The first time I dined here was sometime in 1993 and was immediately impressed with the food quality. Since then, I have been here frequently and I must confess that I have never had reason to be disappointed. To me, any Restaurant should not only serve quality food but should do so consistently. This is especially important if you have guests to entertain and can’t afford to have egg on your face ! Kabul scores high on this score.
The menu ( on a copper plate ) has only a limited number of dishes listed but one could request practically any item of choice and usually they oblige. Being a Vegetarian, my suggestions based on actual tasting would be restricted. Ask for a Cashewnut/Milk based gravy dish like Malai Kofta, Navratan Korma or some Paneer (Rs.105). Paneer Hyderabadi (Tomato Based gravy) is simply delightful. The Kabuli Dal is superb and a must.
Don’t go for the Kadai Vegetable though ! I usually observe that people spend 15 minutes on the menu and then opt for Butter Naan, Paneer Butter Masala/ Butter Chicken Masala and Kadai Vegetable !!! Cmon – Be adventurous and eclectic !
My friends inform me that the Chicken Biriyani (Rs. 125), Chicken Tikka Masala as well as the Mutton dishes are outstanding. From the, “OOHS” and “AAHS” I have often heard, it must be true !
Among the breads, My favourites are the Palak Rumali ( Rumali Roti stuffed with a spinach paste ) and the Khurmee Naan ( Naan stuffed with a Tomato/Garlic paste ) are the best picks. The Breads are priced at Rs. 35.
They serve Beer ( Kingfisher @ Rs. 90 ) It goes well with the Veg Kabab Platter ( Rs. 200 )
The deserts are nothing to rave about and I would suggest a cup of coffee instead ! Similarly I wouldn’t bother starting off with soup ( Shorba ). Nothing novel plus, more importantly, with the various items, it will get too heavy. Just start on Beer with the Kababs !!! But inform them that you will let them know when you wish the food to be served. Otherwise they will serve the food before you can finish the beer ( Which really irritates me ! ) They serve a complimentary Jeera Pani with Papad which tastes good.
There is a service charge of 9 % which I feel is deserving and not unreasonable. There is no point in being amenable to paying good money for good food and then being stingy when it comes to tipping ! My rule is very simple. If you can’t afford the tip, you can’t afford the restaurant ! They have also added a valet parking service recently ( July 2002 )which enhances the overall experience as parking is sometimes a problem on the crowded TTK Road.
Adjacent to Kabul, on Cathedral Road is a North-West Frontier Cuisine restaurant of a prominent Five-Star Hotel. A meal for two here with Beer & Kababs would cost nothing less than Rs. 1500. Kabul is not quite in that league but at less than half the cost, it’s a fabulous deal ! You are not sacrificing any of the ambience too. Mind you. There is not much of a difference between the two when it comes to the quality of the offerings.
Net Net, Try Kabul on TTK Road (located bang opposite Sankara Hall & two buildings away from Reliance Webworld) and get back to me if you are not satisfied !
Voluntary Disclosure : I have NOTHING to do with the Management of Kabul. I am just a regular, satisfied patron !
Update (May 2005) : The place has been renovated and looks better lit now. They have refurbished the Wash room too ( which was the only sore thing earlier ) Wish they had chosen better colours though. It still looks like a Harem ! The Food continues to be excellent and that is what matters the most I guess !