KABABI — Restaurant in Melbourne

Kababi: A Taste of Persia in Sunshine Kababi, the new Persian restaurant in Sunshine, offers an authentic culinary experience in an unexpected location. While the restaurant has some quirks, the delicious food makes it worth a visit.

Highlights: Authentic Jujeh Kabab: The combination of bone-in and boneless chicken offered a unique and satisfying experience. Perfectly grilled kebabs: Both the chicken and lamb were expertly cooked, showcasing the flavors beautifully. Flavorful accompaniments: The saffron rice, fresh salad with basil, and smoky-sweet grilled tomatoes were all delicious. Well-portioned dishes: A good serving size for the moderately priced meal.

Our Order: We shared two of their signature kebabs: the Jujeh Kabab and the Kabab Koobideh. The Jujeh Kabab was a delightful surprise, arriving with both bone-in (wingettes and drumettes) and boneless pieces on the same plate. The chicken was tender and juicy, with the bone-in pieces offering a more traditional flavor experience. The Kabab Koobideh, minced lamb, was also cooked to perfection – juicy and flavorful with a lovely charcoal aroma. Both kebabs were served with fluffy saffron rice and grilled tomatoes. The grilled tomatoes were a revelation – smoky sweet with a hint of acidity, their juices mingling with the char from the grill to create a flavor explosion. The portions were just right, leaving us satisfied but not overly full. The salad, served alongside the kebabs, was a bit heavy on the iceberg lettuce, but the fresh basil added a wonderful aromatic touch – be sure to try some basil in different mouthfuls to experience the full effect! Both kebabs also came with a creamy yoghurt and garlic dip which was the perfect accompaniment.

Overall Impression: Kababi shines with its delicious and authentic Persian cuisine. Having tried many Afghan restaurants in the area (yes they are different), I found the flavours at Kababi to be more delicate in comparison. It would be a nice touch to include a small piece of bread with the meal. However, the quality of the food definitely makes Kababi worth checking out, despite the slightly unusual dining experience. Upon entering, it was unclear whether to seat ourselves, and the ordering process was a bit confusing. The menu was only displayed on a blackboard, and while we paid at the counter when ordering, other customers seemed to pay upon leaving. Rating: 4 out of 5 stars, Additional Notes: Address: 18 Market Road, Sunshine VIC 3020 (be prepared for an unusual location!) Parking available on the street or small tight lot at the front. P.S. I never give a 5/5 unless...

Came to this place upon much acclaim to a hidden gem in Sunshine, ready to eat some nice and cozy Persian food! Tucked away, it looked and seemed quite nice. Maximum 8 tables and very comfortable atmosphere. Got there at 12:50pm on a Thursday afternoon, ordered 3 portions for 3 people, and sat down at 12:55pm.

It is now 2:50pm. A whole two hours. Our food has not come out. The family business (understandably) does not speak English too well so we could not complain. Every time I came up to them (every half an hour, so a total of 4 times so far!), they said they were “really busy” and would take 10 more minutes. I understand this the first time, but this last time it is horrendous. They haven’t forgotten about us but surely it can’t be that hard to grill some chicken and rice! I don’t want to be culturally insensitive but a waiting time of 2 hours for 3 regular portions of food is not good. It’s abhorrent even. Customer service is not good too; not once were we checked up on, and every time we confronted them (nicely too!) they said “10 more minutes” every time.

Update: it is now 3:10pm. My 1 chicken dish has not come out yet. The other two dishes have come out - cold! It has been an accumulated 2 hours and 15minutes. 4 more tables have been served, 3 more delivery/takeaway orders have been given out, and my food is not yet on the pass. I do not understand this! I’m writing this in a fit of hanger (hungry anger), a state of being upset, and disappointment. I think this is justified. Cutlery has not even come out!

Update: 3:15pm! Dish came out! Yay! And she stood across the table handing me the dish to my hands instead of coming around to where I sit and placing it down in front of me. I sound entitled, but come on! Maybe it’s because of the language barrier, but at least wanting them to try not to be rude is at least a service expectation at restaurants.

How disappointing was this experience! I could have spent my time elsewhere. Cannot even be refunded/offered anything for the wait. But after all, it’s a family business. This 1 star review will not tear...

Tucked away on an industrial thoroughfare in Sunshine, Kababi is an absolute revelation. The lone restaurant in its surroundings, it stands out not just for its sleek, inviting space but for the incredible Persian flavours that transport you straight to Iran.

The charcoal flat grill is the heart of the restaurant, with skewers of lamb, chicken, and cutlets sizzling alongside blistered tomatoes and green chilli, just as they do in Iran. The lamb cutlets were next-level—succulent, smoky, and bursting with flavour. Every bite had the perfect balance of char and tenderness, making it impossible not to crave more.

The Shashlik Kebab—five beautifully marinated lamb cutlets served with charred chilli, tomato, saffron barberries rice, salad, shallot dip, and basil—was a masterclass in depth and balance. The smokiness from the grill, the bright pop of saffron and barberries, and the richness of the shallot dip made for a dish that was both comforting and deeply satisfying.

To end on a sweet note, the Persian Walnut Baklava (which is both vegan and gluten-free!) was an absolute delight. Perfectly crisp, rich with nutty sweetness, and just the right amount of indulgence.

But what truly sets Kababi apart is the warm hospitality. The team here makes you feel like family, eager to share their love for Persian cuisine with knowledge and generosity.

Sunshine has a new culinary landmark, and I can’t wait to come back. Whether you’re a Persian food enthusiast or just looking for an unforgettable meal, Kababi is an...