Sami's Kabab House LIC — Restaurant in New York

This was my third time visiting Sami’s Kabab House, but my first time at the LIC location. I’m happy to say the food remains just as consistent and delicious as I remember. I always order the lamb chops, and they never disappoint. The flavors are rich and bold, and the meat is perfectly cooked every single time. I’m usually not a big fan of lamb because of its gaminess, but the way they prepare it here completely changes that. You wouldn’t even know it’s lamb if someone didn’t tell you.

I also love their seasoned rice, which pairs so well with the Qabuli, a sweet pickled carrot and raisin side dish that adds a nice contrast to the savory meat. Everything on the plate feels well thought out and balanced.

Now for the downsides. The space is quite small and can get stuffy, and the strong smell of grilled meat tends to linger. I left smelling like food, so I probably wouldn’t recommend coming here if you have other plans right after. It’s best enjoyed when you can head straight home after.

The biggest surprise was the 20% service charge that was automatically added to our bill. It was clearly stated on the menu, but still felt strange since we ordered and paid at the counter. This charge applies to parties of two or more, which is pretty unusual for a casual dine-in setup. That said, the staff were friendly and accommodating throughout our visit.

Despite those minor issues, I’ll definitely be coming back for the food. The flavors are that good, and the quality is...

Sami's Kabab House makes amazing Afghan dishes out of a small neat storefront in LIC. They have a second location in Astoria. The restaurant is long and narrow, with plenty of tables and casual/modern decor. There was no wait for a table on a Thursday evening.

I had ordered ahead and the staff (maybe Sami himself?) said they needed four minutes more and to make myself comfortable at a table. The kitchen was joyful and you can feel the food is made with love. Sami threw in a bonus dessert for me and made sure everything was packed safely.

The food was excellent and the portions were sizable. The entrees came with a small lettuce salad with tomato and cucumber. I ordered: Borani Banjan appetizer - smoky roast eggplant, sweet and savory and silky. Was amazing and would order an entree if then with a big side of bread. Sabzi Chalao with lamb korma and Qabuli - stewed spinach was tasty and tender, lamb was savory and loved the spices. Qabuli is new to me, but is a saffron colored pilaf that was very tasty, and came with a scoop of carrot halwa with raisins (I could eat these carrots all day long) Beef kofta Kabab - two large skewers of tender meat and also added the Qabuli. Yum. Firnee - imagine a chai pudding without the tea. It's milk custard with cardamom, cinnamon, pistachio, a hint of rose, and was so so tasty.

Definitely recommend,...

Visiting Sammy's Kebab House was like stepping through a gateway to culinary paradise, a place where every dish is crafted with the spirit of a distant homeland. The beef kofta kabab, served alongside the transcendent qabuli, introduced me to flavors so bold and exhilarating, they seemed to dance on my palate. The qabuli, with its brilliantly sweet raisins and impeccably crisp carrots, was a masterpiece of taste and texture that transported me straight to the heart of Afghanistan.

The montu dumplings were another revelation, their dough tender and hearty, encasing spiced meat that erupted in bursts of zest and zeal with each bite. The beef kebab was a symphony of flavors, each note playing perfectly to create a satisfying and complex taste experience.

The excellence of the food at Sammy's Kebab House is matched only by its pricing—generously set to invite everyone to partake in this exceptional culinary journey. Dining here is not merely eating; it's an experience of joy and warmth, a celebration of culture that feels like a homecoming, even if home is half a world away. For anyone looking to have their taste buds delighted and their culinary horizons expanded, I cannot recommend Sammy's Kebab House enough. This isn't just a meal; it's an unforgettable experience that promises to draw you back time and again and the bread...