Since 1978 Balkh Shish Kabab House has been turning out succulent kebabs and classic savory Afghan cooking. The restaurant is named after the northeast province (Balkh) where one of the partners and main chef Abdul is from. Located in Astoria under the clattering tracks of the elevated subway, bu once inside you feel "transported" by the cuisine, atmosphere, and the mostly Afghan clientele. 

One of the most popular and traditional appetizers is mato. Beef dumplings with curry and yogurt. They are  accompanied by red and green sauce, both of which are spicy but each with different taste. I enjoyed both.

The restaurant to it's name, does shish kababs very well. They feature over a dozen types and they are juicy and have that little taste of burnt which I love. However, tonight, at the coaxing of my animated waiter Mohammed, I opted on one of the restaurants "very most special dishes" . . . Qaw Lamb Meat. The dish could be best described as an Afghan version of a lamb shank with brown basmeti rice, raisins (huge delicious raisins) and carrots. The lamb is baked in the oven after hours of special marination. The lamb is so tender and succulent. Not only delicious, but the portion is very large.

One of the two owners, Mohammed Nasim in front of the grill. Mohammed is not usually the chef but in charge more of the business side of the restaurant. However, he was pleased to put on the red apron for this photo. He is warm, engaging and patient in explaining the wide array of dishes at Balkh Shish Kabab House.

Balkh Shish Kabab House presents a colorful decor; with paintings, fine Afghan area rugs, and portraits of fierce Afghan warriors. This painting which is finely detailed is of the famous mosque in the northeastern city of Mazar-e-Sharif.  

I found this painting fascinating. It is a portrait of the late Sur Ahang, one of Afghanistan's most beloved "traditional" singers. 

Another popular appetizer is Bolanee Kadu, (fried pumpkin) I was not crazy about it, but still a new rather interesting taste sensation.

A puzzle map of Afghanistan adorns the back wall, it displays the respective provinces, thirty-four of them which make up the country.

Afghan language lesson - "Hello" (Salam Aluikum)  "Thank you"  (Tashakur)  "Delicious"  (Mazadar)

Afghanistan interesting fact - The national sport is called "Bushkash," translation - goat grabbing. The sport is played between to teams trying to catch a goat while riding on horseback. There are photos of this in the restaurant. 

Address - 23-10 31st Street Astoria (Queens)  (718) 721 - 5020