Lalah Halal — Restaurant in Austin

Formally Afghan Halal which I've had in the past. Now located inside a convenience store with no signs outside so hard to know it's there unless you are looking for it. There's also not that much seating inside so you probably want to take the food to go.

The website ordering failed for us and it was kinda hard to communicate over the phone. Also, we are not randomly calling your personal number. Don't answer with a cold annoyed hello?? and make the customer wonder if they called a wrong number. If this is a business #, reply accordingly like "Hi this is Lalah Halal". It's basic business etiquette and not that hard to do.

Anyway, I went in and ordered. Service inside was very friendly. They make the food fresh so expect a wait. Already know and recommend the chapli kabab dishes. So this time I tried the gyro (lamb/beef mix) over spicy rice and the combo (grilled chicken and gyro) over spicy rice.

This is not your usual standard over rice plate. The spicy rice is incredible. It has some biryani feelings and taste. The gyro is cooked perfectly. At the normal 'over rice' joints, I usually ask for extra red and white sauces and mix it up well and derive the taste from that as the rice or meats are usually pretty bland.

Not here.

I can see myself enjoying this without the sauces, that's how much I liked the rice and gyro. With that said, off course the sauces greatly enhance the flavors. They use the usual red and white sauce. But they also have this chutney which they add on the side. It reminded me of raita. I mixed it in along with the other sauces and honestly, this is the best over rice I've had in Austin.

It's about $13/ per plate after taxes/tips so it's on the expensive side. But a plate will last you a meal and a snack or maybe even two meals if you eat small portions and the quality can't be beat so ultimately I feel it's worth it.

They also have burgers, cheese steaks, wraps and a separate menu for Peshawari chicken Karahi. All of which looks incredible and something to try...

This place is literally a hole in the wall. I waited to try twice before writing a review as most desi places are notorious for being inconsistent. However both times the food was totally awesome. I can’t rave enough about the chapli kabab. They are the most authentic and delicious chapli Kabab I’ve ever had in USA. The chicken Karahi is also out of this world. It’s made fresh so takes a little time to prepare. The chicken Philly was also very good and your kids will enjoy the burgers. The owner is friendly. I told him I was not happy with the quality of pieces in the chicken the first time and he was very willing to improve it the next time. The staff appear to be hard working and the kitchen appears to be clean and well organized. I wish them the best and hope they will continue to grow and become a proper restaurant...

The best chappli kababs ever. I haven’t eaten a better Kabab even in Peshawar. It was made so fresh and delicious with perfect kaboli rice. And chicken karahi was out of this world. I placed my order 50 minutes before arrival and told him when I will be there. And was very impressed. My kids loved the burger and Philly sandwich. Even the chutni was made perfect. This guy deserves the best chef award. Thank you for this yummy treat. A definite worth place to visit. It’s located in a convenient store. I hope he starts his own restaurant on day at a nice location. His food deserves long lines and a proper pushtun style sitting area, like chursi...