Ravi Kabob

User Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Possibly the best kabob place in the DC area, definitely the best Pakistani kabob place around. For the kabob novice, food like this is eaten from North Africa all the way over to India with Lebanese food often being regarded as the standard of Middle Eastern food. But, there are variations all along the way on kabobs. In the DC area, Iranian places like Mobby Dicks are all over. I love Moby Dicks, but the Pakistani food tends to have more spice. Also, if you've eaten at other Pakistani places and been disappointed (as I have) - please try this place. The chick peas over rice are spicy and to die for - I sometimes go here just for an order of that. Another favorite is the Haleem. Most places do not make this dish and Ravi only has it on the weekends. It looks like slop, but is really a gruel of ground chicken, I think lentils, and spices. Its so delicious when sopped up with the fresh naan style bread made fresh here. Haleem is one of my very favorite go to foods to eat. The kabobs here are great as well, although I wish the Seekh kabob was made with ground lamb instead of beef (I generally found it with lamb or a mixture of lamb and beef in my travels). I generally get take out as the atmosphere is cramped and chaotic for a non-Pakistani as rules of personal space are not the same. But - having traveled to the region, the atmosphere is really authentic to the small kabob stalls you'll find there and is a nice reminder of good trips and the great people I have met there. So, sometimes I dine in just to relive some memories. Also - for those of you who think the food may be exotic and are hesitant to go in because the men are mostly wearing Shalwar Kemis - don't be hesitant. If you live in Arlington and like grilled meat and rice, give this place a try. Also, to those of us who are used to service and everyone standing in a nice neat line waiting to be served - you may mistakenly think the service is bad. If you look closer and take a seat, you'll see the service here is welcoming to all and very friendly. Once I exploded a Pepsi, making a huge mess and the waiter absolutely refused to allow me to help clean up - I was touched by the genuine hospitality that is hard to find here but is so common in the Middle East and South Asia. So, give this place a try for great food and a nice cross cultural experience.

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User Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Great food. I go for the food, not the atmosphere and always get takeout.

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User Rating: 1 out of 5 stars

Worst service I've ever seen at a restaurant. No decency at all. Food taste was good, but not so good. They only take cash.

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