Express Kabob, an Afghani Restaurant near me serving Chapli Kabab? I knew I had to give it a try.
Growing up I frequently traveled to Peshawar, Pakistan and one of the biggest highlights of the trip would be enjoying the authentic Chapli Kababs. Ever since I moved to the US, I have tried multiple places and only a few have perfected this ground-meat beauty.
Open since 2017, Express Kabob is owned and operated by the Budri family. A vision of the father brought to life by the children.
Located on a corner lot, in the not so busy Chisholm Plaza, the restaurant is easily visible to the public.
Building from outside
Sign at night
The dining area is bright and lit-up thanks to organic sunlight pouring through the window walls. The set-up is simple and neat with the catchy logo painted on the back wall in bold, bright colors.
Dining Area @google
Logo displayed on the back wall of the restaurant
There is a separate drinks/tea/ cutlery area which sits to the side of the dining hall.
Drinks/Tea Corner
The huge screens on top of the front counter display the menu which is pretty descriptive along with tempting pictures enticing you to try everything.
Huge menu screens
One thing which catches one’s eye is the glass-counter-case with skewers of various meats (chicken, lamb, beef, salmon) ready to hit the grill along with native Afghani sweets like Firni and Baklava.
Variety of KabobsVariety of dessert, sauces, and drinks
Behind the counter the grill is all fired up, ready to take on the skewers of meat along with a sophisticated machine with a rotating disc replacing the traditional tandoor ready to make fresh naan (bread).
Rotating disc (tandoor)Fresh Naan
We decided to try the Bademjan, Bolani, and Mantu from the Speciality menu. You can also get the Lamb Shank with Kabuli Platter which is divine.
Lamb Shank with Kabuli Pulao @yelp
Bademjan consists of fried untrimmed-eggplant slices served with herbed-yogurt, topped with silky tomato sauce. It literally melts in your mouth.
A Close-up of Bademjan
Bolani is stuffed thin flatbread, a version of Paratha. You can choose from either Potato or Leek filling. We have tried both and I would highly suggest going with Potatoes.
Soft with a thin crust and the right amount of filling, enjoy the Bolani with onions, Mint Chutney, and yogurt. I love adding some sumac on top for a lemony-woody flavor.
Bolani (Flatbread stuffed with Potato/Leek)
Mantu is steamed-dumpling with ground beef, onions and herbs topped with meat and garlic-y Yogurt sauce. It is similar to Turkish Manti and Korean Mandu. It is one of the most popular Afghani dishes.
Mantu (Beef Dumplings) @yelp
There is a whole section dedicated to Kabobs there is a large variety to choose from. You can get Chicken, Lamb, Ribeye, Salmon, Veggie. Oh, soo many choices….
Lamb Chops with naan @Yelp
The way it works it that either you can get a Combo which comes with the choice of meat, naan, rice and 2 sides or you can get Kabob, Naan and Chutney.
Platter of sides
The combo prices vary from $6.99 to 13.99 depending on the choice of kabob and the kabob and naan vary from $3.99 to $10.99.
Both options come with naan, yogurt sauce, the spicy, tangy Afghani Mint sauce, and finely sliced onions and cilantro.
We always get the combo platter as it gives you a wide variety of options to choose from.
Chicken Kabob with fries and chopped salad
The Combo Platter comes with Kabuli Pulao which is an aromatic rice pilaf with carrots and plumped raisins. You can always replace it with steamed white rice if Kabul pilau is not your thing but I will highly suggest trying it once. There are a variety of sides to choose from including but not limited to Hummus, Spinach, Mixed Vegetables, Chopped Salad, Fries and more.
The grilled kabobs are flavorful, juicy and finger licking good.
Chicken Kabob with rice, spinach, and salad
You can also enjoy the quarter or half pound hamburgers which are the real deal. Make it a combo with fries and a drink.
Now onto the Chapli Kabab.
Chapli Kabob
Can I have a moment!
Chapli Kabab….
A standing ovation for this delicacy?
Soft, spicy, fatty, juicy, tender, flavorful. I can go on and on…
There are a very few places who do Chapli Kabab right and Express Kabob is definitely one of them!
Steaming hot, fresh from the skillet, fatty, juicy with a plethora of spices, this is a sheer treat. Enjoy it doused with yogurt sauce, mint chutney, fresh onions, and warm naan.
Heaven.
You can taste the authenticity, quality, and love in one bite. The freshness is beyond expectations.
Chapli Kabob with chutney and onions
And since you will be drowning in meat, do tame it down with a cup of green tea or a glass of doogh (Yogurt-based drink). Your tummy will thank you later.
End your journey with scrumptious Firni, rice pudding or baklava.
Firni @expresskabob
Express Kabob has given the people of Dallas/Metroplex a true taste of Afghani Kitchen. Eating here feels like getting a warm comforting hug. A hug, you crave the moment you leave and you come right back for some more.
Having enjoyed Express Kabob multiple times, I still look forward to eating here at any given chance.
If you live in the Dallas/FortWorth area or are planning a trip soon, do include eating at Express Kabob in your must-visit restaurants. You will not be disappointed.
2 Comments
A detailed and a precise review *claps*.
For the record – I did give it a second, Chapli Kababs are worth a standing ovation without a doubt!
Thank you soo much for the kind words and yes their Chapli Kababs rock 🙂