Khyber Pass Restaurant

Why by Syd Le Fou

THe last time I went there with a couple of friends for a table for 5 the waitress asked for ids as if we were going to drink we just came for hookah and food.

by Rajeshwari C.

I was truly disappointed with the food. I ordered the Quorma Sabzee with Lamb and my friend got the Chicken Shashlik. The chicken was too dry and far from what Chicken Shashlik usually tastes like. The lamb was just about tolerable. I would give a thumbs up to the cozy atmosphere though.

by Tyler b.

the tobacco tasted funky and the moroccan tea wasn't good at all. it seemed like it was from a tea bag. not cool.props go for having an outdoor patio, and that's about it.

by Justin L.

I've been going here for some time, and I have to say I have a soft spot for this place.  The window seats are awesome and very comfortable.  I like that you can order hookahs to your table, yet its not a 'hookah place'.  The service has always been ok at best, and the decor is kool but a little scattered.  The food is always solid: nothing that will wow you, but good, cheap food in a good portion.  If you're in the area its definitely worth a shot.

by Aya E.jon b.Rachel A.Tiffany F.caroline d.

every time my friend comes to visit, she insist on going to khyber pass. the first time we went, we ordered the meal for two, which included everything from soup, entree, dessert and whatever was in between. it was an enormous amount of food for a very good price, and it was all really delicious. the fesenjan is very good. their portions are good- not too huge, but definitely enough for what you pay. i would definitely recommend their baklava. i would probably eat a brick if someone told me it was a distant relative of the baklava at khyber pass. it's the best baklava i've ever had, and i love it and dream of it often.the place is dim and cute, although the red lighting takes a bit of getting used to.We came here after a few drinks and and some food across the street at Kenka.  We should have probably just stayed there and drank some more.The beers were overpriced, the Moroccan Tea wasn't on par, but the hookah was nice and we got a good table outside, which was perfect for watching all of the rich NYU kids make their way to their off campus yoga spot.Waitress was nice, but this place doesn't have that much going for it.If the tented fabric doesn't get you, then the most famous National Geographic Afghan Girl poster will. It always does. Never have I gone into Khyber Pass without someone commenting on it. Khyber Pass is one of the few Afghan restaurants in the City and it is always inviting to all. Most of the clientele are NYU students but don't let that deter you from enjoying a meal here. It's hearty and homey.There are a few misses at Khyber Pass but overall the place is decent. Food is abundant and practically everything is good. I'd just stay away from the Ashkak and Mantoo appetizers. The Afghan dumplings are bland and limp, even if they are drenched in sauce. If you're looking for an appetizer go for the fried turnovers (Boulanee Kachaloo and Sambosa) or the Fesenjan. The Fesenjan, which is chicken cooked in pomegranate juice, is flavorful but tends to get very sweet. Also sweet is their Kabuli Palow (basmati rice with carrots, raisins, and almonds). I prefer it over plain rice but it is best paired with something savory. I really like their lamb and cornish game hen kabobs. They come with grilled tomatoes. Dishes are plenty and best shared amongst two or family style.Food is three stars and hookah is two. I found the pipes to be old and service for hookah not great. The tobacco flavors offered were floral and fruity, which really didn't matter since you can't taste it! Hookah service also comes with a one drink minimum. I didn't really care to drink so I just asked for water. They charged us $7 for water. I thought that was ridiculous. Go to Khyber Pass for the food and not hookah. The food is a great deal.The one redeeming quality about this place is the ambiance and outdoor seating. My friend and I were lucky enough to snag a little table outside, which was perfect because it was a warm evening, with lots of people doing their thing in the village. The prices and selection of hookah was reasonable, but the beer list was lacking and the house wines were horrible. Although I'd probably go back, I'd rather try other hookah bars in the area first.I come here for the hookah, and the food is pretty good, too. DONT BOTHER MAKING RESERVATIONS. never happens. You end up waiting just like everyone else. It is great when you get one of the window seats, but other than that you just end up really crowded.

by alexandra f.

Wallah, this place is a gem in the middle of St. Marks Sq!As a mini veteran of Afghani food, I have to say this place was alright in terms of tastiness. I am a HUGE fan of manti/mantoo/mantee (depending on where you're from) and it was a little under spiced. Also ordered the eggplant appetizer which was laziz jiddah (very tasty!). BF ordered lamb curry which was very good and came traditional style over a big bed of basmati rice. Ordered a hookah (15 a pc. hmm.. thats steep) but was good nontheless. Love the decor inside--red velvet, smoke, old chandeliers, tapestries. If you're able to score the corners there are big red velvet booths (but more like beds) where you can lesiurely lay, smoke, and eat like a true Afghani!

by Rachel A.

If the tented fabric doesn't get you, then the most famous National Geographic Afghan Girl poster will. It always does. Never have I gone into Khyber Pass without someone commenting on it. Khyber Pass is one of the few Afghan restaurants in the City and it is always inviting to all. Most of the clientele are NYU students but don't let that deter you from enjoying a meal here. It's hearty and homey.There are a few misses at Khyber Pass but overall the place is decent. Food is abundant and practically everything is good. I'd just stay away from the Ashkak and Mantoo appetizers. The Afghan dumplings are bland and limp, even if they are drenched in sauce. If you're looking for an appetizer go for the fried turnovers (Boulanee Kachaloo and Sambosa) or the Fesenjan. The Fesenjan, which is chicken cooked in pomegranate juice, is flavorful but tends to get very sweet. Also sweet is their Kabuli Palow (basmati rice with carrots, raisins, and almonds). I prefer it over plain rice but it is best paired with something savory. I really like their lamb and cornish game hen kabobs. They come with grilled tomatoes. Dishes are plenty and best shared amongst two or family style.Food is three stars and hookah is two. I found the pipes to be old and service for hookah not great. The tobacco flavors offered were floral and fruity, which really didn't matter since you can't taste it! Hookah service also comes with a one drink minimum. I didn't really care to drink so I just asked for water. They charged us $7 for water. I thought that was ridiculous. Go to Khyber Pass for the food and not hookah. The food is a great deal.

by Stefanie D.

Gorgeous decor - 1 starNot busy - 1 starVery tasty food - 1 starServer that talked on her phone and drank pineapple juice the entire time we were there and then acted put out when we wanted coffee after dinner - no starsSeriously, how do these horribly apathetic servers pay those high New York rents?

by Jessica C.

Carpeted floors, low cozy seating at some tables-romantic at times.  The food was interesting, a mix between Pakistani and India flavors with my interpretation.  I didn't know quite what to get, so I ordered two appetizers instead (a good way to get more for the dollar when you are as indecisive about food as I am).  I got the fried pumpkin dumplings (it came with gooey yogurt dipping)...which reminded me of a hybrid of pumpkin pie and taquito.  It ended to be quite mushy and a little greasy, which wasn't quite pleasing to the palette.  My second dish was the fesenjan..which turns out to be chicken with pomegranate and walnuts...which was OK.  The consistency of the chicken seemed a little chewy, and the freshness was a little off, but what was overpowering was the taste and tartness of the pomegranate juice in the mixture-I also wish they gave me more bread.Service was slow, even thought it was a slow and rainy Thursday evening when I dined.  I am hesitant to rate thing place because there are a lot of conflicting feelings that I have...I probably am not a fan of the cuisine in general, but overall the idea and willingness to try anything rates it somewhere on the map..but that's New York for you.

by caroline d.

I come here for the hookah, and the food is pretty good, too. DONT BOTHER MAKING RESERVATIONS. never happens. You end up waiting just like everyone else. It is great when you get one of the window seats, but other than that you just end up really crowded.