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Food on a stick may be a carnival craze in the states, but it’s a staple of nutrition and goodness in many other parts of the world.
The search for the perfect kebab in Westchester will take you on a multinational Mediterranean and Middle Eastern tour through Morocco, Turkey, Iran, Lebanon, and more. Kebabs differ in spices, marinades, and cooking method, but one thing they have in common is their delicious, rich taste and ability to fill a belly without overstuffing it (unless you go overboard, but then you’re on your own). Here are some of our favorites spots in Westchester for sinking our teeth into delicious, authentic kebabs.
Argana
325 N Main St, Port Chester; 914.612.4440
Argana is a neighborhood favorite for its authentic Moroccan food and eclectic atmosphere. Chicken, lamb, and shrimp kebabs are served over traditional pearl couscous.
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Elia Taverna
502 New Rochelle Rd, Bronxville; 914.663.4976
Elia Taverna uses a charcoal grill for its kebabs, and the traditional chicken and lamb kebabs come with fries, lemon potatoes, rice, or a salad.
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Hash-o-nash
441 Mamaroneck Ave, Mamaroneck; 914.630.7310
This Lebanese Middle Eastern spot in Mamaroneck uses real charcoal grills to bring your kebab to juicy perfection. Consider the lamb kafta kebab, which is tucked into a soft pita pocket and topped with hummus, lettuce, tomato, onion, tahini sauce, and pickles.
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Medi Bistro
50 Main St, White Plains; 914.946.1232
At this Persian White Plains newcomer by veteran restaurateur Par Shakiban, kebabs are marinated in lemon, olive oil, and garlic and served with saffron rice. Diners won’t want to miss the tender Soltani Kabob with chopped beef and thinly sliced steak.
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Melike
121 Main St, Ossining; 914.502.0651
15 E Main St, Mount Kisco; 914.355.7116
At either location, Turkish kebabs are marinated in lemon juice, garlic, oregano, a traditional pepper paste, black pepper, and salt. The chicken shish kebab is the most popular here, but don’t forget to try the kofte with ground lamb, garlic, and red onion, spiced with cumin, parsley, black pepper, and salted on the barbecue grill.
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Shiraz
80 Mamaroneck Ave, White Plains; 914.345.6111
This three-time Bib Gourmand recently re-opened its revered doors in White Plains, serving authentic Persian fare, plus sushi. The menu features a wide range of kebabs, but our top pick is the Cornish hen kebab with roasted tomato and basmati rice.
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Taiim Falafel Shack
598 Warburton Ave, Hastings-on-Hudson; 914.478.0006
Taste the Middle East at Taiim Falafel Shack, which is great for a quick lunch in the Rivertowns. Choose a traditional chicken shish kebab, served in a pita with veggies, or try the tikka masala chicken kebab served on a platter with mujaddara, French fries, or couscous and a side of Israeli salad and pita.
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Turquoise
1985 Palmer Ave, Larchmont; 914.834.9888
A taste of Turkey in Larchmont, Turquoise’s most popular kebab is the chicken or shrimp shish kebab. Vegetarians will enjoy the Bahcivan version with carrots, zucchini, mushrooms, potatoes, broccoli, white beans, celery, and peas served over herbed rice.
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Related: 7 Middle Eastern Restaurants for Top-Tier Dining in Westchester