Afghan Kebab House: A Taste of Authentic Afghan Cuisine in NYC

Afghan Kebab House Introduce

For New Yorkers seeking a culinary adventure that promises rich, authentic flavors and a cozy, inviting atmosphere, look no further than Afghan Kebab House. Tucked away on the Upper East Side, this restaurant is a true taste of Afghanistan right in the heart of the city. While the name highlights its incredible kebabs, this establishment offers a complete journey through Afghan cuisine, featuring everything from succulent meats and savory stews to delicate dumplings and aromatic rice dishes.

Afghan Kebab House is more than just a place to eat; it's an experience. The interior is decorated with beautiful Afghan rugs, antique decor, and stunning artwork that transports you to a different world. The ambiance is intentionally quiet and casual, making it an ideal spot for a relaxed dinner with friends, a solo meal, or a peaceful evening out. Whether you're a long-time fan of Afghan food or a curious newcomer, the menu is designed to impress with its wide range of traditional dishes, all prepared with care and an unwavering commitment to authenticity.

### Location and Accessibility

Afghan Kebab House is conveniently situated on the Upper East Side, making it a great dining option for residents and visitors alike. You'll find it at 1448 1st Ave, New York, NY 10021. The location is easily accessible by public transportation and is a central point for those living in or visiting the UES.

While the street is busy, the restaurant itself offers a tranquil escape from the city bustle. For those with accessibility needs, the restaurant is equipped with a wheelchair-accessible restroom, ensuring a comfortable experience for all diners.

### Services Offered

Afghan Kebab House provides a variety of service options to meet your dining needs, whether you prefer to eat in or enjoy your meal from the comfort of your home.

**Dine-in:** Enjoy a full dining experience with table service in their cozy and quiet atmosphere.
**Outdoor Seating:** When the weather is nice, you can enjoy your meal at their outdoor seating area. Dogs are also allowed outside, making it a pet-friendly option.
**Takeout:** Perfect for a quick and delicious meal on the go.
**Delivery & No-contact Delivery:** For ultimate convenience, the restaurant offers delivery services, including a no-contact option for your safety.
**Curbside Pickup:** A hassle-free way to grab your order without leaving your car.
**Reservations:** The restaurant accepts reservations, which is particularly helpful for planning a meal with a group or during a busy evening.

### Features and Highlights

What makes Afghan Kebab House a must-visit spot in NYC? It's the unique combination of its offerings and a commitment to providing an authentic experience.

**Authentic Cuisine:** The menu is a celebration of true Afghan and Asian flavors, with dishes that are deeply rooted in tradition. From the perfectly spiced Kabuli Palau to the rich and hearty Chicken Korma, every dish tells a story.
**Halal Food:** The restaurant offers a full menu of halal options, catering to a wider audience and ensuring that the food is prepared according to dietary traditions.
**Menu Variety:** The menu is incredibly diverse, offering everything from classic kebabs (lamb, beef, and chicken) to unique vegetarian entrees like Palau Budinjan and Palau Kadu. You can also find delicious Afghan dumplings like Mantu and Aushak.
**Beverage Selection:** The restaurant offers a selection of beverages, including beer and wine, to perfectly complement your meal.
**Desserts:** Be sure to save room for dessert! Traditional Afghan desserts like Firnee and Baklava are available, providing a sweet finish to your dining experience.
**Atmosphere:** The casual, cozy, and quiet ambiance is a standout feature, making it a perfect spot for intimate conversations and relaxed meals. It’s an inviting space that feels like a warm escape from the city.

### Contact Information

For reservations, takeout orders, or any inquiries, you can reach out to Afghan Kebab House using the following details:

**Address:** 1448 1st Ave, New York, NY 10021
**Phone:** (212) 517-2776

### What Is Worth Choosing

For anyone looking for an authentic and memorable dining experience in New York City, Afghan Kebab House stands out for its exceptional food quality. While service can sometimes be a mixed experience, the consistency and quality of the food remain its strongest selling point. The kebabs are universally praised for being juicy, perfectly seasoned, and grilled with care. The lamb dishes, in particular, like the Lamb Chops and Lamb Tikka Kebab, are highlights that shouldn't be missed.

The traditional rice dishes, such as the Kabuli Palau, are a symphony of flavors and textures, proving that simple ingredients can be transformed into something truly spectacular. The Afghan dumplings, especially the Aushak and Mantu, are another must-try, offering a burst of flavor in every bite. And for those seeking a comforting, hearty meal, the Chicken Korma is a rich and satisfying choice.

The dedication to authentic recipes and the use of fresh ingredients ensure that every dish is a genuine representation of Afghan culinary heritage. For a meal that feels like it was prepared in a traditional Afghan home, Afghan Kebab House is an exceptional choice. Whether you're looking for a delightful dinner, a satisfying lunch, or a flavorful takeout option, this Upper East Side gem is well worth a visit.

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

New York New York County New York 1st Avenue

1448 1st Ave, New York, NY 10021, USA

Afghan Kebab House Reviews

An average rating of ★4 from 306 user reviews.

BYOBwinediningappetizershomeaushaktandoori chickenpumpkinownerservers

★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

Walked 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 Iyer
I’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 Alsalman
The 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 Lu
Overall 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