Kebab King

Fantastic experience. Newly relocated to San Francisco from Oakland, this place had incredible Chana and really good Dahl makhni for me, a vegetarian. My companion, who eats meat, said the chicken kabob was spiced perfectly. The garlic naan was luxurious. I highly recommend this place. A refreshing change from most «new» San Francisco options.

Great food great prices. Good to have them in the neighborhood. I try to stop by at least once a week for take out. Highly recommend. Had the chicken tikka which was great. As good or better than much more expensive places in the city at a better price point.

I came to this resturaunt as I was in the neighborhood… me and a few friends were starving like crazy. We come inside and we see a few pakistani and Indian people having some bryani and some curry. I give an order of chicken tikka Masala and garlic naan. My friend orders lamb korma and regular naan and malai boti. As we sit down, we realize that there’s free chai on the table. as we wait for our food we sip on some chai and that slowly built us up for our meal.
As the food comes out in the silver bowls, it looks really good. I try my first bite of chicken tikka Masala and immediately I’m thinking «this is a hit» but the best part was the malai boti. It reminded me of the days I visited pakistan… getting that exact taste just amazed me.
So my experience at kebab king was not what I expected, but better. I’d definitely come back with more of my friends.
…really good chai :)

First time… Chai is really good, handsome cashier who was very nice and considerate. I had doubts at first but once the naan and Lamb korma was set fourth upon my table I knew this spot was legit!!! The naan was soft and buttery just the way I like it and the Lamb korma was as authentic as can be, spicy, oily; and bursting with flavors that made me think of my mom’s own cooking! I will most definitely be coming back real soon… Try the «chicken Malai boti» highly recommend that one! Don’t let the cover of the restaurant fool you… This place is going to be a hit real soon.

Time: 2:07pm/54°F cloudy
Purpose: Had meet up a block away for grand opening soon. Afterward check notes and KK pops up, but wasn’t due till Jan 27^th for review. To make things easier since I’m here, its a no brainer.
Ambiance: Nothing much has change here. Not even the interior while exterior still bare awning of Preet Palace just a KK banner covering it. Place sits 32+ with table cover with cloth and see through vinyl is the only difference from Preet Palace days. A curve flatscreen for entertainment, but not for patrons. More for their own personal use with Indian/​Pakistani soap opera. Place look dated and they know just didn’t care much. Rest of place just a stainless steel prep table with baskets of utensil, self-​help chai tea, and water dispenser. It’s definitely not happening.
Staff: Two older guys owners for sure. Extremely friendly and anxious to get someone inside. I happen to be the only one there entire time. One guy explain to me what they specialize in and other was chef. Both trying really hard to convince me to stay for a meal. I pluck myself down to see what they’ve to offer being so eager and overly friendly.
Cleanliness: Grade C-​, is the best I can give here. There were some disturbing things seen, but I can’t say on here. However, the glass tumbler had dry water ring circles and chalky substance interior. I almost walk out at one point, but composed myself. Score card posted fading and deliberately kept that way. Now, I wonder!
Eats/​Drinks: Goat biryani $ 7.99 listed «with blend spices». No, sh*t! I had a feeling I was gonna be in for a rude awakening when they can’t describe their own ingredients on paper. First spoonful of rice, I knew it wasn’t good. Rice were fluffy, but some broken up in half, not whole grain. Some rice with clump in white and some orange color. They sure did skimp on goat meat. I only received 3 – 4 average size pieces (half a thumb size) with flat bone. The matter of fact is when I started looking for marrow part. There wasn’t any to be found. Love to suck center of marrow till its hollow out given that it had any. Afterwards, I felt a urge for water. Clearly lots of msg were use, but they covered themselves by saying special blend spices. Plain naan $.99 wasn’t good neither. It was as thick as a pizza crust with no resemblance to naan at all. I happen to like thin and a bit crusty, but it just didn’t happen. Good thing, I order plain version just to test it out instead of flavor, which cost extra. What’s good about meal was the complimentary tea. It provided a sweet side after consuming all that msg laden dish. Water to wash it down, but I barely sip any due to cleanliness again.
Main Features: Kabab marsala, mixed grill, goat biryani, plum chutney, lahori chargha, gajar halwa.
Products/​Services: Full menu disclosure on picture. Takes plastic ($ 10 minimum), delivery ($ 25 minimum), catering available, free chai tea.
Punch Lines: Sketchy area, not engaging, msg laden, not as great, go elsewhere, not happening, sanitation questionable, kitschy, off putting, lackluster, pretentious, pricey.
Tradeoffs: Paying for naan, but getting a basket of pizza dough pass off as naan with enhanced flavoring.
Final Thoughts: Like I’ve mentioned before nothing has changed much. Only difference is they do without pizza, covers for table for that upscale feel, and name change. It’s nothing special that you can’t get in TL or Polk street corridor. Kitschy places are mostly associated with some of the best eats around. However, count this place out, as its not one of them.

This place just opened in my neighborhood– it’s delicious! Run by just a few guys, it is Pakistani and Halal cuisine. The menu has most of your traditional Indian type fare, plus some nods to the neighborhood with wraps and a few entrees served with french fries. Prices are really inexpensive (entrees mostly 6.99−8.99, wraps for less), and most main entrees come with naan.
I got chicken Karahi, bengan bartha, and a traditional dish– lahori murgh chana, plus rice and three complimentary naan (they gave me one extra) for less than $ 20. Portions aren’t huge, (short take out tubs), but on par for Indian food. Rice portion is quite large, seasoned, and with a little garnish salad. The entrees were delicious, prepared to order and fast (they left out butter and cream for me). The lahori Chana was especially nice– gingery maybe? Bartha was a little smoother than I expected but tasty. The naan is prepared in house, and plentiful, though a bit dry, but it served its purpose just fine. I’ll try a roti next time.
They’ve put in a lot of tables and look to be trying to dress up the place a bit– new lighting seems to be in the works. It’ll be nice to see how it shapes up. Very glad to have them nearby!