By Rabita Aziz (September 28, 2003)

On busy Glebe Road in Arlington, nestled in a very small shopping center, sits a small, but famous restaurant, Ravi Kabob House. From the outside looking in, the interior seems to be very large. In reality, it is very small, with about 13 tightly packed tables for four. The mirrors covering an entire wall give the illusion that the restaurant is larger than it really is. 

Ravi Kabob House is famous among both Americans and people of Middle Eastern and South Asian heritage. Owned by a Pakistani family, Ravi Kabob house serves delicious Middle Eastern cuisine. Some of their most popular dishes include the chicken, lamb, or beef karahi, chicken kabobs, both boneless and with bone, and chapli kabob. The chicken, lamb, and beef karahis, are basically just pieces of that meat, seasoned with delicious spices, and cooked in a karahi, which is like a wok. It is then served to the customers in that karahi. It is supposed to be enough for two people, but in reality, it is enough for four adults. 

The boneless chicken kabob is my personal favorite. This dish consists of tender pieces of marinated chicken that are slowly cooked over an open flame, while being suspended in midair on a kabob stick. This dish is served with nan, which is round bread, and with your choice of a side dish from their buffet. It also comes with a little salad, and raita, which is a sauce made out of yogurt and spices.

The chapli kabob is a piece of round, seasoned beef, almost like a hamburger patty, except that it is very spicy. This also comes with nan, a side dish, raita, and salad. After savoring your delicious main course, you can sample the exotic sweetmeats they have for dessert. Or enjoy some piping hot, genuine South Asian chai.

Ravi Kabob House has a very cozy and friendly ambiance. You’ll feel tranquil and relaxed while waiting for your food to arrive, and you’ll feel stress-free while eating. When you enter the restaurant, you’ll be greeted with appetizing aromas, and upbeat Indian or Middle Eastern music. A friendly face will greet you at the counter when you go to order, and the affable staff will treat you with the utmost respect. While waiting for your food, which might take some time, depending on the volume of customers, you can take in the beautiful and exotic Middle Eastern decorations that adorn the walls. All in all, Ravi Kabob House is a very pleasing experience, and I recommend everyone give it a try.