Walking through the ABQ art walk, we found Afghan Kebab and tried it for dinner before continuing our stroll. The decor inside captured our attention immediately. Pictures, jewelry, fans, a floor sitting space, and a relatable quote were very inviting. The servers were absolutely nice and gregarious. When the hubs was getting full, our server encouraged him with a "you got this" and that was a very nice touch. For our food, we ordered the meat sambosas to start. A big empanada full with meat and some vegetables accompanied by a chutney sauce that had very nice acidity, similar to a chimichurri. This starter was absolutely tasty and perfect to get us excited for the entrees. For our entrees, we ordered the chicken and lamb tikka kebabs and the afghan saffron tea. The lamb was on the charred side but the spices gave it a fantastic flavor. The chicken was not dry and the acidity of the spices made the chicken an excellent choice. Both came with rice that tasted sweet thanks to the afghan raisins and carrot. It was a very different but nice flavor. The piece of naan was thick and soft. The tea was colorful and the tiniest bit of bitterness. Overall, this was a great experience at a very nice place, with friendly servers, and great food. If our first experience is indicative of our future experiences, 5 stars is what this place reflects. read more

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Interesting and authentic new restaurant in downtown! We tried the lamb and chicken kebabs plates and while the meat was under flavored, it was well cooked along with the rice and chutney. There are limited tables, but the food comes out quick so the tables turn over fast. Worth a visit for sure! read more

A remarkable new venue, with exotic tastes, high quality ingredients, friendly ownership, representing an unparalleled value. After living in Albuquerque 15 years ago for over a decade, and nearly writing off its severely and painfully challenged restaurant scene, tonight, for me, marked a paradigm changing barrier being decisively shattered. The Afghan Kebab House, with its nearly perfect rating of 4,9 on most sites, earns this score handily. This establishment helps elevate Albuquerque's restaurant scene, for me, anyway --along with a handful of other recent venues (K style Korean/Grove Cafe) into a higher, and unprecedented category To explain, I ordered the Chicken Achar plate. It comprises tender chicken in a curry sauce. But this is no ordinary curry. Tastes that I have never *quite* savored before were present, including pickle, mango, onion, cream and tomato. The spice level was low, but as the owner and chef, Ilham, explained tonight, they are emphasizing taste richness and diversity over spice level. His crew begins the arduous process of making this curry a good 5 hours before opening at 11am. The rice provided was also noteworthy, including raisins and a handful of unique spices. Naan predictably differs from Indian style, being more Persian in nature, equating to heavier and thicker. It came with the plate. Finally, 2 ramekins were provided to augment the dish containing a fairly typical garlic chutney. This, I didn't believe added demonstrably to the Achar Curry. The chutney isn't spicy whatsoever, but did add a little extra spice dimension, somehow accentuating or opening up the pungency of the curry. Finally, after being so impressed with the savory, I returned to the counter for Baklava. They alternate between a homemade baklava made by a staffer and alternately create it in their kitchen about half the time as well. Unlike most Greek Baklava often saturated in honey and canola oil, this was more nutty, remained quite flaky, but because of the lack of overbearing sweetness so common elsewhere, presented a unique taste as well. It's certainly a must to order. The restaurant is impeccably clean, and even hosts a small jewelry shop display featuring items handmade in Afghanistan. Lapis is featured along with topaz. Just this jewelry selection from across the world would render the stop here worthwhile. Ilham explained that, while his family is / existed as Hazaran, their menu is equally and regularly enjoyed by the Pashtun in Afghanistan. I have added Afghan Kebab House to my Albuquerque list. read more

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Delicious in a casual setting. The service is friendly and quick. The black tea is delicious . The portion size is wonderful. I enjoyed the raisins in the rice. Very nice long grain. Love the raw garlic sauce ; I can sleep peacefully after reading my current vampire book, "on wings of blood." read more

Afghan Kebab House - Lamb achari with mango chutney , rice and an unusual naan - Desserts Near Me - Albuquerque, New Mexico

Great find Downtown. Food was very tasty and the service was efficient and friendly. Unique flavor blending Indian and Middle Eastern spices. Plenty of tables along with pillows in a larger sunken space. Highly recommend. read more

Clean, nicely decorated and friendly (thanks, Dana!). And the food was DELICIOUS. We had lamb dishes that were hearty and nicely presented. We'll be back! read more

Great food. Got the chicken karahi and my lunchmate got Chicken Tikka Kebab. Both were outstanding, and karahi was completely new to me. It was complex and spicy, and they didn't skimp. Will return, highly recommended if you like middle eastern/greek/persian food. read more

Love this place, food is delicious and so darn tasty and fresh. Love the laid back eclectic vibes here and the staff is always helpful. Definitely a must when I'm in the downtown hood. read more

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Very tasty! Nice and helpful employees. Calm and peaceful, authentic atmosphere. Authentic and flavorful food! read more

Afghan Kebab House - Desserts Near Me - Albuquerque, New Mexico

Order at the counter then find your seat style restaurant - with floor seating available. GREAT food. You can tell they definitely focus on the flavors here. Slightly pricey for the portion size, but still very much worth it. Being my first time here the cashier was also very patient and even helpful with the menu. Will definitely be revisiting this place read more

Afghan Kebab House - Lamb K - Desserts Near Me - Albuquerque, New Mexico

A delightful cafe with very tasty food. A nice addition to the international cuisine of Albuquerque. The chicken kebab plate was wonderful. The cafe interior is beautifully decorated and has a traditional seating area for dining. The staff were helpful to explain the menu items. read more

Afghan Kebab House - Desserts Near Me - Albuquerque, New Mexico

Really unique but well executed flavors. I wasn't huge on the bread(a bit stale) but everything else was fragrant and cooked to perfection. Nice saffron tea too. read more

Very nice and helpful staff. I got the Lamb Tikka Kebab and the Manto, which was basically (4) seasoned beef dumplings that were steamed NOT deep fried. See pics below. The lamb kebabs and the rice were both very tasty. The spiced chutney dipping sauce was, like the waiter said, a little on the spicy side so I asked for something else and he gave me a garlic-flavored yogurt - which was a lot like a tzatziki sauce - very good. The restaurant has a nice authentically decorated inside seating area as well as a couple of tables outside. There was some Afghan music videos playing on a TV monitor for background music, but not too loud - very nice and added to the authenticity. All in all, a great dining experience! read more

Afghan Kebab House - Manta - Desserts Near Me - Albuquerque, New Mexico

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Beware dishonest staff. I ordered online for a pick up 2 hrs later, but apparently they cooked my food immediately (as an email saying the food was done just 30min after ordering confirmed). When I showed up five minutes before my scheduled pick up time, the woman at the counter exclaimed,"I wasn't sure you were coming!" I told her about my pick up time and asked how long my food been sitting there. She switched gears and smiled, "Just 5 minutes!" I went ahead and took the food. It was barely warm. The food tasted good...for having been cooked so long before. It's probably fantastic when fresh, but I definitely feel burned by the mishap of their online ordering system and the blatant dishonesty. I would be hesitant to go here again. read more

As one of the few Americans who isn't in the military who has visited Afghanistan, this place is wild, I thought I would have to go back to Kabul to taste food like this! Truly UNBELIEVABLE! This is one of the top 100 restaurants in the ENTIRE USA, GO NOW BEFORE IT'S IMPOSSIBLE TO GET IN! read more

Food was so good and the staff was wonderful. So yummy we visited more than once on our trip. read more

Afghan Kebab House - Desserts Near Me - Albuquerque, New Mexico

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Welcoming staff and food is really good. Cousin is just like back in home. Also good place to take family and kids.

Disclaimer- food was ordered at work for a meeting and take out never does justice. That being said, after having seen amazing reviews- the food didn't seem to meet our expectations. The kebabs were dry. The sambusas were decent. The baklava was just ok. read more

We ordered the chicken karahi and a side of pulow. The sauce of the chicken was savory, with just the right amount of fresh ginger, coriander, garlic, and other spices. Heat level was on the mild side. This is a nice addition to replace Knead, which eventually only served pastries. read more

Afghan Kebab House - Chicken karahi - Desserts Near Me - Albuquerque, New Mexico

Really nice place in downtown Albuquerque. I opted for the eggplant entree, Burani Banjan, a tomato and eggplant stew with a yogurt sauce and naan bread. The bread is more of a typical flatbread a bit like focaccia and was very good. I also tried the saffron tea which was also delicious. Nice atmosphere and friendly staff. read more

Afghan Kebab House - Buran Banjan, naan bread and saffron tea - Desserts Near Me - Albuquerque, New Mexico

This is a gem downtown. It should be packed but glad it wasn't, fantastic food, fantastic people and atmosphere

The atmosphere is so nice and the food is to die for! The staff were so kind and attentive I can't wait to go back.

So delicious! I got takeout and the meat was very tender, the spices were perfect, and the saffron tea is delicious. I'll be back, and next time I'm eating in house! The environment is very welcoming and the staff is friendly and kind. Can't wait to try more of the menu! read more

Fantastic! The food is delicious! We did not sit on the floor because I don't think I could get up after but the sitting area looked very inviting. We each ad a different dish, lamb tika, chicken tika, beef tika, eggplant and lots of rice and delicious bread. Unfortunately none of us had any room for desert but next time I will save some space! Loved it read more

Friendly people, very helpful and good recommendations. Place was clean and best of all food was delicious

Food was tasty and the service was very friendly and attentive! I had the chicken tikka kebab, and the chicken was juicy and flavorful and the rice it came with was delicious. Excited to try more of their menu. read more

I have come here several times and have run into many other regulars . This place has just opened and already has regulars ! The taste , the carpet seating area , and the service is top notch ! I love the Mantoo and the Chicken Karahi. The Ferni and Baklava are delicious desserts and the Afghan Tea is really yummy . read more

Came in for lunch and ordered the lamb achar karachi. Wow, it was amazing and I can't wait to come back to try other dishes. It's a nice quiet spot for lunch with plenty of parking. Service is friendly and fast. There's floor seating and tables in the back. read more

We have eaten Afghan food in other places so it is with great delight that we say everything about our meals was 5 stars! The lamb was amazing, the chutney delicious, the chicken Karahi and chicken tikka Kabob tasty. The fresh vegetables were extremely fresh and flavorful. The service was friendly and attentive. The decor with traditional seating on cushions on the floor was gracious and hospitable. Highly recommend! read more

Very delicious and tasty. Service was great. Ambiance was fine. Worth the visit for sure!

This is a wonderful little restaurant. From the ambience to the friendly staff and the good food it's definitely worth dropping by.

Wow this is how kabob & palow should taste even better than back home in Afghanistan including the greatest service & hospitality thumbs up very clean inside reasonable price for valuable delicious foods thanks for being there, read more

Food was outstanding. My friend and I had the mantu (meat dumplings), shami kebab and chapli kebab. All super flavorful, including the rice that came with the kebabs. Service was friendly and prompt. read more

Absolutely beautiful food. Everything tasted so flavorful. You must try the black tea.

Great great place. We have already been twice and ordered lunch for our office! Super friendly, great place!

The food was delicious and the service was great!! Try the leek appetizer, it was a tasty mix of flavors.

This lovely café is warm and welcoming. Order at the counter and take a number to place on your table or in the floor seating area. Our order was taken by a most convivial young man who helped guide us to order a splendid meal. Vegetable samosa was a delight of flavors. The eggplant was was chunky with a fine texture and fragrantly seasoned. The fish was mahi mahi that was perfectly fried in bite-sized pieces. The breading was light and seasoned beautifully. The stewed lamb was delicate in its flavors. The rice was perfectly cooked. We ordered too much to try dessert. Of special note is their cardamon tea that is an ideal match to the dishes. I look forward to returning soon to explore the rest of of what they offer. It should be mentioned that we stayed quite a long time and we're never hurried. The table was cleaned and we were offered free refills of tea and told to take our time. This level of hospitality is to be lauded. read more

The food was absolutely amazing. We got a chive filled flatbread and chicken plate. Every bite was heavenly. And the saffron tea was soooo good, especially after a long walk in the sun. Service incredibly helpful quick and kind. A great experience. read more

We ordered the family kabob meal, the lamb "qabuli" and the bolani. The bolani was the best part because it was made of homemade dough, although the fillings were a bit bland. The worst was the rice they called qabuli. Afghan qabuli is very famous for its aroma and taste. This rice was not cooked in the proper way (just white rice cooked in brown liquid and then drenched in a bad tasting oil) and covered with a bit of carrots and raisins. It lacked any flavor, aroma, depth. The kabobs were also not made of good meat and very hard to chew. read more

This was such a great experience their food is amazing and the customer service is with a smile!