Bites Nearby: Kabul Express Kabob

Newark is home to a diverse population and many kinds of restaurants.  There's a vast array of cuisines to sample.

is a family-owned restaurant specializing in Afghan cuisine. Kabob (roasted marinated meat) is their specialty. The Saifi family purchased the restaurant two years ago from an owner who opened the restaurant a decade ago. The restaurant is managed by Mashal Saifi.

Patch: How did you get into the restaurant business?

Saifi:  I have worked in banking, in the mortgage industry and in retail.  My parents purchased this restaurant about two years ago, so I decided to help them manage it. I just dove in and learned as much as I could about the restaurant business.

Patch: How would you describe the ambience of your restaurant?

Saifi:  It's casual. We have some reminders of Afghanistan. We have some Afghan furniture and some Afghan dolls on display. We have many Afghan patrons and it reminds them of the old country.

Patch: What would you recommend on the menu?

Saifi:  We have a kabob lunch special seven days a week. All kabobs are served with Afghani bread, salad and your choice of brown or white rice. All this is for only $7.95. You can choose from seven types of kabobs, including lamb kabob, chicken kabob and Cornish hen kabob.

Patch: How are your dinner prices?

Saifi:  We have kabob entrees ranging from $10.95 to $15.95, which is for our combination. Appetizers are $3.95 to $4.95. We aim to keep prices very reasonable.

Patch: How long have you been in Newark?

Saifi:  Our family is originally from Afghanistan. We settled in Queens, New York, before moving to the Bay Area in 1993.

Patch: What do you like about Newark?

Saifi:  The people are friendly and the population is diverse. There is a sizable Afghan population, as there was in Queens. There are also diverse people from many ethnic groups, which makes it exciting.

Patch: Do you like doing business in Newark?

Saifi:  There are many small businesses in Newark. The city is business-friendly. Again, the population is diverse, which is attractive.  We have customers in our restaurant from many ethnic groups, as well as Afghans.

Patch: How has the restaurant business been faring with the recession?

Saifi:  Business has slowed a bit with the recession. Some people aren't eating out as much. We think things will pick up this year as the economy improves.

Patch: What are your plans going forward?

Saifi:  Well, for now we have this one location. We rely mostly on word of mouth advertising. When things pick up, we can think about growth.

Patch: What would you like restaurant goers in Newark to know about Kabul Express Kabob?

Saifi:  We have great-tasting food,  great prices and a great atmosphere.  Come and check us out!