I'm editing a previous review. I recently checked in to look at recent reviews. I was dismayed by a series of reviews that have nothing to do with the quality of this restaurant. Khyber Pass has become a St Paul tradition for good reason. Proprietors Emel and Masooda spend a lot of time in the kitchen and oversee everything. Both of these people are exceptional cooks. Both come from families steeped in traditions of food preparation. Visit the Pass and visit with either of them. Emel will happy to sit with you and discuss the food, Minnesota, and especially, music. Both Emel and Masooda take pride in presenting superior meals.
Recent menu and interior changes have only increased the number of reasons to come here. Long ago I became addicted to the lamb and chicken kabobs. These days it's the newest menu addition. The best plate of lamb chops ever. Marinated and amazingly flavorful they are not to be missed. I know lamb isn't at the top of everyone list but I highly recommend giving this dish a try. My wife has been eating and loving the vegetarian offerings for years. When friends come to town from New York we always make a point of visiting Khyber Pass. They love the food and are amazed by the reasonable prices. They can?t get enough of the kabob combination plates.
Finish your meal with a cup of firni or rice pudding and tea. Sit and hang out. It's a great place for conversation, good music, and a glass of wine.
My family has been eating at Khyber Pass since it first opened on St. Clair and continues to do so at their newer and nicer Grand Ave. Location next door to Dunn Brothers Coffee. It has long been one of our favorite places to eat. Our daughter has an addiction for the chicken kabob. It's what she orders every time we've been there over the past 14 years. It is a great dinner as is the lamb kabob with huge tender chunks of lamb. Khyber pass has always been very kid friendly. Khyber Pass also has a terrific lunch buffet. Problem is that they are only open from 11 AM - 2 PM for lunch Monday through Friday. Also, a good wine list! It's a warm friendly place and a friend told me it won the 2004 City Pages award for best Middle Eastern food. For good reason!
Pros: Food, prices, art, music, kid friendly!
Cons: What are the drawbacks?
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