Sami's Kabab House
A beloved Astoria gem serving authentic Afghan cuisine with flavorful kebabs, hearty rice dishes, and delightful dumplings.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Sami's Kabab House
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A beloved Astoria gem serving authentic Afghan cuisine with flavorful kebabs, hearty rice dishes, and delightful dumplings.
Consider Reservations
The restaurant can get busy, so making a reservation is recommended.
Ask Owner for Recs
The owner is passionate and can provide personalized dining recommendations.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
Afghan
Price
Mid-range
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Authentic Afghan Kebabs
Indulge in flavorful, traditional Afghan cuisine, with expertly marinated lamb and beef kofta kebabs.
Must-Try Mantu Dumplings
Savor delicate steamed dumplings, often beef, served with a flavorful yogurt and mint sauce.
Warm & Welcoming Atmosphere
Experience a cozy, mom-and-pop eatery with a familial vibe and personal recommendations from the owner.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Consider Reservations
The restaurant can get busy, so making a reservation is recommended.
Ask Owner for Recs
The owner is passionate and can provide personalized dining recommendations.
Beware of Service Charge
A 20% service charge is automatically added to bills for parties of two or more.
Bring Cash if Needed
It's advisable to bring cash for any potential additional charges.
Tips
from all over the internet
Consider Reservations
The restaurant can get busy, so making a reservation is recommended.
Ask Owner for Recs
The owner is passionate and can provide personalized dining recommendations.
Beware of Service Charge
A 20% service charge is automatically added to bills for parties of two or more.
Bring Cash if Needed
It's advisable to bring cash for any potential additional charges.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Sami's Kabab House is lauded for its authentic and flavorful Afghan cuisine, with many praising the tender kebabs and unique dishes like Mantu. The restaurant's warm atmosphere and the owner's personal touch are often highlighted. However, some diners express dissatisfaction with the automatically applied 20% service charge, and a few mention inconsistencies in dish quality or portion sizes.
"Great Afghan food. The lamb chop was really good and the steam dumplings. Be mindful the gratuity tip is 20% add to your bill. I parked across the street. You can order food to go through touch screen. The bathroom sliding door, doesn’t close all the way. You have to pull it to close it."
Esteban Dutch
"We visited this restaurant while in the area with our family and had an overall positive experience. The place is spacious, clean, and inviting, with excellent service and good food quality.
As avid Afghan food enthusiasts, we'd rank this restaurant among our best Afghan dining experiences. Standout dishes included the flavorful rice with carrots and raisins, excellent and well-seasoned lentil soup, and perfectly cooked and seasoned mixed grill. The dumplings were adequately prepared, though the lamb broth truly elevated the dish. The rice quality and portions were satisfying.
Some dishes fell short of expectations: the chicken kofta was decent but unremarkable, the borani lacked sufficient tanginess and the bolani needed seasoning to be perfect although it was nice and crispy.
The service was exceptional, with attentive staff (including what appeared to be the manager or owner) providing complimentary desserts for our children. For a family of five (including three toddlers), the pricing was quite reasonable by today's standards.
Overall, this restaurant comes recommended for those seeking quality Afghan cuisine in a comfortable setting with excellent service."
Rubaiat Ahmed
"Yesterday, my friend and I visited your restaurant for dinner. We ordered a beef dumpling as an appetizer, and in main course I Uzbeki Qabuli Pulao for myself, and a beef kofta kabab for my friend, with a request to substitute naan bread for the rice. Unfortunately, our dining experience was far from satisfactory.
To begin with, the appetizer order was incorrect; they served beef dumpling with fresh herbs and onions. Additionally, naan bread, which was supposed to accompany the main course. During the main course, the two dishes we ordered were served together on a single plate, despite being requested as separate orders.This was unacceptable and undermined the quality of the service.
When I addressed these issues with the server, I explained the discrepancies in our orders. However, the situation was handled unprofessionally, leaving us disappointed. Furthermore, a 20% service charge was added to the bill. Per industry standards, such charges are typically applied for larger parties of six or more. Considering the poor quality of service we received, even a 15% service charge felt unwarranted."
Tonmoy Ahmed
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Diners highly recommend the Mantu dumplings, mixed kebab platter, and Uzbeki Qabuli Pulao with lamb shank. The lamb chop and chicken dishes are also frequently praised.
Yes, a 20% service charge is automatically added to the bill for parties of two or more guests. This is a point of contention for some diners.
While known for its kebabs, the restaurant does offer some vegetarian-friendly dishes like Borani Banjan (eggplant with yogurt) and various appetizers. It's best to inquire directly about current vegetarian offerings.
Yes, the restaurant is described as spacious, clean, and inviting, making it a good option for family dining. Portions are often generous.
Absolutely! The owner is passionate about their cuisine and happy to provide personalized recommendations for a tailored dining experience.
The atmosphere is unfussy and welcoming, with a mom-and-pop feel. While some reviews note a modern interior, it maintains a warm and familial vibe.
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Sami's Kabab House in Astoria brings a glimpse of Afghanistan to NYC through its wide range of kebab offerings marinated in traditional Afghani spices, like cumin, turmeric, black peppercorn, and cardamom seed. It’s complemented by a hefty side of rice or, for a dollar more, opt for a portion of kabuli pulao (a rice pilaf with raisins and carrots). Whether you’re in the mood for beef, chicken, or lamb, Sami’s has you covered.
The 20 Best Restaurants In Astoria - New York
Thanks to Sami’s, Astoria can claim some of NYC’s best Afghan food. Their lamb and beef kofta kebabs are worth traveling for, the borani banjan comes covered in yogurt that melts into a bed of fluffy seasoned rice, and the vinegary leek aushak is a must-order. Come for a family or group dinner, get a variety of kebabs, and pretend that you don’t fully intend to bogart multiple orders of Afghan bread.
41 Best Halal Restaurants in New York City, NY (2025)
Sami’s Kabab House is a no-frills, family-owned New York eatery that serves traditional Afghan kebab meals, appetizers, bread, and desserts. With Sami Zaman’s commitment to quality, each order of kebab or chop is made from a fresh halal lamb that he butchers, ensuring perfect tenderness and char. Sami’s Kabab House has gained such popularity that it now has two additional locations in Long Island City and Long Island, inspiring his son to open a modern halal coffee shop.
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This is a family-owned eatery serving authentic Afghan cuisine in New York City. Known for its traditional kebab meals, appetizers, bread, and desserts, Sami’s has gained popularity for its commitment to quality and fresh halal ingredients. Sami’s Kabab House offers a delightful Afghan dining experience with its perfectly tender and charred kebabs, traditional dishes, and welcoming atmosphere.
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When you begin to explore the menu at Sami's Kabab House — located in Astoria and Long Island City — your appetite is piqued. Afghan food appears few and far between in NYC, but this restaurant makes it welcoming and somehow familiar to all, regardless of ethnicity. The inspirational story behind owner Sami Zaman's journey to America is one of many reasons to support this halal eatery.
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After years of running coffee and donut carts on the streets of NYC, Sami Zaman saved enough to open his own restaurant, Sami’s Kabab House in November of 2016. His lamb and beef kofta kababs quickly became popular in Astoria, and today, Sami’s is known as one of the best spots for Afghan food in the city. If you can, come with a group and order family style.
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Family-owned and operated with recipes passed down through generations. The ground chicken skewers and stewed lamb with spinach and rice at this establishment are truly delightful. The owner goes out of their way to make guests feel welcome and valued, creating a warm and familial atmosphere.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit