Khyber Pass Cafe
(651) 690-0505
1571 Grand Ave
St Paul,
MN
55105
44.9402
-93.1665
Neighborhood: Macalester - Groveland
What People Are Saying About Khyber Pass Cafe
The Editor
Contributor
Citysearch
The Scene
Cozy and casual: College students, elderly couples and families with young children sit side by side in the flickering candlelight, spider plants droop from the windows, and the air sizzles with recorded Afghan music and the aroma of spices. Since ancient times, the Khyber Pass has served as a gateway into Afghanistan.
The Food
The chefs use cayenne, cumin, coriander, garlic and mint to coax the exotic flavors from slow-simmered stews and grilled kebabs. Offerings include marinated chicken broiled on a skewer and topped with chutney, stewed lamb and kofta (balls of ground beef spiced with onions, coriander and hot peppers). But vegetarians won't get headed off: The menu includes several meatless dishes, including an excellent kachaloo (potatoes and green peas spiced with turmeric and garlic) and bouranee baunjaun (eggplant cooked in tomato sauce until tender). The short dessert menu includes sticky-sweet baklava and puddings.
User Reviews
Fuzzybumblebee
March 09, 2009
I brought my co-workers to the Kyber Pass for our annual get together and everyone loved it. Their chutney is something really special. My vegetarian co-worker was very pleased with the options. I am mostly vegetarian, usually only eating meat when there are no other options, but their lamb chop special is so perfectly grillled and tender and tasty that I have to eat it, even though there are lots of other delicious options. My boss sprang for an assortment of three desserts and they were all delightful. My co-workers are both wine connoisseurs and they loved the wine choices. We will definitely come back.
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xXpaulXx
March 09, 2009
I ordered the Lamb Chop special on a Saturday evening. They were perfectly prepared and served with basmati rice, cilantro chutney! the cost was only $18. i think that this is very reasonable for such a special dish that in any other city would cost much more. I loved the chutney so much that i wish that they had it available at whole foods or something. Also, the ambiance is very peaceful and welcoming with many lovely painting and photos on the wall. I will be back to the Khyber Pass soon on a Saturday for the lamb. so, so good!
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lolly00
June 07, 2008
Staff was sullen & slow. Bread was stale. My dinner companion received the wrong dish but went ahead and ate it. I received spoiled, uncooked chicken next to a bed of rice that looked and tasted as if it had been sitting all day. This is the first time in my life that I have sent food back in a restaurant but the meal was not edible. The manager took the meal off the bill (I only consumed 2 bites) but no apology was offered. Perhaps the restaurant was having an "off" night but with so many wonderful options in the Twin Cities area why take the risk?
read full reviewThe Details on Khyber Pass Cafe
Parking:
There is a large community lot just east of the restaurant.
Category:
Payment Methods:
Restaurant Special Features:
Local Favorite, Family-Friendly Dining, Hidden Find, People Watching, Lunch Spot, Date Spot, Group Dining, Cheap Eats
Cuisine:
Smoking Permitted:
No
