Sami's Kabab House Astoria Review: My First Afghan Food Experience

Quick Summary

I've always wanted to try Afghan food, so I decided to visit Sami's Kabab House in Astoria, Queens, for dinner. This was my first time eating at an Afghan restaurant, and honestly, I loved the experience. The food was so delicious that Sami's has quickly become one of my favorite restaurants in New York City.

I ordered Uzbeki Qabuli Pulao, Borani Banjan, Bamia, and an Afghan Salad, along with a Coke. The restaurant also served complimentary Afghan naan bread, three signature sauces, and a sweet Firnee dessert. The standout dish was easily the Qabuli Pulao with lamb shank, sweet carrots, and raisins. Spending $52.26 total for this feast felt like incredible value.

Overall Rating: 9.3/10
Food: 9.5/10 | Service: 9.2/10 | Atmosphere: 8.9/10 | Value: 9.6/10
Price: Reasonably priced ($$)
Must-Try Dish: Uzbeki Qabuli Pulao with Lamb Shank
Other Favorites: Borani Banjan & Bamia
Best For: Families, groups of friends, casual dinners, and anyone new to Afghan cuisine

Good to Know

📍 Address: 35-57 Crescent St, Astoria, NY 11106
🍽️ Cuisine: Afghan / Central Asian (Halal)
💵 My Total Spent: $52.26 (including tax, excluding tip)
🚇 Subway: N train to 36 Avenue Station (approx. 7–10 minute walk)
🅿️ Parking: Street parking available along Crescent St
⭐ Don't Miss: Uzbeki Qabuli Pulao

Watch My Experience

Jump to:

Quick Summary
Good to Know
Watch My Experience
Why I Wanted to Try Afghan Food
Atmosphere & Service
Location & How to Get There
What I Ate at Sami's Kabab House
Price & Value — Is Sami's Kabab House Affordable?
What I Think & Would I Return?
Final Verdict: Is Sami's Kabab House Worth Visiting?
Frequently Asked Questions About Sami's Kabab House
Sami's Kabab House Restaurant Information

Why I Wanted to Try Afghan Food

Exterior storefront and black awning for Sami's Kabab House on Crescent Street in Astoria Queens — The exterior storefront of Sami's Kabab House on Crescent Street in Astoria, Queens.

One thing I enjoy about exploring restaurants in New York City is discovering cuisines I haven't tried before. Afghan food had been on my list for a while, especially because I enjoy dishes made with lamb, rice, and aromatic spices.

Just reading the menu at Sami's made me excited to order. I've previously eaten at Yemen Cafe in Brooklyn, where I tried Lamb Haneeth served over rice. Although Yemeni and Afghan cuisines are distinct, I noticed similarities in their core ingredients—particularly the tender lamb, seasoned long-grain rice, and rich spicing. The flavors also reminded me of traditional Persian and Arabian Gulf rice dishes.

For my first visit, I wanted to order a spread of vegetable side dishes alongside a main lamb platter. And I'm very glad I did.

Atmosphere & Service

Bright casual dining room interior at Sami's Kabab House with large floor-to-ceiling corner windows and wooden chairs — The cozy dining room featuring large floor-to-ceiling windows.

Sami's Kabab House offers a warm, comfortable, and casual atmosphere. The dining room features simple wooden chairs, carpeted accents, and large floor-to-ceiling corner windows that let in plenty of natural light and offer views of Crescent Street.

When I first arrived, the space was lively with groups of local diners. As dinner progressed, the room settled into a quiet, relaxed pace. The atmosphere feels welcoming whether you are dining solo, with a date, or with a family group.

The staff were attentive and professional throughout my meal. I especially appreciated that they presented me with a complimentary dessert at the end of the meal, making my first Afghan dining experience feel extra hospitable.

Getting a table: Seated right away upon arrival.
Table service: Attentive, fast, and polite.

Location & How to Get There

Sami's Kabab House is located at 35-57 Crescent St, Astoria, NY 11106.

If taking public transportation, use the N train to 36 Avenue Station. From there, take 36th Avenue west toward Crescent Street—a straightforward 7 to 10-minute walk. Street parking is available around Crescent Street and 36th Avenue for those driving.

*(If you are exploring other lamb specialties across Astoria, read my review of Moroccan Bites by Siham.)*

What I Ate at Sami's Kabab House

Complimentary Sauces & Afghan Naan Bread

Table condiment caddy holding red spicy chutney, green herb chutney, and garlic yogurt squeeze bottle — Complimentary spicy red chutney, green herb chutney, and garlic yogurt sauce.

Wooden bowl filled with thick sliced warm Afghan naan bread with a golden crust — Complimentary warm Afghan naan bread served in a wooden basket.

Before the main dishes arrived, the server brought out a wooden basket filled with thick, warm slices of freshly baked Afghan naan bread. They also provided a caddy of three complimentary sauces: a fiery red chutney, a tangy green herb chutney, and a creamy garlic yogurt sauce. Dip-testing these with the warm naan was a fantastic opening.

Bamia — Afghan Okra in Tomato Sauce

White plate of Afghan Bamia featuring tender okra simmered in a seasoned tomato and onion sauce — Bamia ($7.00) — tender Afghan okra cooked in a savory tomato and onion sauce.

Price: $7.00

The first side dish I tried was Bamia, an Afghan dish of tender okra simmered in a red tomato, onion, and herb sauce. Having enjoyed Middle Eastern okra preparations before, this felt comfortably familiar. The sauce was rich and paired wonderfully with the Afghan naan bread.

Borani Banjan — Afghan Eggplant with Yogurt Sauce

Plate of Borani Banjan roasted Afghan eggplant topped with tomato sauce and creamy garlic yogurt — Borani Banjan ($7.00) — roasted eggplant topped with tomato sauce and garlic yogurt.

Price: $7.00

Next was Borani Banjan, a famous Afghan eggplant dish. The eggplant is slow-cooked in a tomato base until tender, then drizzled with a creamy garlic yogurt sauce.

I loved this dish. The contrast between the warm savory tomato eggplant and the cool garlic yogurt was delicious. If you enjoy eggplant appetizers, this is an absolute must-order at Sami's.

Afghan Vegetable Salad

Oval plate of fresh chopped Afghan salad with diced cucumber, tomatoes, red onions, and herbs — Small Afghan Salad ($8.00) with fresh diced cucumber, tomato, and red onion.

Price: $8.00

I also added a small Afghan Salad, composed of finely diced tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, and fresh herbs. It was light, crisp, and provided a clean, refreshing palate cleanser alongside the warmer tomato-based appetizers.

Uzbeki Qabuli Pulao — The Must-Try Dish

Platter of Uzbeki Qabuli Pulao featuring a large tender lamb shank over spiced brown rice topped with shredded carrots and raisins — The must-try dish: Uzbeki Qabuli Pulao ($24.00) served with a tender lamb shank, carrots, and raisins.

Price: $24.00

For my main course, I ordered the Uzbeki Qabuli Pulao (often called Kabuli Pulao), Afghanistan's national dish. It consists of long-grain seasoned rice topped with sweet, caramelized shredded carrots and raisins, served with a massive, slow-cooked lamb shank.

This dish was incredible. The lamb shank was fall-off-the-bone tender and flavorful, balancing perfectly against the fragrant rice and sweet carrot-raisin topping. It reminded me of Uzbek Plov at Marakand in Rego Park, though prepared with its own distinct Afghan spices. For $24, this dish offers outstanding quality and value.

Complimentary Firnee — A Sweet Surprise

Small plastic container of white Afghan Firnee milk pudding topped with crushed green pistachios — Complimentary Firnee dessert — a sweet, cardamom-infused milk pudding topped with pistachios.

Spoonful of creamy white Firnee pudding garnished with crushed pistachios — A spoonful of smooth, creamy Firnee.

At the end of the dinner, the kitchen brought out a complimentary container of Firnee, a traditional Afghan milk pudding infused with cardamom and rose water, sprinkled with crushed pistachios. It was smooth, refreshing, and sweet—a perfect gesture to conclude my first Afghan meal.

Price & Value — Is Sami's Kabab House Affordable?

Here is the exact itemized breakdown from my receipt dated February 6, 2026:

Item	Price
Borani Banjan	$7.00
Bamia	$7.00
Uzbeki Qabuli Pulao	$24.00
Small Afghan Salad	$8.00
Coke	$2.00
Subtotal	$48.00
NYC Sales Tax (8.875%)	$4.26
Total (Excluding Tip)	$52.26

For $52.26 total, receiving three vegetable sides, a full lamb shank rice entree, a soda, plus complimentary bread, three sauces, and dessert is an unbelievable value in NYC.

What I Think & Would I Return?

My first Afghan dining experience exceeded my expectations. The Uzbeki Qabuli Pulao was easily one of the best lamb and rice dishes I've enjoyed in Queens, and both the Borani Banjan and Bamia were excellent savory sides.

The hospitality, complimentary touches, and relaxed room made the meal even more memorable.

Would I return? Definitely. On my next visit, I plan to try their Mantu (hand-folded Afghan beef dumplings topped with yogurt and split peas).

Final Verdict: Is Sami's Kabab House Worth Visiting?

If you are looking for authentic, high-quality Afghan food in Astoria, Sami's Kabab House is a must-visit spot.

The Uzbeki Qabuli Pulao alone justifies a visit. With affordable prices, generous portions, and genuine hospitality, Sami's has earned its spot as one of my personal favorite discoveries in New York City.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sami's Kabab House

Is Sami's Kabab House in Astoria worth visiting?

Yes! The food is flavorful, the portions are generous, and the pricing is very reasonable. The Qabuli Pulao is easily one of the best rice dishes in Queens.

What should I order at Sami's Kabab House?

The Uzbeki Qabuli Pulao with Lamb Shank is the essential dish to order. I also highly recommend the Borani Banjan (eggplant) and Bamia (okra) sides with warm naan.

How expensive is Sami's Kabab House?

My total came to $52.26 including tax (before tip) for three sides, a main lamb shank entree, a drink, and complimentary dessert. Side dishes cost around $7–$8, while mains range from $18–$25.

Is Sami's Kabab House halal?

Yes, Sami's Kabab House serves 100% halal food.

Does Sami's Kabab House take reservations?

They primarily operate on a walk-in basis with full table service.

How do I get to Sami's Kabab House in Astoria?

Take the N train to 36 Avenue Station in Queens, then walk 7–10 minutes west on 36th Ave to Crescent Street.

Sami's Kabab House Restaurant Information

Information	Details
Restaurant	Sami's Kabab House
Address	35-57 Crescent St, Astoria, NY 11106
Phone	(718) 255-6630
Website	samiskababhouse.com
Hours	Mon–Sun: 11:30 AM – 10:30 PM
Cuisine	Afghan / Central Asian (Halal)
Neighborhood	Astoria, Queens, NYC
Price	Reasonably priced ($$)
My Total Bill	$52.26 (inc. tax, exc. tip)
Must-Try Dish	Uzbeki Qabuli Pulao with Lamb Shank
Other Favorites	Borani Banjan & Bamia
Complimentary Items	Afghan Naan, Sauces, Firnee Pudding
Atmosphere	Warm, cozy, casual
Service	Attentive and professional
Halal	Yes
Dining	Walk-ins & Table Service
Subway	N train to 36 Avenue
Would I Return?	Yes
What I Want Next	Afghan Mantu Dumplings
Overall Rating	9.3/10