Balkh Shish Kabab House

- 23-10 31st St, Astoria, NY 11105

Introduction / Overview

For New Yorkers seeking a culinary adventure that is both authentic and deeply satisfying, look no further than Balkh Shish Kabab House in Astoria, Queens. Since opening its doors in 1997, this long-standing local gem has become synonymous with high-quality, flavorful, and hearty Afghan cuisine. Named after the historic city of Balkh in northern Afghanistan, the restaurant is a true reflection of the region's rich culinary traditions, blending influences that result in a unique and memorable dining experience.

More than just a kebab shop, Balkh Shish Kabab House offers a comprehensive menu that showcases the staples of Afghan cooking, from perfectly seasoned shish kababs to intricate rice dishes and flavorful dumplings. It is renowned across the borough for its generous portions, affordable prices, and the warm, genuine hospitality extended by the staff and owner, which makes every guest feel like family. For those on the hunt for delicious, healthy, and certified halal options in the city, this Astoria staple stands out as a must-visit destination.

Location and Accessibility

Balkh Shish Kabab House is conveniently situated in the vibrant and accessible neighborhood of Astoria, Queens, making it an easy trip for New Yorkers across the boroughs.

The precise address is:

23-10 31st St, Astoria, NY 11105, USA

Located just under the elevated subway line, the restaurant is highly accessible via public transportation, specifically the N and W subway lines, with the Ditmars Blvd stop being a short walk away. For those driving, the surrounding streets offer options for both free and paid street parking, which is a significant amenity for an NYC establishment. The atmosphere inside is consistently described as casual and cozy, offering a relaxed environment perfect for a quick, fulfilling lunch, a family dinner, or a meal with a group of friends. The combination of excellent transit access and neighborhood parking makes Balkh Shish Kabab House a practical choice for residents of Queens and beyond.

Services Offered

Balkh Shish Kabab House offers a range of services designed for maximum convenience and dining comfort for the New York community:

• Dine-in Service: Enjoy your meal in the casual, cozy atmosphere of the dining room, complete with table service.
• Takeout: Quick and efficient service for those on the go, allowing you to bring the authentic flavors of Afghanistan home.
• Delivery: Meals can be delivered, ensuring your favorite Afghan dishes are just a phone call away.
• Curbside Pickup: A modern, convenient option for retrieving your order without having to leave your vehicle.
• Reservations: The restaurant accepts reservations, making it easy to plan for groups or ensure seating during peak dining hours.
• Catering: Though not explicitly detailed, the large portions and family-friendly atmosphere suggest they are well-suited for catering small to medium-sized events.
• Payment Options: Accepts credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments for a hassle-free checkout process.

Features / Highlights

This Astoria establishment distinguishes itself through several unique features that elevate the dining experience:

• Authentic Afghan Cuisine: Serving traditional, high-quality dishes that have been perfected over decades, including savory meat and vegetable curries, and their specialty, shish kababs grilled over charcoal for maximum flavor.
• Halal Offerings: The entire establishment is certified Halal, catering to the dietary needs of a large portion of the NYC community.
• Signature Dish - Kabli Palow: A celebrated national dish of Afghanistan, featuring tender, marinated lamb served with seasoned brown basmati rice mixed with sweet carrots and raisins. Many New Yorkers consider their version to be among the best in the city.
• Acclaimed Appetizers: Highly praised for their dumplings, such as Manto (beef dumplings with yogurt sauce) and Aushack (scallion and herb-filled dumplings), as well as their sweet and savory Bolanee Kadu (fried pumpkin turnovers).
• Exceptional Value and Portion Sizes: Customers frequently highlight the massive, filling portions, which often provide enough food for two people or generate satisfying leftovers, offering excellent value for money.
• Great Tea Selection: A highlighted feature is their selection of fine teas, providing a perfect, warm end to any meal.
• Dietary Inclusivity: The menu is rich with options, including comforting dishes, healthy options, and a wide variety of dedicated vegetarian dishes like Sabzi Chalow (spinach with rice) and Borani Kadu Chalow (fried pumpkin with rice).
• Casual and Cozy Ambiance: The warm, laid-back atmosphere, often complemented by traditional Afghan decor, creates a comfortable and welcoming space for all guests, from solo diners to large families.

Contact Information

Connecting with Balkh Shish Kabab House for reservations, takeout, or general inquiries is straightforward:

Address: 23-10 31st St, Astoria, NY 11105, USA

Phone: (718) 721-5020

Mobile Phone: +1 718-721-5020

What is Worth Choosing

When looking for an exceptional and authentic dining experience in the New York area, Balkh Shish Kabab House is a compelling choice that stands out for numerous reasons. The primary draw is the unyielding commitment to authentic Afghan flavors and quality ingredients. This isn't just fast casual—it's genuine, home-style cooking prepared with a high level of care, evident in the perfectly grilled, tender kebabs and the deeply seasoned rice dishes. The quality of the meat, which is Halal, marinated with special house spices, and often cooked over charcoal, results in a flavor that is unmatched.

The menu's diversity ensures there is a plate for every palate and dietary need. For meat lovers, the Combo Kabab (boneless chicken, lamb tikka, and beef keema) or the Qaw Lamb Meat (special oven-baked lamb with brown basmati rice) offer a rich variety. Vegetarians can enjoy the flavorful Bolanee Kadu appetizer or the Bandanjan Borani Chalow (fried eggplant with homemade sauce and rice). Furthermore, the Kabli Palow is widely heralded as the national dish and a centerpiece of the restaurant's offerings—a must-try for any first-time visitor.

Beyond the food, customers consistently praise the generous, family-sized portions, meaning you get an incredible amount of delicious, high-quality food for a very reasonable price—a rare find in NYC. The atmosphere, described as homey and cozy, coupled with the genuinely warm and friendly hospitality from the staff, creates an inviting neighborhood feel. It is this combination of authentic, high-quality, and hearty food served with a side of genuine warmth that has cemented Balkh Shish Kabab House as a beloved, essential piece of the Astoria, Queens dining scene for over two decades. Whether you are craving a comforting solo meal or hosting a group dinner, this Afghan institution promises a delicious and deeply satisfying experience.

Balkh Shish Kabab House

23-10 31st St, Astoria, NY 11105, USA