Review: Kebab aur Sharab - An Indian Restaurant in the Heart of NYC that Serves Up the Best of Indian Food and Hospitality

By Suzanne Ordas Curry

I didn’t know what to expect because I haven’t been too many Indian restaurants, but when I walked into Sharab aur Kebab, I felt like I was walking into an Indian restaurant smack in the heart of India and that I knew the family.

There was such a friendly, welcoming vibe in the restaurant. I could feel how much the owners cared about the food and their patrons. The food and the culture were bringing people together, and that was the goal of the owners. 

I have to admit I was invited by one of the owners, who had served on a non-profit Board with me. But that didn't matter, as I could see how every other patron was treated with the same respect and hospitality. With the delicious scents of all of the food being served, I knew I was in for a feast. 

As I have not eaten much Indian food in the past, they were very helpful and overly welcoming explaining to me that all of the foods of the sumptuous feast that they were bringing. I was about to experience the best of Kebab aur Sharab.

Each course was served with anticipation. Not only was each course delicious but the plating was a treat for the eye. I also had a specific food allergy and they were very cautious to tell me what I could and  couldn’t eat. I also told them I didn’t do well with very, very spicy foods so I was forewarned. (I tried them anyway!).. 

What did I like the best was the butter chicken. I’ve had butter chicken in the past, but I’d have to agree with many of their customers that this is the best butter chicken I've ever tasted. It just melted in my mouth. It was mild yet savory. I know this is what they’re famous for and there’s a reason.

I pretty much liked everything that I tasted.

I also like trying the Malabar Bone Marrow Pulao. That was definitely something I have never eaten before, it was hearty and tasty. And I know it was full of health benefits.

I pretty much liked everything that I tasted. The curry pratta pawns were a delicate balance of fish flavor with greenery.  

I also like the falafel. It was crispy, perfectly seasoned with just he right amount of garlic and oh, so buttery.

And to top off the dinner, we were served the traditional saffron pancake with nuts crumble, but with their own twist. It was dunked in sweet saffron syrup with vanilla ice cream, nuts and dusted with rose petals. Served with dry ice, it was an appealing and exciting ending to a savory dinner. 

This is their signature dessert, and apparently other patrons  know about this because in the time that we were there no less than three people ordered it for a special occasion. And again, coinciding with the celebratory vibe of Kebab aur Sharab when it is served  for an occasion the wait staff comes over and sings a peppy song.

The restaurant is located in a great location easy to get to in upper midtown, 247 West 72nd Stret. The prices were reasonable. The portions were just right. And I really liked the decor. It was Indian and welcoming, but not over the top. I felt comfortable in it, and the chairs are comfortable as well. 

I understand the place is a big hangout at night and I can understand why the bar was just it was elegant yet elegant Indian pub I don’t know how to describe it, but it was just a fun place to hang out in small enough where you can talk to someone and yet big enough that there’s plenty of space to move around. 

So if you’re looking for some great Indian cuisine in Midtown, please try Kebab aur Sharab. If you go to their website,  you'll see they also own a few other restaurants.

They are next on my list, and after you eat from Chef kebab, the others will be on your list as well.

THE DISHES OF KEBAB AUR SHARAB

Purple Sweet Potato Chaat

Curry Pratta Pawns with Mango Chutney

The butter chicken

Rose Petals and Paneer Kofta

Their famous butter chicken

Malabar Bone Marrow Pulao .

Garlic Naan

Traditional Indian Pancakes Dunked in Saffron Syrup

For more info:
https://www.kebabaursharab.com/