Shirazi Cafe — Restaurant in New York

🌟 A Night of Mixed Emotions at Shirazi Cafe for the 27th Aftar, Queens, NYC 🌙

Last night, I returned to the cherished Shirazi Cafe, eagerly anticipating the familiar warmth and exceptional flavors that define this renowned Afghani/Kabab spot. The vibrant atmosphere and the anticipation of breaking fast in their grand halls, capable of welcoming over 100 guests, set the stage for what I hoped would be another unforgettable Aftar.

Despite a seamless booking experience and the proactive efforts of the staff to confirm attendance — a commendable practice to avoid false bookings — the evening unfolded with a few unexpected twists. Most notably, the absence of their celebrated dry/BBQ dishes struck a chord, leaving a gap in the culinary lineup.

Although the buffet showcased its usual charms, the replenishment of popular items like Nihari and Ras Malai fell short, often replaced by less favored alternatives. The slow pace of refilling and clearing did not go unnoticed, detracting from the overall dining experience. It was disheartening to see the buffet bereft of Shirazi's iconic Chicken and Mutton Karahi, as well as their BBQ offerings.

💸 Price: Approximately $27 per person Ambiance: 7/10 Service: 7/10 Soft Drinks (Pepsi/Sprite): Included Green Lemonade/Rooh Afza: 7/10 Chicken Tikka Masala: 5/10 Nihari: 5/10 Dessert (Kheer, Gulab Jaman): 6/10 No BBQ: 0/10 Haleem: 7/10 Chicken Biryani (Pakistani Style): 7/10 Fried Chicken: 7/10 Dahi Bhalla: 5/10 Onion Rings: 7/10 Baklava: 6/10 Tea: 7/10 Veg Chowmin: 6/10 Pasta: 7/10 Value for Money: 7/10 Recommended? Maybe

After sharing feedback with the management, who received it well but made no immediate promises for change, I left with mixed feelings. The evening's bill, inclusive of tips and service charges, came to roughly $32-35 per head.

While Shirazi Cafe remains a place of fond memories and potential, this Aftar experience was a reminder of the highs and lows that come with culinary adventures. Here's hoping for a return to the excellence we know and love.

Note: Apologies for the post-Aftar...

The food was good, however, there are better and more authentic places in Astoria (Steinway Street between 28th Avenue and Astoria Boulevard). There was a young Bengali lady helping my family and I out and she was very kind. I had a birthday here and we ordered the manager told us to buy the most expensive family platter as the quantity would be enough for all of us, so we did. However, make sure to always check the bill! I remember ordering about $250 dollars worth of food for a party of 10 people but the bill came out to $390?!?!?! What the flip???? They supposedly charged an 18% tip/service fee for what? Do they not pay the employees enough? I came at night and from when I a asked a couple of the employees about their wage, they told me that feel they are not getting paid enough which is why they charge the “service fee” and like an extra 20% tax on the bill even though the sales tax rate in NYC is 8.875%. I get that the owner wants money, but why take an extra 18 percent from the already hefty bill just because the employees aren’t getting paid enough? How about instead you guys pay the employees more so that these hard working employees and families who come and dine can feel satisfactory after eating a meal and not hurt about their wallets. Also, stop giving so much rice on your platters. You guys know that rice will fill people up faster so you give so much and less meat. Every time I visit, I see new prices on the menu. Just look at the old menus and the new ones. I am adding an extra star because the young lady was very kind for...

Randomly went here looking at the decent prices on the menu, which is posted outside on the sidewalk. Once being seated, we are given a menu which does not correlate with the menu posted outside. The prices were $5-10 more because everything was a la carte. I then asked the waiter (who seemed pretty lost,) about the disparity, he hesitantly says that menu is the to go menu. We were hungry so we ordered the food anyway. Got the hot chicken wings and 2 entrees. The wings were of less quality and taste from Tyson chicken wings, the ones you get from the frozen isle in target. Mind you they were $6 for 6 pieces (not drums pieces either.) Our entrees arrive, as we try the rice, it has this strange stench, if I were to pin point the smell, it is when you cook rice without washing it. My wife had the beef kebab (cubes), it was super dry and barely flavored. My entree was the bone in chicken kebab, cooked properly, but lacked flavor and taste. We asked for canned soda and was charged $3 each. I mean payroll and inflation is hitting hard but that is an absurd price. We asked for chilli flakes from the waiter to add some flavor and spice, so we can get the food down our throats, the waiter goes "okay" with a perplexed look on his face, but never returns. Such a waste of time and space in my stomach...please avoid this place if you're reading this. There are 3 other similar restaurants walking distance from here with much better food and...