The rice seemed like Minute Rice. The chicken was cooked to mush. It reminded me of school hot lunch in the 60's. The waitress was rude too.
Pamela B.
Service and food are excellent! This is a small family-run business. Recommend the bakla and the baklava!
E S.
The owners and their son are extremely kind, knowledgeable and willing to share the story behind their food. We tried tow appetizers, the hummus and the Naska Nan Wa Paneer, delicious!!! Then we split a bunch of entrees and every one was phenomenal. My personal faves were the Niskena lentil soup (so creamy and wholesome) the beef kabobs with biryani AND the Kubay Sawar "dumplings "! We were new to Kurdish food and our waiter was extremely kind and patient, explaining the menu. If you're new to Kurdish food, know it's not spicy at all, just amazingly flavorful. I can't wait to go back!!!
Burrs1983
So many delicious things to try, all at great prices and friendly prompt service. One of those places you are surprised it is not packed.
Tom E.
Great food; neat family running the place. Three Kurdish hamburger choices...all worth repeating next time. Chicken kabob special with biryani rice provides two tasty meals.
Pat B
Four friends wanted to try a new dining experience, and we weren’t disappointed. The wait staff was attentive and knowledgeable. Dowjic soup was delicious. The main course, Kubey Brinj, was also good. Friends had the bakla and chicken kebabs with tabouli. Everyone was pleased.
Selena M.
My New favorite place to eat! My goal is to try entering in the menu! Family owned establishment with warm smiles and service! Authentic and delicious
Ginger T.
This place is amazing! First Kurdish restaurant in America. The food is great, service was good, no wait, and the food came promptly. Tried a little the bit of everything, nothing I wouldn't order again.
Laurie Johnson Skorczewski
Our favorite restaurant! Our family loves the “family dinner” option which allows each person to order their favorite entree, and we get one more. It’s served family style, with tabouli, a chopped vegetable salad, a creamy cucumber salad, seasoned feta, bread, and choice of soup. (I am smacking my lips as I write.) Babani’s is family-run by the nicest people you’ve ever met. Try it! You will thank yourself!
Michele H.
Can't wait to go back! Cute, cozy atmosphere and great service. A hidden gem in the heart of St. Paul. My table got the bread appetizer, sheik babani, Biryani, vegetarian Nineveh, Niskena, Silopi, baklava, and tabouli. Everything was fantastic. The silopi was fresh and tangy. I loved it. Portions were a good size and prices are fair. I will be back to try the Dowjic soup and garbanzo shilla!
Post-Covid this gem has maintained the high quality of their menu offerings!! I will be coming back again and again! Pre-Covid this was one of my favorite restaurants and Post-Covid it is #1 with me!
Linnea L.
I am so so so happy I found this place. I've been looking everywhere in the twin cities for good authentic kebabs, and this place is delish!! I definitely recommend the Beef kebabs with a side of Jaajic sauce (it's a super fresh yogurt sauce with cucumber, dill, etc.). I also got the Kubey Brinj, which is filled with spiced meat and fried in a super light, super crispy rice shell. So good. I'm definitely going to be going back and trying more new items off the menu. I'm new to Kurdish food but it has so much flavor. My bf got the lentil soup and also loved it! Def check this place out, try some new cuisine, and support our local restaurants :)
Cody Pals
Amazing atmosphere, kind staff, spectacular food!
Paul P.
The good was great but the service was not as promised. I was told by the order taker they would bring it to the car. A half hour later I called and was told they left it by the door. When I asked what door they hung up. About five minutes later a fellow showed up with a bag.
Orlin S.
A fantastic lunch experience in a welcoming and friendly restaurant. Appetizer: Dowjic soup - chicken, yogurt, lemon, and spices, the sum of which produces a unique tangy flavor that goes beyond the usual saltiness of soups. Main: Kubay Brinj - ground beef with parsley and more tantalizing spices in a sort of fried rice shell. You'll want to order another - it's that good. Dessert: Kurdish coffee and baklava. If you're averse to sweets, get the coffee at least - you won't regret it. Will definitely be back.
The rice seemed like Minute Rice. The chicken was cooked to mush. It reminded me of school hot lunch in the 60's. The waitress was rude too.
Service and food are excellent! This is a small family-run business. Recommend the bakla and the baklava!
The owners and their son are extremely kind, knowledgeable and willing to share the story behind their food. We tried tow appetizers, the hummus and the Naska Nan Wa Paneer, delicious!!! Then we split a bunch of entrees and every one was phenomenal. My personal faves were the Niskena lentil soup (so creamy and wholesome) the beef kabobs with biryani AND the Kubay Sawar "dumplings "! We were new to Kurdish food and our waiter was extremely kind and patient, explaining the menu. If you're new to Kurdish food, know it's not spicy at all, just amazingly flavorful. I can't wait to go back!!!
So many delicious things to try, all at great prices and friendly prompt service. One of those places you are surprised it is not packed.
Great food; neat family running the place. Three Kurdish hamburger choices...all worth repeating next time. Chicken kabob special with biryani rice provides two tasty meals.
Four friends wanted to try a new dining experience, and we weren’t disappointed. The wait staff was attentive and knowledgeable. Dowjic soup was delicious. The main course, Kubey Brinj, was also good. Friends had the bakla and chicken kebabs with tabouli. Everyone was pleased.
My New favorite place to eat! My goal is to try entering in the menu! Family owned establishment with warm smiles and service! Authentic and delicious
This place is amazing! First Kurdish restaurant in America. The food is great, service was good, no wait, and the food came promptly. Tried a little the bit of everything, nothing I wouldn't order again.
Our favorite restaurant! Our family loves the “family dinner” option which allows each person to order their favorite entree, and we get one more. It’s served family style, with tabouli, a chopped vegetable salad, a creamy cucumber salad, seasoned feta, bread, and choice of soup. (I am smacking my lips as I write.) Babani’s is family-run by the nicest people you’ve ever met. Try it! You will thank yourself!
Can't wait to go back! Cute, cozy atmosphere and great service. A hidden gem in the heart of St. Paul. My table got the bread appetizer, sheik babani, Biryani, vegetarian Nineveh, Niskena, Silopi, baklava, and tabouli. Everything was fantastic. The silopi was fresh and tangy. I loved it. Portions were a good size and prices are fair. I will be back to try the Dowjic soup and garbanzo shilla!
Restaurantji Recommends
Post-Covid this gem has maintained the high quality of their menu offerings!! I will be coming back again and again! Pre-Covid this was one of my favorite restaurants and Post-Covid it is #1 with me!
I am so so so happy I found this place. I've been looking everywhere in the twin cities for good authentic kebabs, and this place is delish!! I definitely recommend the Beef kebabs with a side of Jaajic sauce (it's a super fresh yogurt sauce with cucumber, dill, etc.). I also got the Kubey Brinj, which is filled with spiced meat and fried in a super light, super crispy rice shell. So good. I'm definitely going to be going back and trying more new items off the menu. I'm new to Kurdish food but it has so much flavor. My bf got the lentil soup and also loved it! Def check this place out, try some new cuisine, and support our local restaurants :)
Amazing atmosphere, kind staff, spectacular food!
The good was great but the service was not as promised. I was told by the order taker they would bring it to the car. A half hour later I called and was told they left it by the door. When I asked what door they hung up. About five minutes later a fellow showed up with a bag.
A fantastic lunch experience in a welcoming and friendly restaurant. Appetizer: Dowjic soup - chicken, yogurt, lemon, and spices, the sum of which produces a unique tangy flavor that goes beyond the usual saltiness of soups. Main: Kubay Brinj - ground beef with parsley and more tantalizing spices in a sort of fried rice shell. You'll want to order another - it's that good. Dessert: Kurdish coffee and baklava. If you're averse to sweets, get the coffee at least - you won't regret it. Will definitely be back.