The Kabob House in Boise, is a small restaurant that specializes in foods from Afghanistan.They also include dishes from neighboring areas such as India, Iran and other areas known by the collective name of Persia. The dishes are extremely good, featuring such items as kabobs of beef, lamb and chicken; a wide variety of curries. The popular dish known in that area as sambosa, a turnover filled with potatoes and split peas is one of the appetizers on the extensive menu. Soups and salads are on the menu, as well as a wide variety of side dishes and traditional beverages including Persian Chai with Hael and Mango Lassi. The menu also includes a nice selection of entrees and Kabob House’s namesake, grilled kabobs made of beef, lamb and chicken. To round out the meal, they have desserts from India, Afghanistan and Persia. Although there are several delicious Indian restaurants in Boise, Kabob House rounds out their Indian food selection with these other countries to make some delicious combinations.
I always am up for trying a new place if a friend suggests it; and that is how I found myself joining a neighbor at the Kabob House. We were met at the table by the owner, Shams, who greeted my neighbor as an old friend. We immediately ordered a pot of Chai Tea with Hael to start off. My friend also ordered Mango Lassi, a favorite drink of his. We also ordered a plate of Sambosas, a dish common to several cultures in the region. These were nicely fried, and filled with a piping hot mixture of mashed peas and chunky potatoes. The sambosas came with a chatni dip on the side. Shams also brought us a freshly made dip of spicy chatni, since we informed him spicy flavors were a favorite of mine. The contrast of crunchy dough surrounding the meltingly tender filling; and the hot (temperature wise) sambosa dipped into the cold chatni was an excellent start to the meal.
One of the popular dishes at Kabob House is fresh made Naan, the flatbread that has various versions throughout India. We passed on the basic Naan and opted for fresh made Garlic Naan, with intense flavor from the fresh roasted garlic in the dough. This was excellent by itself as well as being used as a scoop for the various sauces of the food and dips that our meal consisted of. The garlic infused the Naan with a delicious aroma and flavor, as well as complementing everything it was dipped in.
As we sipped the Chai, we perused the menu for which entree we each wanted. The entrees consist of several types of curry, both with meat and also several vegetarian choices. Several versions of kabobs are also available as a main dish. I decided on one of my favorites, Tekka Kabob. The spiced and grilled lamb came with salad and Basmati Rice, as well as a nice raita, a yogurt dipping sauce. I also had some of the samosa spicy dip left which was excellent with the perfectly grilled lamb. The fresh made salad had a mild but delicious dressing on it. The Tekka Kabobs are also available made from chicken and beef.
My friend ordered the Chicken Tikka Masala. It was exquisitely plated and came with a nice bowl of Basmati Rice. I had a few spoons of it over my rice and it was really delicious, with a creamy sauce and just a tinge of heat to the tender chicken. I do like the concept at Kabob House of picking some popular dishes from each culture, it shows both the similarities and differences that have grown from different areas. Even though India and Persia, for example, have some very different cuisines, there are many dishes that have a lot of similarities, especially in the uses of spices and herbs.
As we talked with Shams and Ayoub, they found both of us knowledgeable in the cuisines of each of the areas covered at the Kabob House. Soon, they disappeared and we proceeded to eat more of our dinner. Soon, however, they returned with several sample dishes for us to try. Some were various vegetarian dishes such as Daal Chalow, the popular purếe of lentils in a mild sauce. There was also a sample plate of Biranyi Rice, which was very good. Others were not as familiar to us, but all were delicious. They explained a bit about each, suggested whether each should be eaten with the Naan or the Basmati Rice; and made the visit a marvelous learning experience.
Overall, the visit to Kabob House was an excellent experience. I plan to visit them often from now on. Prices are reasonable and service excellent. Besides dining in, they are set up with many major food delivery companies and, since there is convenient parking, can also be a good choice for stopping by on the way home to get the food to go. It is a good choice for vegetarians as well as those who enjoy meat as part of their meal. Plus, it is a nice place with a group, since many dishes can be easily shared. I suggest you put Kabob House on your list of places to try too—you won’t be disappointed!
Kabob House
9140 Emerald Street
Boise, ID 83704
Phone: (208) 323-1112
Kabob House Facebook Page
