Kabab House — Restaurant in Kirkland

I must say that was an EX-PER-I-ENCE! Hot diggity dog that was a million dolla dinner for sure. Let’s start with the entrance. As we walked into the two front doors down the red carpet like hall to be seated, they seated us before we even asked! Their speediness, tidiness and readiness made us sit down, with everything we needed, and glasses of water full in barely a second. My spidey senses were tingling prior to coming to this place, and this start made it all the worth while to knowing I picked what I needed for myself. Although some may think that waiters need to be more talkative and welcoming, they were straight to business, ready to serve us food- hence the whole point of a restaurant! As we sat down in the rosy pink kind of old 1990s booth feeling vibes, we were enticed with the menu that was so simple, selectable, and intricate in just a one page that was double sided, it was well appreciated that they had it all honed in and easy for my eyes to see. Like I always say, what’s easy to the eyes is easy to the thighs! God bless these angels sent down from heaven who bestowed upon me provided me with that clarity, that thoughtfulness, and that respect - I truly wouldn’t be who I am right now without you. In fact, they were such sweeties that they gave us all the time we needed to order our yumMAY meal. Our order was the Chicken Saami Kebab, the Lamb Seekh Kebab, the Butter Chicken/Tikka Masala, the Lamb Biryani, and for desert the Halwa. Now I gotta lot to say, I must warn you, be prepared for the WRITE of your lives oh boy, oh boy! Starting with the chicken Sami kebab, not bad, decent but very nostalgic to my mothers cooking, something in it felt so familiar and it was simple such that it was a nice palate cleanser. A great start and not a long wait at all, my tummy, as you may not have been introduced, rumbled like any bumble! Anyways, after sipping on my water (which was probably the best tasted-like-nothing kind of glacier dipped water liquidated viscous bodacious delicacy I’ve ever had) the next dish of the Lamb Seekh Kebab practically jumped right in my face, surprising the barbecue out of me. And I’m from the South! The kebab was very flavorful to the point the spices danced all over my tongue, doing the salsa down my throat. It was also juicy and smoochy, my complements to the chef. Just after finishing that, the butter chicken and goat biryani came right together in a pair. The butter chicken was creamy, saucy, the right amount of sweet and with the garlic naan it was P TO THE E TO R TO THE F TO E TO THE C TO THE T. I’ve started thanking god everyday for this food now, THATS what it does to you. Amen. The goat biryani had the best masalas ever, the crispy onions on top sealed (or more so pealed, haha) the deal. That’s when I knew it got good. After all that and being basically full to the brim of my gastric limits I decided to get the Halwa because YOU ALWAYS HAVE SPACE FOR DESERT. And it was alright. After all that, I had to leave. The food, the people, the ambience all made it. Made me want to live there away from my darn cats! Sadly, my time with Kabab House was over…. FOR NOW....

I recently dined at Kabab House, and I have mixed feelings about the experience. The restaurant itself was tidy and spacious, with ample seating for both small groups and larger parties. The ambiance was pleasant, and I appreciated the effort they put into maintaining a clean environment.

The staff at Kabab House were undeniably friendly and accommodating. They greeted us warmly upon entry and made us feel welcome throughout our visit. However, this friendliness seemed to be contradicted by their lack of flexibility when it came to customizing the menu. I was disappointed to find that they were unwilling to make even minor adjustments to the dishes, which is something I have come to expect from many restaurants.

On the positive side, the service was impressively quick. Our orders were taken promptly, and the food arrived at our table without unnecessary delays. This was a plus, especially for those looking for a quick meal during a busy day.

Unfortunately, the biggest drawback of Kabab House was the pricing and portion sizes. The menu left me perplexed as I observed the substantial difference in prices compared to other Pakistani restaurants of equal caliber. For instance, a simple Naan was priced more than twice what I'd typically pay elsewhere, and the portion sizes were surprisingly small. A glaring example was the Seekh Kabab – at Kabab House, we received only two pieces, whereas other restaurants often serve four for the same price. This trend seemed to permeate the entire menu, leaving me disappointed with the value for money.

What was truly frustrating, however, was the discrepancy between the listed prices and the final bill. I felt deceived as I discovered that the prices were subject to change, and the actual prices were higher than those advertised. This left a sour taste in my mouth, as I ended up paying significantly more than anticipated for each item I ordered.

While the food quality at Kabab House was undeniably good and carried an authentic taste, I found it hard to ignore the fact that the pricing and portion sizes left much to be desired. It's clear that the restaurant has potential, but unless they address these issues and make their offerings more reasonable in terms of cost and size, I'm hesitant to return. It's my hope that they consider reevaluating their pricing strategy to match the value they provide in terms of taste and...

Where do I even begin? From the moment I stepped into Kebab House in Kirkland, I felt like I was being welcomed into a beloved family home—not just a restaurant. The warmth, the hospitality, the aromas... it was all so divinely inviting.

I had the absolute honor of being served by Al, and let me tell you—this man is the epitome of grace, generosity, and genuine hospitality. Not only did he walk me through the menu like a seasoned tour guide of Middle Eastern culinary heaven, but he also shared the story of how every dish is prepared with love, tradition, and respect for culture. His energy lit up the room, and you could tell he cared deeply about every guest’s experience. He even brought out complimentary tea at the end of the meal just because “hospitality is everything.”

I ordered the Mixed Grill Platter, and with my first bite, I felt something I haven’t felt in a long time—home. The meat was so tender and perfectly spiced, I actually closed my eyes and smiled mid-bite. The saffron rice? Fluffy, aromatic, and heavenly. The hummus? Creamy and fresh with a perfect hint of lemon and garlic. And don’t even get me started on the baklava—I swear an angel handed it to me.

But here’s the part that blew me away…

Halfway through the meal, I saw a young couple walk in with a small child. They were clearly first-timers. Al greeted them like they were old friends, brought over a baby chair, and even gave the child a small plate of rice and grilled veggies—on the house. The parents looked touched. I felt touched. That’s the kind of love this place gives. It's not just about food—it's about connection.

Before I left, I told Al I’d be back, and I meant it. I’m already planning to bring my parents, cousins, friends, anyone who appreciates good food and good hearts. Kirkland is lucky to have this gem. Honestly, if you're within 100 miles of this place and haven’t eaten here yet, drop what you're doing and GO.

Kebab House is not just a restaurant—it’s a warm embrace, a full heart, and a five-star meal rolled into one. Bravo to the entire team, and special thanks to Al for reminding me what real hospitality feels like. You’ve gained a loyal fan for life.

See you again very soon. ❤️ #SupportLocal #KirklandEats #MiddleEasternMagic...