallions, herbs and spices.
- Bolanee Kachalou $7.00
Fried turnover filled with mashed potatoes, herbs and spices.
- Bolanee Kadu $7.50
Fried turnover filled with mashed pumpkin, herbs and spices.
- Bolanee Sabsi $7.50
Fried turnover filled with fresh spinach, herbs and spices.
- Aushak $8.95
Boiled dumplings filled with scallions, herbs and spices. Topped with minted yogurt sauce or ground beef.
- Aushak Ghoushti $11.95
Boiled dumplings filled with scallions, herbs and spices topped with minted yogurt sauce and seasoned ground beef.
- Combination Appetizer $28.95
Your choice of 4 appetizers and aushak ghoushti.
- Mantu $12.95
Steamed dumpling filled with sauteed ground beef and topped with a yogurt and tomato gravy sauce.
Soup
- Mushawa $10.95
Lentils and mixed vegetables with seasonings and herbs.
Lamb Entrees
- Lamb Chops $31.95
Grilled lamb chops lightly salted.
- Marinated Lamb Chops $31.95
Grilled lamb chops marinated in fresh grated spices.
- Lamb Tikka Kebab $28.95
Chunks of lamb marinated in fresh grated spices.
- Lamb Kofta Kebab $27.95
Grillre ground lamb seasoned with chopped scallions, marinated in fresh grated spices.
- Kabuli Palau $31.95
Chunks of lamb tenderly cooked with herbs and spices under a mound of brown basmati rice, topped with carrots, raisins and almonds.
- Naringe Palau $31.95
Chunks of lamb tenderly cooked with herbs and spices under a mound of brown basmati rice, topped with orange rind, pistachios and pine nuts.
Beef Entrees
- Beef Tikka Kebab $28.95
Chunks of beef marinated in fresh grated spices.
- Beef Kofta Kebab $26.95
Ground beef seasoned with chopped scallions, marinated in fresh grated spices.
Chicken Entrees
- Half Chicken Tandoori $27.95
Half chicken marinated in fresh grated spices and tandoori masala.
- Half Spiced Chicken $27.95
Half chicken marinated in fresh grated spices and hot peppers.
- Chicken Breast Kebab $25.95
Chunks of boneless chicken breast marinated in fresh grated spices.
- Tandoori Chicken Breast Kebab $26.95
Chunks of boneless chicken breast marinated in fresh grated spices and tandoori masala.
- Dark Meat Kebab $27.95
Cubes of chicken thigh seasoned with mix of house spices.
- Tumeric Lemon Chicken Kebab $27.95
Chunks of chicken breast seasoned with spices and tumeric and lemon.
- Spiced Chicken Kebab $27.95
Cubes of chicken breast seasoned with chili pepper and ginger.
- Chicken Korma $26.95
Chunks of boneless chicken tenderly cooked with fresh onions, tomatoes, herbs and spices.
Afghan Dumplings
- Aushak $24.95
Boiled dumplings filled with chopped scallions, herbs and spices, topped with minted yogurt sauce.
- Aushak Ghoushti $28.95
Boiled dumplings filled with chopped scallion, topped with minted yogurt sauce and seasoned ground beef.
- Mantu $28.95
Steamed dumpling filled with sauteed ground beef and topped with a yogurt and tomato gravy sauce.
Combination Kebab
- Combo Kebab $31.95
Combination of lamb tikka, chicken breast and ground beef.
- Fish Combo $30.95
Combination of spicy fish and tandoori fish kebab.
Seafood Entrees
- Shrimp Kebab $30.95
9 pieces. Large shrimp lightly marinated in freshly grated herbs and spices.
- Tandoori Shrimp Kebab $31.95
9 pieces. Large shrimp lightly marinated in fresh grated spices and herbs, and tandoori masala.
- Spicy Fish Kebab $28.95
Chunks of codfish marinated in fresh grated spices and hot peppers.
- Tandoori Fish Kebab $29.95
Chunks of codfish marinated in fresh grated spices and tandoori masala.
- Salmon Kebab $29.95
Cubes of marinated salmon.
Vegetarian Entrees
- Palau Budinjan $22.95
Eggplant cooked with onions, fresh tomatoes, herbs and spices.
- Palau Sabsi $22.95
Spinach sauteed with fresh cilantro, garlic, herbs and spices.
- Palan Okra $22.95
Fresh cut baby okra cooked with onions, fresh tomatoes, herbs and spices.
- Palan Zucchini $22.95
Fresh zucchini cooked with onions, fresh tomatoes, herbs and spices.
- Palau Kadu $22.95
Pumpkin cooked with onions, fresh tomatoes, herbs and spices.
- Palau Vege $24.95
Choice of any 3 vegetables.
Side Orders
- Spinach $8.95
Spinach sauteed with fresh cilantro, garlic, herbs and spices.
- Okra $8.95
Okra cooked with onions, fresh tomatoes, herbs and spices.
- Zucchini $8.95
Zucchini cooked with onions, fresh tomatoes, herbs and spices.
- Eggplant $8.95
Eggplant cooked with onions, fresh tomatoes, herbs and spices.
- Baudinjan Bouranee $9.95
Eggplant sauteed with herbs and spices topped with minted yogurt sauce.
- Pumpkin $8.95
Pumpkin cooked with onions, fresh tomatoes, herbs and spices.
- Chicken Korma $10.95
Chunks of boneless chicken tenderly cooked with onions, fresh tomatoes, herbs and spices.
- Grilled Vegetables $5.95
Onions and tomatoes grilled over wood charcoal.
- Palau $6.95
Brown basmati rice with carrots and raisins.
- Salad $8.00
Garden salad served with special homemade dressing.
Beverages
- Soft Drinks $3.50
- Bottled Water $3.50
- Perrier $6.50
- Mango Juice $7.50
Desserts
- Firnee $7.50
Afghan pudding
- Baklava $7.50
- Chocolate Cake $7.50
German chocolate cake
Afghan Kebab House Details
Service options
- Outdoor seating
- Curbside pickup
- No-contact delivery
- Delivery
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Popular for
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Offerings
- Beer
- Coffee
- Comfort food
- Halal food
- Small plates
- Wine
Dining options
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Restroom
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Cozy
- Quiet
Crowd
- Groups
- Tourists
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
Afghan Kebab House Photos










Afghan Kebab House Location
Afghan Kebab House Reviews
BYOBwinediningappetizershomeaushaktandoori chickenpumpkinownerservers
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1Walked into Afghan Kabob House on a Friday evening with a party of two. The place was completely empty, and no one was there to greet or seat us. Eventually, the owner came out from the back, but unfortunately, there was zero hospitality. He seemed overwhelmed, doing a dozen things at once, and without any explanation asked us to move to a different table “for expected guests”—even though the entire restaurant was empty. It felt unnecessary and unwelcoming.After we placed our order, he began making awkward comments, then said he was “not going to say anything,” which made the interaction even more uncomfortable. When the food was finally brought out, he practically threw the plates on the table with no warmth or friendliness—first the appetizer, then the mains.That said, the food itself was excellent—fresh, flavorful, and clearly made with care. The kebabs were juicy and perfectly seasoned, and the bolanee appetizer was delicious.I’d absolutely recommend this place for takeout. The quality of the food deserves recognition, but the service was a 0/5 and really brought down the entire experience. I hope the owner can take this as constructive feedback—when the restaurant is empty and customers walk in, it’s a chance to make a great impression, not drive people away.
June 27 · Shekhar IyerThe food was simply wonderful. We had the dumplings with the ground beef sauce, palau (rice with carrots and raisins, perfectly savory and sweet), zucchini (tenderly cooked with a tomato onion sauce), and pumpkin. The owner was kind. Also big plus - it's BYOB without any corkage fee. What a gem !
August 14 · Shennon LuI’ve had Afghan Kebab House on my must-try list for ages, and I finally had the pleasure of visiting this exquisite restaurant on a chilly Saturday evening. After spending a fun day with friends, there was no better way to cap it off than indulging in some of the finest Afghan cuisine in the city.I had originally made reservations for myself and my Afghan friend, and despite running late, the restaurant was wonderfully accommodating. From the moment we stepped in, we were greeted by a warm, inviting atmosphere reminiscent of the heart of Persia. The interior was adorned with Afghan rugs, antique decor, and stunning artwork that beautifully showcased Afghan and Persian heritage. The ambiance was soothing and instantly made us feel at home.We decided to go for a mix of traditional Afghan stews and kebabs, ordering:Aushak GhoshtiKabuli PalauNaringe PalauChicken KormaDooghEvery dish was exquisitely prepared. The meats were tender, flavorful, and perfectly balanced. The Aushak Ghoshti stood out with its melt-in-your-mouth texture and unforgettable flavor—it’s still etched in my memory! The rice dishes, Kabuli Palau and Naringe Palau, were a perfect symphony of spices, with the latter showcasing an incredible blend of sweet lamb stew and zershek (barberries), paired perfectly with barbari bread. The Chicken Korma was rich, hearty, and deliciously satisfying.The authentic flavors felt as if they were lovingly crafted in a traditional Afghan home, staying true to their roots. Afghan Kebab House has set a new benchmark for Afghani cuisine for me, and I’m already looking forward to my next visit!Special shoutout to our amazing servers, Izmar and McKinsey, who were kind, attentive, and incredibly helpful with recommendations. Their warmth and positivity truly elevated the dining experience.It’s surprising that this gem only has a 4-star rating on Google Maps—it deserves nothing less than a full 5 stars! If you’re searching for authentic Afghan flavors in the UES, look no further. Afghan Kebab House is a must-try. I’ll definitely be coming back again and again!
December 17 · Mohammed AlsalmanOverall Rating 6/10.Solid place overall, just has some flaws. I’m going to break down this review into four parts.1. The Atmosphere: immediately when I walked in, I was greeted with a nice atmosphere filled with traditional paintings and nice wallpapers. It was surprisingly empty for the dinner rush, however. The place could be bigger.2. Service: mediocre at best. Took around an hour to get all our food. Apparently you have to bring your own beer in, which was weird. But, I gotta admit, the food was pretty delicious, so I would say it’s worth the wait.3. Food: we started off with the dumplings, which were alright. The sauce that came with them was excellent. We then moved on to salad, which was refreshing. Then, we got our entrees. The lamb was nice, but the lamb chops were surprisingly gamey. The lamb kofta was very good. The eggplant was stewed in tomato gravy, and had a touch of spice. My chicken tikka breast also had a hint of some special herb, which differentiated it from Indian food. The rice was good and the bread was excellent.Now, the thing stopping this review from being 4-5 stars was the price. Crazy! 25$ for each dish, which were small and definitely not worth the price. The food is great, just be prepared for prices that you didn’t expect.
December 06 · Sameer B.Afghan Kabob House ExperienceA recent Saturday lunch at Afghan Kabob House with four people was marred by a complete lack of hospitality, despite the restaurant being empty. The owner, appearing overwhelmed, provided unwelcoming service, making awkward comments and practically throwing plates on the table. While the food itself was excellent—fresh, flavorful, juicy kebabs and delicious bolanee—the poor service significantly detracted from the dining experience.
July 21 · R A
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