Broward's Best Kababs Are Called Miami
Don't think too hard about the geography
You ever been traveling and meet someone who tells you they’re from Miami? Then you get all excited like you just ran into your first-grade best friend and say, “Me too! What part?” And then they hit you with something like “Parkland?”
Ok, pal, Either you really hate geography. Or you’ve never driven from Coral Springs to Coral Gables during rush hour and realized it might be faster to fly to Andalusia. Either way, lumping them together as one city is a little misleading.
I go on this county-line rant because I was recently wandering Broward County strip malls and found a spot called Miami Kabab. Checking my phone, I was 50 road miles from Downtown Miami, which in parts of Europe would involve crossing through four countries. But after trying their kababs, I realized they could call themselves Grand Forks, North Dakota Kabab for all I care because these grilled meat skewers were that friggin’ good. And if you’re anywhere near Northwest Broward, you need to stop in.
But why do they call themselves Miami Kabab?
The original location taken over by this Afghan immigrant family was in Miramar. Yes, that’s also in Broward, but since the Miami Dolphins play like three miles away you could get away with it. Anyway, the family moved the shop to Coral Springs a few years back, kept the name, and made the rest is geographically-confusing history.
The scene: It’s not so much a scene as a takeout counter with a couple of metal tables for people who just refuse to get take-out. Family members work the flaming grill, the counter, and the deliveries. Their English isn’t great, which is the first sign that the place is a real hidden gem.
What to eat and drink: When I say these kababs are as good as you’ll find at Mandolin, Doya, Georgios, or any ballyhooed Miami Mediterranean restaurant, I’m not exaggerating. Even in the somewhat-sweltering confines of Miami Kabab’s dining area, these things hit with a mix of citrus, spice, and light oils that created absolute magic in my mouth. We ordered a $60 platter that said it would feed 3-4. I can only assume they meant 3-4 defensive lineman.
The filet mignon kabab was the standout, teeming with a mix of citrus and light char that tastes like the perfect summer barbecue. The chicken kabab was also great, and the ground beef kabab is a lighter, milder take on the beef/lamb kefta you might be used to. There’s a menu of sandwiches and wraps, but the meat is the star here and your stomach space is better spent there. However….
Don’t miss: The crinkle-cut fries. They’re crispy in the way you remember from old-school drive-ins, and make the perfect side.
Perfect for: Catering a big party for not a lot of money. Tailgates. Lunch to-go with leftovers for dinner.
Expect to pay: $10-15 per person.
How’s the parking? If you can’t find a space in a Broward County strip mall, you probably shouldn’t be driving.
@miamikabab.coralsprings // 10422 W. Atlantic Blvd., Coral Springs