It’s got to be six years ago that my friend and I found ourselves in a cab bound for Virginia after a long night in the District. We were so bombed I spent the next day in the same work clothes learning — for sure this time — I wasn’t in college anymore. Our driver was from Pakistan and the whole way home we prodded for late night recommendations that didn’t involve Taco Bell or Papa John’s. We wanted to know where HE went after a long night. After a little deliberation he drove us to Kabab Palace in Crystal City.
Cabs clogged the parking lot as we made our way inside and ordered lamb, chicken and ground beef kabobs. Flimsy salads discarded we gorged on grilled meat and curries doused in runny lime green raita and other condiments from the front counter. When the heat wasn’t enough we grabbed extra minced chilies. When the meat needed brightened we added a squeeze of lemon. When we craved some crunch we fingered hunks of yellow onion. It was the taste and season as you go kind of eating I’ve since grown to love. It’s also the night I learned to eat with my hands.
We went back a few times more and fell in love with the chicken karahi, but for years now I’ve always fallen back on what I think might be the best lamb for the money inside the beltway. $9.49 for six or so hunks of tender lamb, rice, vegetables and freshly baked bread is a steal. And while a preceding binge session at the Big Hunt is no longer required the toothbrush I bought on the way to work the next day is still in my office desk — just in case.
Kabab Palace
2315 South Eads Street
Arlington, VA 22202-2531
(703) 979-2200
