Shah's Halal Food - Washington DC — Restaurant in Washington

​I found myself hungry in DC late one night and decided to stop into Shah's Halal. From the moment I walked in, the experience was memorable. I needed to use the restroom and was politely informed I needed to order first, which is completely understandable. I later found out the order number cleverly doubles as the bathroom code! ​Here's where my review goes from good to great. After having a couple of beers, my coordination wasn't at its peak, and to my horror, I fumbled and dropped my entire meal on the floor near the stairs. Before I could even process my mistake, the owner, Mustafa, who had witnessed the whole thing, came over. Without a moment's hesitation, he and his staff insisted on making me a brand new meal, completely free of charge. ​It wasn't just about the free food; it was about the genuine care and kindness they showed a clumsy, hungry customer late at night. They treated me like family, turning a frustrating moment into a truly positive and heartwarming experience. ​On top of the world-class service, the food was absolutely delicious and hit the spot perfectly. If you're in DC and looking for fantastic Halal food, especially a late-night snack, you absolutely have to go to Shah's. The food will bring you in, but the incredible hospitality from people like Mustafa and his team will make you a loyal customer. Highly,...

Great food and local too! I'm a huge fan of their lamb and that kofte I think, and the fact that they're open late. I'll get pictures up when I remember to take one, but I eat their stuff too fast!

Would recommend, especially if you want something reasonably priced open late.

Edit on 5/1: Checked my credit card bill and realized I ordered them 3 times last week and probably should get them again.

Edit on 7/31; I think I've ordered from them 20+ times since late March at this point? I haven't had below a 9/10 and the only complaint is that they occasionally forget the include the delicious pakora chips in the meal. That is literally it. Order from them, I'm about to again.

Edit on 8/29: No change (I ordered from them twice in the past week) other than they have a 2 for 1 special on Doordash now and you should take advantage of it!...

Shah's at 1331 Connecticut Ave. NW fell short of expectations during my recent visit Sunday, August 17, 2025 at 8:25 PM. Upon entering, I was noticeably ignored by the staff, despite the absence of other customers. The person who prepared my food also was the cashier, who later took my payment, walked by without a greeting or acknowledgment. When I requested assistance, I was met with a dismissive attitude. Interestingly, the staff member packing food near the cash register had to intervene and ask the cashier to attend to me. When I asked the cashier if he had seen me, he casually replied he was 'busy.' I then asked for his name, but he refused to provide it. The lack of professionalism and unfriendly service was disappointing. Not recommended for those seeking attentive...