The Village Kabob Restaurant, a small, family-owned eatery in Falls Chuch, serves up a mixture of Afghan and Latin cuisine that is both reasonably priced and simply deliciosa. Pulling up, patrons are greeted by a bright yellow banner advertising a steal of a deal on chicken kabobs. 
The Village Kabob Restaurant, a small, family-owned eatery in Falls Chuch, serves up a mixture of Afghan and Latin cuisine that is both reasonably priced and simply deliciosa. Pulling up, patrons are greeted by a bright yellow banner advertising a steal of a deal on chicken kabobs.
In terms of appearance, Village Kabob is plain and unadorned. On this particular Saturday afternoon, the restaurant was eerily quiet and empty, with the exception of an older Hispanic man sipping on a bottled beer and straining his neck to watch a soccer game on the television hanging in the corner. Parallel to the storefront window is the cash register and beside it, cafeteria-style platters full of rice and beans, among other sides. The walls of the restaurant are decorated with a few ornaments, including small ceramic saucers and a map of El Salvador. The main dining area itself is enclosed by two large wooden separators on each side.
However, patrons shouldn’t let this lackluster appearance speak for the flavorful food. In addition to seekh and lamb kabobs, the menu includes several El Salvadorian dishes including papusas ($1.75) and yuca con chicharron ($5.95), which consists of fried yucca and pork. Moreover, the menu features Latin American favorites like chicken quesadillas ($5.50) and enchiladas ($6.25). Diners can also opt for various sandwiches, including a steak and cheese ($8.95), a chicken steak sandwich ($8.95) or a gyro ($7.95).
Village Kabob has friendly service to match the delicious food. The staff was attentive and willing to answer any questions.
As suggested by the waitress, the meal began with pastelitos con carne ($3.25), three flaky pastries stuffed with ground beef. The sweet corn pastry dough on the outside was a nice complement to the lightly-seasoned beef within. The pastelitos were slightly crispy, yet soft–a perfect texture. The heaviness of the pastries was balanced by a cool and refreshing slaw served on the side.
Village Kabob lives up to its name, as the boneless chicken kabob meal ($8.95) did not disappoint. The platter included six large pieces of fiery-red chicken, slightly charred and juicy. The succulent chicken sat atop a hefty portion of moist white rice and patrons have a choice of chick peas, spinach or cabbage on the side, in addition to a salad of lettuce and tomato. If that wasn’t enough, the platter also came with pita bread that was especially yummy when dipped in the green cilantro sauce.
Guests can pair their food with a lassi ($2.75), a traditional yogurt-based drink that originated in India. The beverage is made by mixing yogurt with water, salt, pepper, ice and Indian spices. Diners can enjoy their lassi salty or sweet, in which case sugar is added in lieu of spices. Village Kabob also offers a refreshing mango-flavored lassi ($3.25) that satisfies the sweet tooth after a fulfilling meal.
Village Kabob not only invites those with hearty appetites, but also opens its doors to performers on Thursday, Friday and Saturday for 9 p.m. karaoke. So, come hungry, and perhaps even ready to rock on the microphone.
Village Kabob Restaurant
3031 Annandale Rd., Falls Church
703-241-2901 • thevillagekabob.com
Hours:
Monday – Wednesday, 11 a.m. – midnight; Thursday, noon – 1 a.m.
Friday – Saturday, 11 a.m. – 2 a.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. – midnight
