125 – On A Gastronomic Caravan Across The Dunes: Mister Kabab, West Avenue

The Middle East isn’t exactly receiving a lot of positive publicity in recent years, but it cannot be denied that the region’s cuisine is indeed noteworthy. Middle Eastern cuisine uses a lot of native herbs and spices to make their foods more exotic and inviting. The fiery desert sun and cold nights lend an element of intensity to their dishes—much more heightened with the use of spice mixes like harissa, ras el hanout, and baharat. Meats such as lamb and beef are mainly used, owing to the pastoral nature of Middle Eastern peoples. Pork is interestingly absent from their cuisine, owing to the Islamic regulations forbidding its consumption (haram). The presence of major bodies of water—the Mediterranean and Arabian seas, and the gulfs of Oman and Aden—allows them to enjoy fish and seafood in its abundance.

Thankfully, I don’t have to buy a plane ticket to any of the Middle Eastern countries just to have a taste of their gastronomic specialties. Mister Kabab is situated along West Avenue in Quezon City, just a few blocks away from the corner of Del Monte Avenue. They have established some branches in other locations (Fairview Terraces, UP-Ayala TechnoHub, Fisher Mall, and SMDC Mezza Residences), but people still frequent this location as they say the food tastes better here. It has also gained a following among Iranian dentistry students from Centro Escolar University in Manila, who want to have a taste of their homeland in the Philippines.

Mister Kabab serves both Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisines, but they tweaked the spice levels to appeal to both Filipino and foreign diners alike. Compared to their other branches, this main location is open 24/7. The fact that they don’t close is good when you crave some beef kebabs in korma (spicy sauce) and biryani rice in the middle of the night; just drive by and enjoy. If you ask me though, I’m personally disappointed that they no longer serve hazelnut and cashew baklava (pastry made from filo dough filled with chopped nuts and sweetened with honey). Only the pistachio variant is served up until today.

Some pictures from my trip to Mister Kabab’s flagship branch can be seen below. Do like their official Facebook page and be informed with their latest promotions. Until the next review, bil-hana wa ash-shifa (may you have your meal with gladness and health).

Step inside for a taste of Persian comfort food.

Instantly recognizable upon entry is their dessert display.

Red and brown benches add an element of warmth.

The light fixtures are straight out of an exotic Arabian palace.

Thankfully, they’re lighted by modern CFL bulbs.

Yogurt Shake (P70): Their take on the Indian lassi doesn’t disappoint, perfect for neutralizing the spice of their dishes.

Chicken Biryani (P225): Chicken cooked in spicy korma sauce, served with spiced biryani rice.

Mix the rice and korma sauce for that extra kick. The chicken needs more tenderness, though.

My first chicken biryani meal at Mister Kabab, circa 2014.

Special Chicken Chelo Kebab (P175): Ground chicken and chicken chunks skewered kebab-style, served with biryani rice and grilled tomatoes.

Just a note: the fried egg isn’t included when you order this.

Shrimp and Mushroom (P130): Shrimps, diced potates, and sliced button mushrooms sauteed in curry and other spices.

This is perfect for diners who aren’t into meat.

Biryani Rice (P60 / cup): Rice cooked in curry and spices, with slivers of green chili for an extra kick.

Fried Egg (P15 / piece): Just your usual fried egg, but a good accompaniment for their meals.

Pita Bread (P20 / piece): Regular pita bread.

This is a cheaper alternative, in case you run out of biryani rice and you don’t have enough money to spare.

Want a Middle Eastern touch to your breakfast?

Since I don’t have rice anymore, I found a better substitute…

…using the shrimp and mushroom as a filling for some sort of a no-meat wrap.

Coffee and dessert is a fantastic way to cap off a good meal.

Baklava (P90 / 2 pieces): Layers of filo pastry with a filling of chopped nuts in the middle.

Coffee (P50): Just your regular brewed coffee, but it surprisingly pairs well with the baklava.

Mister Kabab Middle Eastern and Mediterranean Cuisine
31 West Avenue,
Barangay Nayong Kanluran,
Quezon City 1104