Mister Kabab

For years, Mister Kabab has been a beloved culinary staple in the North, specifically in Quezon City. It’s the kind of place that gets passed around in food circles and a name that often comes up when people talk about where to find authentic, smoky kebabs and comforting Persian-Mediterranean dishes without breaking the bank. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Middle Eastern flavors or simply curious about something beyond the usual local fare, Mister Kabab has always been that go-to spot. 

My friends have raved about it for years and every time someone mentioned Mister Kabab, my curiosity grew. But as a Southie, Quezon City just wasn’t a regular part of my route. Despite all the praise, the trip always felt too far for a meal. That is, until recently, when Mister Kabab finally opened a branch in Makati.

Although this new spot is only about a quarter of the size of the original QC location, I’m more than happy that it’s now within reach for those of us in the South. And of course, I had to check if the hype still held up.

Mixed Special Choice

When in doubt, go for Mixed Special Choice as you will get the best of both worlds. It has chicken and beef shish kebab, which are both grilled to perfection. I can’t imagine that a chunk of beef can be as tender as this. Perhaps, it just lacked saltiness for me but it is not a big deal because it gave way to the natural flavors of a beef. I thought I could only taste this good on a steak. The juices oozed out when pricked. And the chicken just didn’t go far in terms of taste. There was a touch of smokiness. It can pass as a perfect chicken fillet.

Lamb Kebab Sandwich

The lamb was everything I hoped for. It was juicy and savory. Although I’m missing the intensity of the flavor, it got the gaminess I’m looking for in a lamb. The sandwich actually had two kinds of lamb. The one that is ground and the other that is shish-style. I loved both, especially the charred bits, which brought out a deep smokiness. They were satisfying and well-executed with the grilled tomatoes and other fillings. The pita bread was soft and fresh. Overall, this one’s for true lamb lovers.

Sizzling Keema

At first glance, I thought it looked like corned beef because of its soft, minced texture. But in terms of flavor, it reminded me more of a mild kaldereta. I thought it was gonna be spicy but it just got a pleasant heat, which I truly appreciated. I wasn’t a fan of the gravy when tasted alone, but when paired with the keema, it worked well. This dish was bolder than the kebabs. It was spiced, salty and hearty. And I don’t know but the simple butter on rice also made the dish better.

Kofta

Kofta was a no for me. It has a resemblance to the sizzling keema but I do not like the texture. It had a light, airy texture that didn’t work well for me. While they made their kebabs flawlessly compact and satisfying, their kofta felt hollow and almost spongy inside. Perhaps, there’s something inside it when they mold it so it became spacious when cooked. But I couldn’t eat it. The taste and texture just didn’t sit right with me. It tasted like vomit. I’m really sorry. Maybe it’s an acquired taste, but I couldn’t finish it.

Ox Brain

A friend recommended this. I also came across a Reddit comment raving about how good their Ox Brain was. Admittedly, it was an adventurous choice but my curiosity won. Some say it tastes like balut, and honestly, they’re not wrong. It had a similar richness. The aroma was like salted egg, though the flavor wasn’t nearly as salty. It’s hard to explain, but somehow, it just worked. It made for a surprisingly enjoyable appetizer. The texture was a bit strange at times. I could definitely feel the slimy parts of the brain, which might throw some people off but I just shrugged it off and kept eating.

Pumpkin Soup

I first tried Mister Kabab’s Pumpkin Soup via delivery it was pretty good. But when we tried it again when we dined in their restaurant, I realized that it was even better when served fresh. Well, that was obvious but I was still surprised at how good it was. The texture was smooth and comforting, and the flavor screamed pumpkin in the best way. It’s earthy with a little sweetness. It was also best enjoyed on-site because I noticed that they serve more when it’s placed on the right bowl. The Pumpkin Soup is definitely a cozy starter.

Baklava

I had high hopes for this Baklava because I had Baklava before from a now-closed local cafe in Mindoro, which I was super obsessed with so when I saw Baklava at Mister Kabab, I knew I had to try. But it was totally different. It didn’t have the same shape and flakiness. The texture was dense. The flavor was unfamiliar. It had a strong floral aroma, which is possibly saffron. Unfortunately, I didn’t enjoy it. Now, I’m questioning what authentic Baklava really is. If it is this one, then I guess the authentic Baklava isn’t for me.

Yogurt Shake

Let me say this straight. The Yogurt Shake tasted spoiled. And that’s exactly how it’s supposed to be! Don’t get me wrong. It’s not bad. In fact, it might be the most natural-tasting yogurt drink I’ve ever had. There was a subtle tanginess, almost like fresh milk and cheese, and none of the usual overly sweet commercial taste. It felt homemade, raw, and real. Or perhaps, they just got a really really good yogurt that I haven’t tried before. If you’re used to mainstream Greek yogurt, this might surprise you.