It is listed on Zomato simply as Special Kabab, yet Sharjah folk and locals of Iranian ancestry refer to is as Ahmed Ali Kababi & Son, and you know what? It could possibly be Sharjah’s best-kept secret – until now. If you like Ostadi, Al Ustad as it’s called today, and Ostadi’s masti kababs in particular, then you’ll want to pay very close attention to this review. Legend has it that the late owner of Ostadi, Mohammad Ali Ansari (RIP), once worked here. The story goes, wanting to move to Dubai, he asked Ahmed Ali to relocate or, at the very least, to allow him to open a branch – he refused. And that, I am told, is how Ostadi came to be. Now run by the third generation, Ahmed Ali Kababi’s legacy holds claim to being, not just the oldest kababi in the UAE, but also the best.
Interesting facts about Ahmed Ali Kababi – ONE: It’s only open from 5pm to midnight. So, unless you live in Sharjah or the northern emirates, getting there best be put off till after the Dubai-Sharjah rush. For the record, I’ve been there twice and on both occasions, I’ve happily (patiently is a better word) endured the traffic – so good was the reward. TWO: there are only three items on the menu, chicken boti, meat boti and a sandwich of either/or. Boti is what they call their kabab masti.
The similarity between the kababs at Ahmed Ali Kababi and Ostadi are uncanny. They both specialise in kabab masti, a South Iranian speciality. Basically, bite-sized pieces of chicken or lamb marinated in soured hung yoghurt or whey till cotton tender, skewered and then masterfully grilled on hot coals. The whole process is nothing less than a back-to-basics culinary masterpiece where the grilling is as important as the marination and quality of the meat/chicken. Unique to Ahmed Ali Kababi is that they bring you your kabab still on the skewer straight off the coals, wrapped in a double layer of freshly baked lavash bread.
Personally, I prefer the tart, tanginess of Ostadi’s chicken masti but the lamb at Ahmed Ali Kababi’s is succulent beyond belief. In fact, it’s the best I have had anywhere. Don’t get me wrong, the chicken is amazing too and I loved it. I just like Ostadi’s more. Now, I was brought here by my dear friend, Middle Eastern food connoisseur, Mansour the-King-of-Kong Madani to verify his claim that this was the best masti kabab in the UAE. Although I am a die-hard Ostadi fan, I must agree that the kabab at Ahmed Ali Kababi is right up there with the best of the best and is 100% worth a detour. What this hidden gem does not have, however, is Ostadi’s charm and ambience. And for that, you need Majid, Talib and Abbas…
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Xerxes physically dines at, or orders from, each and every venue he reviews. He pays in full for whatever he and his companions eat, drink, take away or occasionally throw at each other. Xerxes accepts no money, gifts, discounts or free meals in return for reviews or favouritism. What you have read was NOT influenced in any way by the venue. Join me on Instagram @ravenousxerxes or email me on xerxes@dellara.com.