Punjab Kabab House — Restaurant in Colfax

Hidden Gem in Small-Town Iowa – A True Taste of Home!

I recently had the pleasure of visiting this incredible diner tucked away in a small Iowa town, owned by a warm and welcoming Pakistani Punjabi family. From the moment you walk in, you're greeted not just with smiles but with a deep sense of hospitality that feels like home. The staff, mostly from the Indo-Pak region, truly embody the spirit of service and kindness.

The food? Amazing would be an understatement. In Pakistan, we say "roti ya paratha taway se bara hai" — meaning the bread is bigger than the griddle — and this place has truly made that a reality! I ordered the mixed platter, daal (lentils), and aloo paratha, and each paratha was easily over a foot long, perfectly made with real care and love.

They make their own fresh yogurt, and you can taste the difference — rich, creamy, and the perfect side to the meal. Every bite brought back memories of authentic flavors I haven't tasted since my last visit to Pakistan.

The owner, Faisal Bhai, is incredibly kind and goes out of his way to make sure every guest feels at home. Zainub, who took care of our table, was extremely kind and thoughtful. When I asked for extra filling in my paratha — the way I remembered it from back home — she understood exactly what I meant and had it served separately with a sprinkle of chaat masala. That small gesture meant the world.

While I was there, it was non-stop busy with a steady stream of customers picking up food — most of them Pakistanis and Indians who clearly knew what real home-cooked food should taste like. I even met some truck drivers who go out of their way just to stop here regularly for a good meal. That in itself says a lot.

They also serve ganay ka ras (fresh sugarcane juice) and locally made ras malai — both absolutely delicious and refreshing. I ended up eating so much because the food just kept reminding me of home.

The prices are very reasonable, especially considering the portions and quality. In fact, I loved it so much that even though my work was 52 miles away, I came back the very next morning for breakfast!

If you’re anywhere nearby — or even if you're not — this diner is absolutely worth the drive. A true hidden gem bringing the taste and heart of Punjab...

I stopped into this establishment tonight. They took over the old mcdonald's on i80 at the colfax-mingo exit. The last time I had good food like this I was in my semi in the Philly area. Or a friend of mines restaurant near Minneapolis. It's nice to know that something so close to home is so good!! I ordered butter chicken which was so tender and they give so much extra sauce so you can eat it with your rice, and Naan. I ordered the Naan, butter chicken and samosa all of it was amazing. The marrying of spices they use are so close to my friends it made me so happy to eat! The naan though a little tougher than I'm used to held up well to the sauces, the samosa was crispy on the outside and the insides were mixed in a way that made all the ingredients stand out. The rice was cooked perfectly! The only thing was the mango Lasse was a little bit thinner than what I normally would see. Overall I cannot wait to go again and try other items and enjoy more of their take on the cuisine. As a chef that became a trucker I can appreciate the change from fast food to something fresh and different than the normal that you see near a truck stop. Keep up the good work and hope the kinks get...

I recently visited Punjab Kabab House in Colfax, and I was thoroughly impressed by both the food and the experience. The moment you walk in, you’re greeted with a warm, inviting atmosphere that sets the stage for a fantastic meal.

The menu features a variety of traditional Punjabi dishes, and I couldn't resist starting with the signature kababs. They were perfectly cooked—juicy, flavorful, and bursting with the right mix of spices. The naan was soft and fresh, a perfect complement to the rich curries and flavorful dips.

For the main course, I tried the Chicken Tikka Masala, and it did not disappoint. The chicken was tender, and the sauce was creamy, with just the right amount of heat. The portion sizes were generous, and every bite felt like a comforting taste of authentic desi cuisine.

The service was friendly and attentive, which made the overall experience even more enjoyable. Whether you’re a fan of Indian food or new to the cuisine, Punjab Kabab House is definitely worth a visit. The flavors are bold, the atmosphere is cozy, and I can’t wait to return for another round of...