Aidann Gia Bacolodan, Pace University
The bustling streets surrounding Washington Square Park are increasingly more difficult to navigate in the spring, as tourists and New Yorkers wander the West Village neighborhoods for overpriced coffee and leisurely walks. Amidst the big crowds are local students scouring their campuses for affordable meals in between classes and studying for final exams. Struggling to find time to cook my own meals during nuclear ban week at the United Nations and wrapping up my coursework before I graduate, I have stumbled upon a lunch spot, easy for quick pick-ups and filling meals. Just around the corner from New York University is Kebab Express Halal Grill, an eatery known for its Mediterranean platters, vegetarian options, and traditional recipes.
During one of my free periods, my good friend Nadia and I found Kebab Express not far from the subway station. The staff immediately began preparing several bowls for us, all with meat straight off the grill and vibrant in color. The display showcased a variety of sauces, vegetables, and proteins for our selection. My eyes veered towards the bright orange coloring of the chicken breast kebab, which I later selected for my salad with red sauce. Although I grew up in a Southeast Asian household, not unfamiliar with strong flavors, I would later find out that the red sauce would set my tongue aflame. The red-white sauce, on the other hand, was a perfect balance of heat and dressing.
Nadia selected a falafel sandwich with pita bread, which she found “fresh from the lettuce, onion, tomatoes, and hummus.” She described the pita bread as “floury and soft” while the falafel as “grainy and mealy.”
We ordered the loaded fries, characterized by its abundance of flavors, ranging from the bittersweet crumbled feta to the smoky beef sprinkled atop. The two of us also shared a brown rice bowl with the juiciest tandoori chicken, fresh cucumbers, baba ganoush. pickled onions, and black olives. The combination of the varying textures and tastes melded into a delicious lunch packed with nutrients. It was the perfect brain food for the afternoon, just before a long study session.
“That tandoori kebab is a perfect blend of smokiness and savoriness. The spicy white sauce drizzled on top gives it that extra flavor. I loved it,” Nadia reviewed. “I really enjoyed eating the fries. The creamy hummus balances with zesty feta cheese very well. The salty chaplee mixes perfectly with the crispy fries!”
The staff were incredibly friendly and quick. We arrived just before the lunch rush of students and young professionals. I watched as the team briskly assembled bowl after bowl, sandwich after sandwich, with kind and amiable smiles. It’s rare to find spaces in New York City where employees are able to handle the stress of the choose-your-own-meal process and still keep a friendly demeanor towards their customers.
“The service really was great and I enjoyed all of the food. I also liked that it had so many different options for meals. I have never tried falafel before!” Nadia commented as we wrapped up our lunch.
With halal meats, vegetarian options, and a wide range of grilled kebab dishes, Kebab Express Halal Grill is a delicious spot for lunch in the NYU area. The fan favorite establishment has partnered with the Campus Clipper to offer students a discount when they present the coupon below along with their valid student ID.
