Minnesota Food Adventure | Babani's 🌟

A true hidden gem in the Twin Cities! Located just south of downtown St. Paul, this unassuming spot offers some of the most flavorful and authentic Kurdish cuisine I’ve ever tried. If you're tired of the same old restaurants and want to try something truly special, Babani's is a must-visit! Beef Kababs Rating: 5/5 🤤🔥 These kababs are nothing short of incredible! The beef is marbled and juicy, grilled to perfection with a smoky, aromatic char that locks in all the natural juices. Even after grilling, the meat remains tender and moist—not a hint of dryness. The rice pilaf served alongside is equally impressive: fragrant, lightly spiced, and cooked with just the right amount of oil to make every bite rich and satisfying. It reminded me of the wok-fried rice I grew up with—comforting yet exciting. An absolute must-order! Sheik Babani Rating: 5/5 🍆💯 This dish is a masterpiece! A whole eggplant, tender and richly cooked, is stuffed with perfectly seasoned ground meat and simmered in a delicate tomato-based sauce. Served over fluffy rice, it’s a harmonious blend of textures and flavors. The sauce is well-balanced—not overly acidic—and lets the warm, earthy spices shine through. There’s nothing “weird” or unfamiliar here; just wholesome, deeply satisfying comfort food. Jaajic Salad Rating: 2/5 🥒🤷‍♂️ While the main dishes absolutely stole the show, the sides didn’t quite hit the mark. The Jaajic salad was a letdown—the yogurt dressing was overly heavy and tangy, overpowering the fresh ingredients. I wished for more cucumber and herbs to balance it out. Sadly, this one didn’t work for me. Final Thoughts Babani’s is a restaurant I’ll return to again and again—for the Beef Kababs and Sheik Babani alone! It’s a small, family-run spot with big flavors and even bigger heart. Don’t let the simple setting fool you—this place is serving some of the most memorable food in the area. Highly recommended for: Lovers of Middle Eastern and Kurdish cuisine Anyone seeking hearty, spiced-driven dishes A low-key but delicious dining experience Pro tip: Skip the salad and save room for the mains—you won’t regret it! #Babani's #KurdishFood #StPaulEats #HiddenGems #FoodieFind #TwinCitiesFood #BeefKabab #ComfortFood #MinnesotaEats 🍴🌯🔥