[Restaurant Opening] Chapli Kabob in Mississauga

Website: http://www.chaplikabob.com/ (under construction)
Address: 40 Dundas St. W, Unit 6, Mississauga, ON
When I went: May 2016, lunch, 6 people
Rating: $, 3

As a food blogger, it’s a joy to showcase new restaurants in Toronto/GTA. I normally frequent restaurants downtown T.O or in York region. My friend from Mississauga has brought me to many hidden gems and tasty eats in the west end in the past, including this restaurant. For that, I am thankful.

Chapli Kabob, a restaurant specializing in Afghan kabobs and grilled meats had their grand opening mid-May 2016. The newly renovated restaurant is located in a small strip plaza with an Indian Pakistani grocery store. Inside there was plenty of seats for dining in. Similar to other fast food restaurants, customers order at the counter and are assigned a specific order number.

The menu consists of chicken, beef, fish and lamb dishes (no pork) marinated in house made seasoning and Afghan spices. Customers can order lunch portions that come with a salad and naan, or dinner portions that has the addition of rice. The menu also has wraps, skewers, and karahies (stew), as well as side orders and dessert.

I ordered the slow cooked spiced lamb shank dinner and it was only $11.49. I was impressed that they would offer lamb shank at a fast food restaurant as it takes hours to make it tender. The basmati rice with raisin and carrots was lightly spiced and went well with the lamb. The naan was served hot and thicker than the naans I have eaten at Indian restaurants. The salad comes with a light yogurt dressing and the tomato based hot sauce (similar to a salsa) was incredible. I asked for several bowls of the hot sauce and put it all over my rice.

My friends and I had a chance to sample the chicken breast kabob, saltani kabob, tandori chicken, Chapli  kabob, as well as the salmon kabob (will be on the menu soon). Chapli kabob, their specialty dish, is a must order with 2 large ground beef patties marinated with Afghan spices. Since there was a little price difference between lunch and dinner, we all ordered the dinner portion.

All the dishes were flavourful and well seasoned/spiced. The only improvement is that some of the meats and fish was slightly overcooked for my liking. This is the first time I have tried Afghan food, so I do not have a comparison point. If I am in the area, I would definitely return.

Overall:

In a busy plaza in Mississauga, Chapli Kabob provides authentic Afghan dishes with huge portions at great prices. The restaurant looks clean and inviting, and a great lunch, dinner or take out spot. Ask for extra hot sauce since it is really good.