By Allie Ward
Nestled among Hamilton’s Route 33 pizza parlors, sub shops and chain restaurants is something a little different – the Afghan Kabob and Grill.
Afghan Kabob and Grill, which opened in June, serves traditional Afghan and Middle Eastern dishes, a welcome change of pace for diners looking for a more unique experience.
Owner Omar Ayuby, a Robbinsville resident, came to America from Afghanistan in 1986, and has been in the restaurant business for most of his life.
“I love to cook,” he said. “This is my profession.”
Ayuby and his family have welcomed a lot of customers since opening. “[So far] the business is great,” Ayuby said. “I think some people might come twice a day – getting lunch and getting dinner.”
The restaurant specializes in kabobs, a Middle Eastern staple that has migrated worldwide. Kabob is a variety of meat dishes, including chicken, lamb and beef, but sans the skewer. For the Muslim community looking for halal – similar to kosher in the Jewish faith – dishes, Afghan Kabob and Grill serves halal meat in addition to other common Middle Eastern essentials like curry entrées, Afghan tea and samosa.
In honor of his country, Ayuby has included a sitting area on the floor with plenty of cushions and pillows where customers can relax. Upbeat Middle Eastern music can be heard through the speakers, providing a sense of what it’s like to dine in his native country.
“I love to introduce myself, Islam and my country; that’s what it has always been about,” Ayuby said. Ayuby made sure to create an extensive menu. In addition to the authentic Middle Eastern food, Afghan Kabob and Grill also serves the usual American dishes like chicken fingers, cheese steaks and french fries.
On a recent lunch break, a group of Steinert High School teachers ate at the restaurant, and were impressed with the quality of the food and the service.
Jeanine Dickson recommended the chicken samosa, an appetizer of fried turnover filled with chicken, onions, cilantro and mild spices, and appreciated the modest pricing.
Danielle Muni said it was her first time at Afghan Kabob and Grill, and even though she ordered a Philly cheese steak, the extra spices gave an old standby a new kick. “The flavor in it was great,” she said. “This is my new favorite spot.”
While some may be cautious about sampling a new cuisine, Cindy Enricht was just curious. “I have a friend from Afghanistan, and I wanted to try the food,” she said. “It’s great.”
Satisfied with her cauliflower, potato and mixed vegetable dish, Enricht also recognized the restaurant’s service, as Ayuby eagerly brings the group complimentary cups of Afghan tea and makes his rounds, greeting the customers.
“The people are really nice,” she said. “It’s hard to start a business, especially when it’s different.”
All entrées come with rice, salad and bread, and appetizers are served with a minted yogurt chutney. The menu also has vegetarian options, like bolani banjan, thinly sliced eggplant cooked in a tomato and garlic sauce. From halal hoagies, marinated Mediterranean chicken kabobs and fish curry to pancakes, eggs and bacon, Afghan Kabob and Grill features breakfast, lunch, dinner, dessert and everything in between.
“I’m coming back tomorrow,” Enricht said.
Afghan Kabob and Grill is at 888 Route 33 in Hamilton, across from Brother’s Pizza, and is open at 7 a.m. Monday through Sunday. For more information, visit www.afghankabobandgrill.com.
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