The Bronx is a neighborhood known for its multicultural vibe and offers various types of kebabs. The borough has a diverse food scene, with many restaurants offering a wide variety of kebabs, from traditional Middle Eastern and Mediterranean styles to modern interpretations. In this blog, we will drive into the kebab saga and find the top 5 must-try kebabs in the Bronx. Bon Appétit.
History of Kebab In NYC
In a city teeming with passionate foodie entrepreneurs and diverse cultures, it’s no surprise that New York kebabs rank among the best in the world.
The late 19th and early 20th centuries witnessed a significant influx of Turkish, Arab, and other Middle Eastern immigrants to the United States, including New York City. They brought with them their culinary traditions, which included the beloved kebab.
The vibrant street food scene in New York City provided the perfect platform for various types of kebabs to flourish. Vendors offered many halal kebabs, ranging from classic lamb or chicken to more daring options like seafood and vegetables.
As the city’s dining scene continued to evolve, kebabs made their way into upscale restaurants, where they were often served as gourmet appetizers or main courses.
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5 Types of Must-Try Kebabs in NYC
There is now a wide variety of kebabs available in NYC. Choosing the best 5 kebabs among them can be a daunting task. However, based on their popularity among diners, we can consider these 5 types of kebabs you must- try in NYC.
1. Chicken Seekh Kebab
Chicken Seekh Kabab is crafted from minced chicken, also known as chicken keema, which is seasoned with a blend of spices and a binding agent and then skewered into cylindrical shapes. There are many Turkish, Arab, Indian, Pakistani, and Bangladeshi restaurants in NYC serving the crowd-pleasing chicken seekh kebab.
2. Chicken Shami Kebab
Shami kebabs are a popular dish made by cooking chicken, beef or lamb with chickpeas and spices like garam masala, black pepper, cinnamon, along with garlic and salt. As one of New York’s most beloved kebabs, it can be found in a variety of restaurants, ranging from Pakistani to Mediterranean to Indian. Chicken Shami Kebabs are a staple in Indian restaurants, whereas beef kebabs are more commonly found in Pakistani establishments.
3. Chicken Malai Tikka
Chicken Malai Tikkas are bite-sized pieces of chicken cooked in a creamy marinade infused with yogurt, cheese, ginger, garlic, and chili. This delicious kebab dish provides a perfect balance of flavors, with the creaminess of the yogurt complementing the heat from the ground chili paste and the warmth from the garam masala powder. These Murgh Malai Tikkas are the perfect addition to bring in some much-needed sunshine!
4. Chicken Boti Kebab
Chicken Boti are bite-sized boneless cube chicken pieces marinated with Indian spices and threaded on wooden or metal skewers. These kebabs are infused with spices, flavored with ginger and garlic, and marinated in yogurt to keep them moist and juicy. Chicken Boti Kebab is one of the most loved kebabs in the USA.
5. Chicken Bihari Kebab
Chicken Bihari Kebab is a popular and flavorful dish from the Bihari cuisine of India. It features boneless chicken pieces marinated in a mixture of yogurt, mustard oil, and a blend of spices, including cumin, coriander, turmeric, and garam masala. In NYC, you can find this delicious kebab at several restaurants specializing in South Asian cuisine.
Kebabs are great for trying out various recipes and flavors. By using different spices and cooking them at various temperatures for various times, they provide a range of tastes. At-Aqsa Restaurant Bronx, we make kebabs with their most authentic preparations.
Best 5 Places to Enjoy the Best Kebabs in NYC
As we mentioned earlier, NYC is one of the most kebab-dense cities in the world. There might be hundreds of restaurants across NYC, if not more than that. Here are our picks for the top 5 places to enjoy the best kebabs in NYC.
1. Al-Aqsa Restaurant Bronx
Al-Aqsa Restaurant in the Bronx is a popular spot offering a wide variety of traditionally prepared, authentic kebabs. We have 13 different kebabs to choose from, all made with high-quality halal meat and a premium spice mix. Our menu includes options like beef Bihari kebab, chicken Bihari kebab, chicken seekh kebab, Chicken Tandoori, and more.
2. ABA Turkish Restaurant
ABA Turkish Restaurant is a famous and authentic Turkish restaurant in NYC. It’s famous for its super delicious Chicken Shish Kebab and Doner Kebab. It has many other dishes like kofte, grilled trout, and Turkish tea for a complete kebab meal.
3. Kashmir 9
Kashmir 9 is a South Asian restaurant serving different types of Chicken Tikka Kebab, Beef Kebab, Chicken Seekh Kebab, Chapli Kebab, Shami Kebab, and more. The place has other dishes like lamb curry, chicken curry, biryani, Qeema naan, etc.
4. The Kati Roll Company
The Kati Roll Company is a different kind of kebab place, as you can enjoy kebab gyros and rolls here. There are many rolls available, including the Shami Kabab Roll, the Steak Tikka Roll, and more. There are also other rolls like Unda Chicken Roll, Unda Steak Roll, etc.
5. Sami’s Kabab House
Sami’s Kabab House has delicious Beef Kofta Kabab, Chicken Kofta Kabab, Chicken Breast Kabab, Chicken Afghani Kabab, Mixed Afghan Kabab, Lamb Kabab, and more. Additionally, they offer other traditional Afghan foods.
How to Choose the Right Kebab Restaurant
We have listed the best kebab restaurants in NYC; now how do you choose the one you should start with? It depends on key factors like distance from your place, your favorite meat options, and pricing. Let’s get a little deeper to understand the key factors of choosing the right kebab restaurant in NYC.
1. Proximity to Your Location
The first thing to consider is how easy it is to get to the restaurant. Going to one near where you live, or work can save you time and money. Look at how far the restaurant is and if it’s easy to get there by public transport or if you’ll need to park.
2. Meat Selection and Specialties
Choose a restaurant based on its menu if you have specific meat preferences. Some places specialize in lamb kebabs, while others may offer a wide variety, such as chicken, beef, or even vegetarian options. Pick a place that serves your favorite protein or interesting dishes like kofta or doner kebabs.
3. Authenticity of Flavors
New York City has many types of kebabs from various places like Turkey, Iran, Lebanon, and Afghanistan. If you like a specific flavor, look for the best place that makes it the way it’s supposed to be.
4. Pricing
Pricing matters, especially if you plan to go often. Some fancy kebab places give a high-end feel, but casual ones are also good value. Check menus to see if you want a cheap meal or something fancy.
5. Portion Size
Some restaurants have big portions, while others focus on fancy looks. If you want good value, check reviews about how big the portions are, especially if you want big meals.
6. Ambiance and Dining Experience
The vibe of a restaurant can affect your meal. Choose a place that matches your needs, whether it’s casual, lively, or fancy, for a quick or formal meal.
7. Customer Reviews and Ratings
Reading customer reviews on sites like Yelp or Google Maps helps you understand how good the food and service are. Pay attention to comments about taste, cleanliness, and how fast the service is to get an idea of what to expect.
8. Dietary Preferences or Restrictions
If you follow a specific diet like halal, kosher, or vegan, make sure the restaurant you choose can provide food that fits your needs. Most NYC kebab places have options for these diets, but it’s important to check beforehand.
9. Delivery or Takeout Options
If you don’t want to eat out, look for places that offer delivery or takeout. Read reviews about how the food is packaged and if it’s fresh when it arrives.
Ready to start your kebab Fiesta? Al-Aqsa Restaurant, Bronx is ready to make your day filled with delicious kebab.
Find your favorite Kebab: Order Now from Al Aqsa Restaurant Bronx.