Choopan Grill — Restaurant in Town of Oyster Bay

What an amazing dinner ! This is my second time at this restaurant and it’s definitely one of my favorites. My afghani friend recommended it and has even said it’s her favorite restaurant, so that’s when you know it’s legit. Rarely do I leave 5 stars, but this experience warranted it.

We ordered the dinner for two special, and it was well worth the price! The salad is so simple but with their special white sauce (I’ve never tasted another white sauce like this one, it has like a special tang to it), it tastes amazing. A fresh way to open your palette. The bolani (stuffed flat bread) and the badinjan (eggplant) was very tasty! Badinjan is my favorite, whenever it’s on the menu im ordering it. The naan was yummy too, tasted very fresh. The presentation of the qabuli palow (rice dish) and the combo #2 (lamb tikka, chicken breast, and kofta) was so beautiful. I love the rice, the raisins and other flavors were perfect. The combo was delicious as well, and perfect for me bc it allowed me to taste the different protein options instead of choosing just one. I loved our drinks as well. The black tea soothed my soul, you could taste the quality and it was served in a beautiful glass. And the pomango bliss (pomegranate mango juice) was also very tasty. The firnee (pudding) was good too, the flavors were very light and airy (kind of reminded me a little bit of rice pudding, the undertones of rice and the kind of gentle spices/sweetness typically paired with it).

Staff were very kind and attentive. I also noticed that they updated/decorated the interior (sorry I didn’t take much photos of that) but it looks very beautiful inside. The rugs, the upholstered chairs, artwork on the wall, and other decor really enhanced the experience. I love when people decorate a space with an intention.

Please do yourself a favor and try it out, you won’t be...

Visitors to Hicksville may not realize that there is more to Hicksville than an Ikea...not much more but there's stuff ok?! Ah, like for instance there are a plethora of middle eastern restaurants and kebab shops. Kind of weird right? But apparently there is a thriving Middle Eastern community in Hicksville...I digress...

This particular shop makes no bones about it's indifference to customer service. I mean they get the basics of asking you what you want and serving you but you get the vibe that they were in the middle of an important Skype call or something...they are pretty curt here but if you come here a few times you might be upgraded to: "I remember you." Lol

So the meats: excellent chicken dishes. Definitely enhanced by some herbs spices and marinade which have created juicy and tender thick cuts of cluckery. The lamb kofti isn't any great shakes but the lamb Tikka is totally delicious. The rice here - I guess it's Afghan style?- is long and soft brown rice that taste sort of like risotto!! I love it!!!! Hopefully you get a meal that comes with rice. It ain't yo mama's brown rice...unless you are Afghan I suppose.

My favorite part is that you can pour as much white sauce as you want on your meal! If you've ever ordered chicken and lamb over rice from the halal trucks in the city then you know what I'm talking about!

Most of the meals are $11-15 and they have some lunch specials as well. I'd recommend the chicken tikka and chicken breast kebab. Definitely not a romantic date spot as the decor is missing a certain something. But it is worth a visit for some delicious (and rarely found)...

This restaurant has the best Afghan food, especially if the owner (Najib jaan) is there--the food will be extra delicious. He is also very nice and hospitable. We have been coming here since the restaurant first opened, and they don't disappoint.

The rice has such a fragrant aroma that will open up your appetite. Their eggplant is never bitter, and tastes just right--even to someone who isn't a fan of eggplant. The aush is delicious. They put a homemade yogurt in it, but for some reason, it tasted cheesy to me. I really enjoyed their aush even though I typically don't like homemade yogurt as it's usually sour. The chicken tikka is super juicy and delicious. It isn't spicy but you can add chutney if you'd like. The lamb tikka is flavorful without being chewy.

Their firnee has slivered almonds inside and is topped with ground pistachios and cardamom. It is thick and creamy, without feeling too heavy. They used to make sheer yakh (in house ice cream topped with rice vermicelli and ground pistachio), but they stopped during the pandemic. Now that's something we will definitely miss! Definitely recommend...