I visited Shahen Afghan with my Supper Club group (where we try new places most of us haven't been), and we all enjoyed it quite well. The interior is very colorful and welcoming, with greens, reds, and yellows, the colors of the Afghan flag, which was very cool. Our server was a young man (we think he was possibly the owner's son), and he was professional and efficient in taking our orders and keeping our drinks filled. Our group tried many dishes and each one was flavorful and came as a generous serving. We started with the potato bolani, which was a soft and fluffy naan type bread filled with potato and served with a lassi type dip and a chutney - it was also perfect to go with any of the meat dishes we tried. We also had the Mantu to start - a tasty little dish of succulent lamb dumplings, with a savory and sweet topping of beans and yogurt. Very interesting flavor profile for sure. Another dish we tried was the Chicken Biryani which came atop some flavorful rice. The chicken was dark meat, which I'm not usually a fan of, but it worked in this case. It was also topped with a lot of onions and an egg, which I wasn't a fan of, so just did not eat those parts. One of us had the Chicken Breast Cube Kebabs which came as little cubes atop the rice, with a hefty helping of a red sauce/marinade that had a little bit of heat. Needed another lassi to cool down after this one! Another tried the Lamb Kabob which is an absolute classic and you can't go wrong ordering that. We shared a few desserts to try: -Baklava/Baghlawa, which can be found in many cultures (Greek, Turkish), so I'm sure many have had this dessert. Nuts, dough, honey, yum. -Sheer Peera, which was described as a "milky fudge" and tasted very nutty but with a slightly floral flavor added in. Overall, I'd say this is a great place to try Afghan cuisine. It's not fine dining or anything, and definitely be prepared for some spicy flavors - but it's for sure a place to try a few new things! read more

See all

Has my first visit to Shahen. I was greeted with a smile and the food was excellent! I had the mixed combo. Grilled lamb, grilled chicken and lamb Shami ( ground lamb). It came with bread and huge pile of very flavorful rice. I will be back for sure. If you have not been here before I recommend it. read more

Shahen Afghan Restaurant - Mixed combo. So good - Afghan Near Me - Omaha, Nebraska

If you've ever actually eaten in the Middle East, you'll know that their food is basic in nature but packs an amazing punch of spices and flavoring that sets it apart from anywhere else. This place does exactly that! Their lamb and chicken flavoring on both of the kabobs is outstanding! Even my 11 year old, who is usually quite picky on flavoring, immediately complimented the taste of the meats. There is minimal seating inside, so depending on when you show up you may need to wait a bit. The deserts were also really good! We tried the baklava, which was great. And the coconut balls, which were like little grain free cake balls. Service is good and easy. You go up to the counter to order, so it's simple with larger groups that wish to pay separately. Overall great experience! Would absolutely go back! read more

See all

Truly one of my favorite places to eat in Omaha! The lamb karai is to die for. It is in a small, easy to miss, location but is worth seeking out. Highly recommend a visit, especially if you're like me and have never eaten Afghani food before! read more

Shahen Afghan Restaurant - The best lamb in town - Afghan Near Me - Omaha, Nebraska

I don't think I'm wrong in saying that Afghan cuisine sadly isn't as common or well-known as as other types of food. Well, Shahen is an amazing introduction to their food. This is a humble joint off 119th and every dish I've had is tasty. I especially love the Kabuli Pulao - lamb shank with basmati rice. Their version of dumplings called mantu were also so good. And I'm not lying when I say their baghlawa (baklava essentially in taste) is the best I've had. I return here consistently and I hope you the reader get the chance to as well read more

See all

I'd consider Shahen one of my top ten restaurants in Omaha. The food here is incredible, and I love bringing people here to introduce them to Afghani food! I especially enjoy the kofta (beef, tomato, onion, spices) and mix combo (Lamb, chicken, shami with rice) I remembered to write this review because I keep thinking about going back! I've actually been in withdrawals for a while now since they're temporarily closed while their chefs celebrate their wedding in Afghanistan. So so happy for them but also excited for them to return!! read more

See all

Loved this place! Grateful for a unique new cuisine to try in Omaha. The area has a intimate, authentic and cozy vibe where you just know the food is going to be good. We ordered the naan and lamb dumplings for an appetizer and it was amazinggg. The dumplings were the perfect size and texture and the spices/sauce came to be a perfect combination. I loved the yogurt sauce that added a little tang to it. The naan was thicker and a bit different than the naan that you'd get a typical "Indian restaurant" but we definitely enjoyed it. I order the lamb kebab meal for my main and you just cannot beat the flavor of the meat. I don't think I've ever had better seasoned lamb! We finished with the baklava and of course it was just lovely. Do yourself a favor and give the restaurant a try. You won't regret it! read more

Shahen Afghan Restaurant - Dumplings - Afghan Near Me - Omaha, Nebraska

Checked out this restaurant in the old location of sizzlin kabobs. The menu is a little different, but still delicious. Definitely a place to try if you want to try Middle eastern cuisine. I'm no expert on how it should taste but the food we received was very good. A lot of things had a salty yet tangy flavor and many savory flavors as well within the slow cooked sauces. I particularly liked the eggplant appetizer, and the goat meat stew. read more

See all

Shahen Afghan Restaurant is an absolute hidden gem! The food was amazing, with flavors I had not tasted before, if I had I don't remember being this good! The staff was friendly and kind enough to explain the dishes. There is plenty of parking and if you have some time I highly recommend going to the store next to them to explore, you won't be disappointed. Overall it was a great meal with very distinctive flavors. read more

Shahen is a hidden gem in an inconspicuous spot serving authentic, delicious Afghan cuisine. My meal was ordered for takeout, but the food was still hot and fresh with prompt and friendly service. Started with Mantu (lamb dumplings with red beans and yogurt) as an appetizer which was a flavorful segway to my entree. The Kabuli Pulao includes an entire lamb shank which is not only exciting to eat, but also lucious without any gamey notes that lamb typically carries. The basmati rice is complemented by almonds, carrots, and raisins which provide a nice heterogeneous mix of tastes and textures. Lastly, their Baghlawa has to be the BEST of any I have had in Omaha - the crispy layers are enhanced by the interwoven layers of mixed nuts and completed with just the right touch of sweetness. The atmosphere of the restaurant was traditional and quaint so I will definitely make a trip to dine in. The flavors showcase the spices and culture of Afghanistan, yet have a familiar quality that is comforting. I would recommend Shahen to anyone willing to step outside their culinary boundaries! read more

See all

This restaurant was really delicious and had an awesome grocery store next door as well. I had the kabuli and my husband had the combo. The Naan bread we ordered was great too. I loved the raisins and carrots on the Kabuli and the lamb was very tender. My husband really enjoyed the basmati rice with his combo and the meat was super well seasoned. Definitely come try out this business you will be super happy you did! read more

See all

One of the best Lamb shank and rice dishes that we have ever purchased in a restaurant setting. Clean dining area and friendly staff. Affordable prices. Very happy learning more about the Afghan culture through cuisine. read more

Shahen Afghan Restaurant - Lamb shank - Afghan Near Me - Omaha, Nebraska

Very nice place located right behind Big Fred's Pizza. Place overall is fairly clean, and the service is very good. Excellent waiter, he was very friendly & gave us a little background information about the meals we ate & how they were made and whatnot. The food came out at a reasonable time as well & all tasted very fresh and full of flavor. The dumplings for me were the main highlight of my meal but I also very much enjoyed the Kabuli Pilao which consists of rice, raisins, carrot chutes and a big shank of lamb underneath the rice in the middle of the plate. The naan bread goes very well with the sauce from the Manta. I tend to love Mediterranean + Middle Eastern fare, and this place is right up my alley. Definitely recommended, especially if you're also a lover of those types of food. read more

See all

If you're reading reviews to help make your decision to try this place, stop reading and try! I recommend the mantu and fried eggplant! I regret not getting the baklava. I can't wait to try more of their dishes! Also the service was amazing! read more

I was an Afghan cuisine virgin. No more. My husband spent many a high school days with his buddies going to eat Afghani food and he often reminisced those fond memories. When my neighbor posted about Shahen Afghan and I gazed upon the delicious food photos, my mind was made up to go. I surprised my husband by bringing it home for lunch since he's been remote working since March (#COVID). When I arrived, the restuarant was empty but it was clean and quaint. I love ethnic restaurants for their food, but how the interior resembles so much of their culture too. This was the case for Shahen. The interior had a strong whiff of their food even with a face mask on. While the food was quoted at 15 min to make, it took closer to 30 minutes. In that time, however, the owner was constantly checking on me and giving me updates. He assured me the time was worth the wait because everything was home made. I made a game time decision to order dessert, but they didn't have Baklava so he gave me another dessert on the house. (Side note: The dessert was rasgola and I didn't care for it. It had an odd taste and made a squeaky sound against my teeth when I bit into it.) I mentioned it was my first time there and trying the food so he also gave me 10% off unexpectedly! The food tempted me the entire drive home as it stared at me from the passenger seat. The owner was right. The food was definitely worth the wait. We ordered two of the combo meals so we could try all the meat (chicken, lamb, and beef). This food was incredible! So much flavor and generous meat portions. One thing worth mentioning is most grilled chicken breast at restauratns (or even at home) tends to be dry. This was not the case here as it was bursting with flavor and juice. Of the three, the beef or the chicken were probably my favorite. The lamb was good, but it has a "game-y" flavor which you really have to be in the mood for. We ate our fill and still had some leftovers to eat for dinner. Overall, the food was filling and generous, the service was superb, and the prices were fair. Can't wait to go back! read more

See all

You need to try this place. We got the number 1 & 15. Cannot go wrong with either. The soup before the meal was wonderful as well. The man working was very kind. Great service. If we lived in town we would for sure be back often. We took our food to go and ate it on the way back to Kansas. Probably even better eating there! read more

Amazing food! We had a chicken dish and the mix plate and everything tasted so good. We brought our kids in and they had high chairs and they were friendly. From the outside this place does not look reassuring but inside is very clean and neat. read more

Shahen Afghan Restaurant - Mix Plate, Bread, and Chicken (?) - Afghan Near Me - Omaha, Nebraska

We had a great experience at Shahen Afghan. We walked in on a Tuesday with a group of 7 and the young man working in the front did a great job. I would highly recommend the Mantu from the appetizer menu. Extremely flavorful ground lamb dumplings topped with red beans and yogurt. I had the Shami Kabob which is spiced ground lamb served with perfectly cooked rice. They have a red and a green sauce you can get on the side. Both are delicious. The red is spicy. I tried a Lassi which is a yogurt drink. I didn't know what to expect but it was quite refreshing. Everyone at the table raved about the food. Everything was hot and fresh and very well cooked. I tried the Sheer Peera for dessert (unfortunately no pic) which is pistachio based. It's a small bite but it is absolutely packed with flavor. I researched it and it has cardamom and rosewater. Would highly recommend for a unique end to the meal. We will definitely be returning. read more

See all

This place used to be my favorite restaurant in Omaha. However, it was sold to new owners a bit ago and it has not been the same since. The quality of the food has noticeably declined while the prices have been increased by a significant amount. The service is still fine, and the food is not impalpable by any means, but it's definitely no longer worth going to. read more

The Dopiaza was extraordinary but not as much as the family behind the food. This unassuming, yet tasty restaurant and adjoining grocery store is 100% family run by one of the kindest families I've met. If you want 100% authentic Afghan cuisine, look no further than Shahen Afghan Restaurant! read more

Shahen Afghan Restaurant - Owner, Shahen! - Afghan Near Me - Omaha, Nebraska

See all

Wow! We were on a little get-away and found this MUST try hidden gem in Omaha. The atmosphere was humble and quite comfortable. The waiter, son of owner. was super helpful and friendly. And let's not forget to mention the food...it was THE BEST Middle East food we've had. We ordered the Mix combo (chicken and lamb kabob and shami lamb). The meat was full of flavor and to our surprise it was super super super tender! Normally we don't order chicken kabob because the meat tends to be dry, but not here! Portion was huge! Either share or go on an empty stomach! We were absolutely blown away by the deliciousness so we ordered carry-out for later. For carry out we ordered the lamb chapli, shami lamb, and baklava and boy oh boy once again, tons of flavor. We highly recommend! read more

See all

Fantastic food and loved every dish Try the lamb dishes and rice it was pretty good. Will try again

Came in to give this restaurant a go. Am I glad I did!! I haven't had Afghani food in years and this reminded me of the best I've ever had. I ordered Borani Baanjan as an accompaniment with the Biryani Special. Of course I had to get some Baklawa for dessert. Everything was heavenly. It's been too long that Omaha has been without an ethnic restaurant that makes comfort food like what you would find at home. The service was stellar and kindhearted! I popped over next door to get some sheer chai ingredients from the adjacent store. I'm overall so happy I gave this restaurant a try! Thank you for blessing Omaha! read more

This used to be called Sizzl'n Kabobs (actually, there is some old signage on the door with part of that name). I have been here once before a few years ago under the old name. This weekend, we ordered a couple entrees, the goat Karai and mix combo which included lamb, chicken and shami. The meats were seasoned well, but cooked to perfection. Lean meats like goat can easily be overcooked. The meats, however, were so tender and still moist. As a note for those unaware, the Karai is very spicy. My heat tolerance is not that high by any means, but it was hot! I still enjoyed the meal however, and finished the 1 lb order with some rice. Although the bread is identified as 'naan' it is different, if you are expecting it to be like Indian naan. It is more like a bread, chewy and somewhat tough. It was a good bread to soak up the spicy Karai sauce. This is a great restaurant to throw into your rotation if you are looking for something new and delicious. read more

Very good food, family attitude and would absolutely go back again soon. The rice is amazing.

Extremely tasty and very friendly staff! If you have not tried Afghan food you are missing out! I love this place.

My son (13) and I wanted to try traditional Afghan food and were delighted to find this place, tucked away in a highly trafficked intersection. I would never have found it if I wasn't looking for such a place. We had a great time looking over the options and each decided on a platter. The mix of meat with rice, including carrots and raisins, is not something I would consider complementing one another, but we loved it. The quaint space had a few dining with us, so glad to see an awareness for the great food and culture. Our server was very kind and friendly. He was glad to hear it was our first time and that we enjoyed ourselves. We will be back! read more

I showed up to this place and had such a wonderful time. The serving staff was incredible, interacting with us and asking questions. My friends from Afghanistan took me and said it was the most authentic place in omaha. I loved the beef and rice. A few of my friends got biriani and a few other dishes. The rice was delicious, the meat was incredible. I enjoyed the music and atmosphere. I would come again and recommend to any person who enjoys good food! read more

We catered for our wedding and it was wonderful! My husband comes from Afghan heritage and it tasted just like home cooking. Everyone loved it and we love to go back. The owner is a delight as well and helps you if you're unsure what to order read more

This place is absolute gas, a true blessing to Omaha. One of the only restaurants of its kind in Omaha

Our first time trying this restaurant- was particularly surprised at how good the food was - the kabuli palou was my favorite - will come back again. read more

See all

Recommended place for kabuli palao and shinwari karahi in Omaha. Loved the fresh Afghani Naan. Keep up the good work guys. Best wishes read more

Shahen Afghan Restaurant - Shinwari Karahi - Afghan Near Me - Omaha, Nebraska

See all

Great food and service!! Only reason not 5 stars is that it tastes a little more Persian than Afghan but still a wonderful business and the food is delicious read more

Having traveled to Central Asia, this food brought me back 20 years when we briefly living Peshawar. So delicious! I ordered the Chapli Kabob. Always one of my favorites. My husband ordered Kabuli Pulao, also a favorite. Everything is fresh. Nothing frozen! Nothing processed. Be sure and try to Baghawa! Oh my! Would definitely recommend. We'll be back. Delightful family run restaurant. read more

Shahen Afghan Restaurant - Chapli Kabob - Afghan Near Me - Omaha, Nebraska

Nice menu. Excellent food. Wonderfully prepared. Service very slow. Low ambiance. We'll definitely return.

The food was amazing. My only regret is that I did not have longer to sit and enjoy the delicious meal. No pictures, but, if you enjoy delicious breads, succulent lamb and heavenly broth this is a place you must visit. read more

I would give less than one star if I could. My husband and I ordered their over priced dry flavorless food. It was terrible. And service was the worst. We ordered our food and waited 40 minutes and other customers who came after us, mind you they ordered the same food as we had and they got their food before we got ours after we complained. We will never order from them again.. read more

We were so excited to try this and it didn't disappoint! My husband and I went with another couple, we made it a point to all order something different so we could share with each other. The milk tea was fantastic. I ordered the lamb Chapli Kabob - the flavors were wonderful. My friend ordered the Shinwari - the sauce was beyond wonderful. Plus the price was unbeatable. We can't wait to go back! read more

Everything we ordered was delicious. The flavors were lively and always interesting. Our favorite was the fried eggplant dish. We came from out of town but will certainly return for this hidden gem! It was a little tough to find off the street but worth the trip. Be aware that in the summer the dining room was a bit warm. read more

I've been trying to get to Shahen for a long time as I've been craving kebabs. Finally got in today and wish I'd come earlier. Food was great! I got chicken kabob with rice which came with a small container of some kind of pesto sauce. Delicious! My son was in the car waiting for his McDonald's so I had to take it to go. But it smelled good and he wanted to open it up. I knew better and wouldn't let him. He will think twice next time before turning down a kabob. It seemed a little pricey at just over $20 including a 15% tip but everything costs more now. The portion size was good but it was one kabob and not two. So I don't have any leftovers and I'm not over stuffed. Full though. I will be going back even though it is not close to home. read more