I agree with much of what has been written in previous reviews: don't be put off by the sketchy look of the shopping center, the people are very warm and welcoming, and the food is excellent.
We both ordered kabob plates, which included beef kabobs for him and one Adana and one Chicken Tikka for me. Both had a generous amount of very tasty rice, hummus, and a nice salad, along with a huge flatbread.
Everything was delicious. The Adana kebab was beef-based with complex seasoning, and the Tikka was quite good. Rice tends to be an afterthought for me in meals, but the rice they serve (with Saffron, I think) was so good I paid way more attention to it than I usually do.
The portions were generous, and we took quite a bit home. The Baklava was acceptable but not outstanding, and the two pieces were rather small for the price ($2.50).
The complimentary hot tea (a choice of Earl Grey or Black with Cardamom) is a nice touch, especially on this chilly day.
I was a little taken aback to be served on paper or foam plates, and the Christmas theme of ours today was a comic touch, but the food was so good, the service so warm, and the portions so generous that I didn't mind.
See all photos from Mary L. for USTA KABABGY
8/31/2021Previous review When we arrived, there was a wonderfully lively atmosphere, courtesy of a large group of friendly women, most of them in head scarves, with their kids. In a place like this, to be one of few customers speaking English made me suspect the food was going to be authentic and delicious. We were not disappointed. Two of us split a Greek Salad and a Adana kebab plate, and had enough to take home for an extra meal. Everything was fresh and very tasty. I don't know how they cooked the rice, usually the forgettable part of the meal, but even that was unusually good. Excellent and healthy food and great atmosphere. We'll be back.
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Anya Z.Elite 2022 Austin, TX 70671118 6/9/2022 1 photo So cute and so authentic! Definitely in a more sketchy plaza but the people are soo sweet and welcoming. My friends shared a plate but I got my own and also shared a Mediterranean pizza (apologies I forgot the correct name) as well as some naan. I was really trying not to finish my plate because it was a lot of food but ended up eating most of it! The spicy kebab isn't as spicy as I was hoping, but that didn't take away from the great amount of flavor. Love that I found this authentic spot, will definitely be returning for my fixins
Hallie S.Elite 2022 Austin, TX 461088 10/31/2022 1 photo The best authentic halal restaurant I have had in Austin. Everything about the meal was delicious & left feeling satisfied. I had the chicken tikka with double rice & it came with the most delicious homemade garlic sauce & a hot sauce. The chicken was tender & full of flavor. I could eat a whole bowl of the rice on its own too, perfectly done. This is now my go to spot. Staff was incredibly attentive, informative, & kind as well.
Chicken Tikka with double rice, Pita, Chicken Kebab with rice and house salad. garlic...
Read moreI recently had the pleasure of dining at Usta Kababgy, and I can confidently say that it deserves a well-deserved five-star review. This restaurant is a hidden gem that truly excels in the art of kababs, offering a dining experience that left me thoroughly impressed.
From the moment I entered Usta Kababgy, I was greeted with warm hospitality and a cozy, inviting atmosphere. The restaurant's decor reflects a blend of tradition and modernity, creating a comfortable space to enjoy the culinary delights that awaited.
Now, let's talk about the kababs. Usta Kababgy truly lives up to its name as a master of kababs. Each kabab I tried was a revelation of flavors and textures, cooked to perfection. From the tender and juicy meat to the aromatic blend of spices, every bite was a testament to the culinary expertise of the chefs.
The menu at Usta Kababgy offers a diverse selection of kababs, catering to various preferences and dietary needs. Whether you're a fan of succulent chicken kababs, flavorful beef kababs, or mouthwatering vegetarian options, you'll find something to satisfy your cravings. The kababs were expertly seasoned, allowing the natural flavors of the ingredients to shine through.
In addition to the kababs, Usta Kababgy offers a range of delightful side dishes and accompaniments that complement the main course perfectly. From fragrant rice to fresh salads and flavorful sauces, every element of the meal was thoughtfully crafted to enhance the dining experience.
The service at Usta Kababgy was exceptional. The staff was attentive, friendly, and knowledgeable about the menu, providing excellent recommendations and ensuring that every aspect of my dining experience was memorable. Their attention to detail and genuine care for the guests made me feel welcomed and valued.
Overall, Usta Kababgy is a must-visit for kabab lovers. It is evident that the restaurant takes great pride in delivering high-quality, flavorful dishes that celebrate the rich culinary traditions of kababs. Whether you're a local or a visitor, I highly recommend treating yourself to a meal at Usta Kababgy. Prepare to be amazed by the mastery of kababs and leave with a satisfied palate and a smile on your face. Five stars, well-deserved!
They...
Read moreIt was my best food experience in whole Austin, and I was categorized one of the top 10% food reviewers in this city. I am not exaggerating here, writing this review 24 hours after the meal, so not a caught-by-surprise good review at all. This place was here for a while, and they are quietly improving. They changed the inside decoration and for the better. I must touch all the aspect of their 5★.
(1) Interior: It was top class. They changed their original setup a bit, and now it looks fascinating.
(2) Washroom: It was like any 3-star hotel room attached-washroom! I never expected such cleanliness in any restaurant, not in this vicinity at least. I attached a video of the washroom and please see for yourself. It was out of the world.
(3) Food: I have no clue what they did with the food, but I liked it so much! The rice was extraordinary. They have some spice added. I do not even know what are in the recipe but tasted so well that it took me back to my childhood. I had Adana Kabab, which was completely out of the world. They had some special hummus, which matched with the menu perfectly. Their vegetable salad was amazing. They have this flatbread which is not made in this mortal world for sure, however, I would humbly request to have that (flatbread) when it’s hot. After it went cold, it lost its charm but then again it was not the bread’s fault. I mistreated them by letting them get cold. Before you blame me for that, remember, I had a celestial Adana Kabab in progress at that time. Hence, cut me some slack! Also took a bite from my sister-in-law’s chicken shawarma wrap, which was pretty good as always.
(4) Service: They are quite famous for amazing service since the beginning. The lady always took care of anything we needed and offered us more flatbread if we needed more.
(5) Environment: 5-star environment for family outing. Practically we saw 2 family with their babies in strollers, so it is a 100% family place to visit. However, the nice choice of playlist definitely has the potential for a dating lunch as well – which I could not experience for now, for the lack of any partners :P
(6) Outdoors: They have a small outdoor setting as well, so if you love to eat on a patio,...
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