Kabab King Reigns Supreme Over Grilled Meat

On a busy corner in Jackson Heights, people are lined up to order a variety of delectable, mouthwatering kebabs made of fresh, halal meat, as well as other Pakistani and Indian curries and stews, as take-out from Kabab King. One flight up from the take-out area is a large, family-style dining room where big tables accommodate hungry crowds of family and friends. A banquet area for private functions can accommodate as many as 150 people.

The Kabab King menu includes fresh meats prepared tableside by one of the skilled chefs on the tawa, a flat grill. Tawa meats, ranging from mildly flavored to boldly spiced, are among the most succulent and flavorful you’ll ever try.

Kabab King and Kabab King Palace, two blocks away, are owned and managed by brothers Saeed and Wazir, two very kind and hospitable hosts. We were unable to decide what to order, so Saeed had several dishes, all sizzling hot from the grill and nicely presented, brought to our table. We sampled an assortment of kebabs, including chicken bhiari, marinated in garlic and a fair amount of spice ($5.99). Mild chicken tikka marinated in yogurt and cooked in the clay tandoor oven, is moist and delicious. Kabab King’s special sizzling chicken kebab combines ground chicken with onion, green pepper and ginger for a unique flavor, especially when dipped in one of their homemade sauces, including sweet tamarind, hot chili, mild yogurt and mint or their special house sauce.

Kabab King also serves beef in a number of exotic ways. Flavorful steak bhiari packs a bit of heat, so let the diner beware. Beef kebabs are more mild. Kababs run from $1.50 to $6.99, making Kabab King a very economical choice for lunch or dinner.

We also loved the tasty baby lamb chops grilled with a combination of mild spices and herbs. Baby quail were also a treat to find on the menu, and the accompanying basmati rice and fluffy nan bread made for a hearty meal. Kabab King also serves beef in a number of exotic ways. Flavorful steak bhiari packs a bit of heat, so let the diner beware. Beef kebabs are more mild. Kababs run from $1.50 to $6.99, making Kabab King a very economical choice for lunch or dinner.

A number of good rice dishes are available, such as Chicken Biryani, chunks of tender chicken with mounds of fluffy yellow rice with peas ($4.99). This mild dish is also available with lamb or vegetarian style. A number of curry dishes laced with lamb, chicken, beef, goat or vegetables can be ordered mild or spicy. Fresh, flaky white fish marinated with herbs and spices come from the grill and plump shrimp are cooked in the tandoor oven.

Cool your palate with mango lassi, a drink, made with yogurt, ice and mango. Kheer is a type of rice pudding that finishes off the meal nicely, as does honey-dripping ras malai. Kabab King tea, sweetened with condensed milk is some of the finest I’ve ever tasted.

Kabab King and Kabab King Palace are open seven days a week, 24 hours a day. Bring your friends, your family and a hearty appetite for their exotic and delicious food from the border regions of Pakistan and India. Please bring cash as well, since to keep their prices amazingly low, credit cards are not accepted. Kabab King Palace, just down the block, has a buffet lunch special for just $5.99 and also serves halal Chinese dishes. Kabab King will prepare orders to take out and does off-premises catering as well.

Kabab King

73-01 37th Rd. at Broadway

Jackson Heights

718-457-5857

Kabab King Palace

74-16 37th Rd.

Jackson Heights

718-205-8800