Overview

Nestled within the bustling food court of 1 Southland Mall in Hayward, KABUL EXPRESS KABOB offers an inviting gateway to authentic Afghan cuisine. This casual yet vibrant spot excels in delivering traditional flavors with a contemporary twist, appealing to both newcomers and seasoned lovers of Afghan dishes.

The menu boasts a diverse selection, with standout dishes like the Gyro Plate available in chicken, beef, or lamb, reflecting a rich blend of Middle Eastern influence and Afghan culinary heritage. The Bolani, a delightful Afghan calzone stuffed with leeks or potatoes and aromatic herbs, offers a unique starter that is generously portioned and perfectly paired with yogurt for balance. For heartier appetites, the Triple Kabobs plate delivers grilled chicken, beef, and lamb with seasoned rice and sweet raisins, skillfully marrying robust flavors and textures.

Many patrons highlight the warm, attentive service that complements the experience, fostering a welcoming atmosphere within the mall’s food court setting. The team’s hospitality enhances the overall appeal, inviting repeat visits from locals and mall visitors alike. Whether you're grabbing a quick lunch or sharing a meal with friends, the setting is relaxed and conducive to casual dining.

Afghan staples like the Qabili Palau stand out for their fragrant spiced rice with tender meat, offering a glimpse into Afghanistan’s rich culinary traditions. Desserts such as Baklava provide a sweet finish with flaky layers and nutty, honeyed goodness, while beverage options range from soothing herbal teas to refreshing soft drinks, accommodating a range of preferences.

What truly sets Kabul Express Kabob apart is the authentic taste achieved through fresh, carefully prepared ingredients and traditional seasoning. From the cumin and cardamom-infused rice to the marinated sirloin in Chapli Kabob, every dish is a testament to genuine Afghan cooking. Its location inside a mall makes it accessible, perfect for shoppers craving something comforting yet distinctive.

This restaurant embraces a broad audience, from food adventurers eager to try Afghan cuisine for the first time to those longing for the flavors of home. Customers often remark on generous portion sizes and distinct, memorable taste profiles, making KABUL EXPRESS KABOB a hidden gem in the Hayward dining scene.

In summary, KABUL EXPRESS KABOB offers a flavorful, authentic Afghan dining experience within a casual mall food court environment. Its standout dishes, genuine hospitality, and generous servings make it an excellent choice for anyone looking to explore rich, traditional flavors with ease and comfort.


Amenities & Services

Popular for
Popular for lunch
Popular for dinner
Good for solo dining
Offerings
Serves comfort food
Quick bite
Serves small plates
Atmosphere
Casual

What Customers Say

Moira Elliott
Dec 3,2025
5/5
Super delicious food options here at the food court in the mall. But I chose KABUL EXPRESS KABOB today. I’m glad I did! I chose the.Mantoo entree. Delicious envelopes of seasoned meat with a delicious sauce and bread for dipping. It was really good and I couldn’t finish it, because the portion was so abundant.
allison
Dec 3,2025
5/5
This place is a hidden gem!! It is located in the Southland Mall- I happened to stumble upon it by chance after some unsuccessful shopping. I had never really tried Afghan cuisine prior, so I decided to order on a whim- I landed on a serving of Bolani per their recommendation. It did NOT disappoint. They are VERY generous with their serving portions- my friends and I were genuinely impressed. "One order of Bolani is good enough for two people." And boy were they right. Super cheap pricing too. Another notable point is the employees are so sweet and down to earth!! Nowadays I only come to Southland Mall to order from this place and say hi to the people that work there. 5 stars across the board.
Natnael Taye
Dec 3,2025
5/5
Lovely people, great food and nice place to eat at. I ordered the Challow Rice with chicken and some veggies. It comes with Afghan bread that complements everything. The cumin and cardamom seasoned rice together with the slightly spicy chicken is absolutely delicious. Would recommend it to anyone looking to try authentic Afghan cuisine because they’ve got a bunch other options which I’m planning to try out in the near future. 10/10! Also don’t forget to try their baklava for desert, so good!
Malik Zz
Dec 3,2025
5/5
Mashallah! I order a lamb shank and it was Absolutely delicious! The flavors were perfectly balanced, and everything tasted fresh and thoughtfully prepared. The presentation was beautiful, and the portion size was just right. You can really tell the care that went into every detail, definitely a spot I’ll be coming back to!
Faisal Esmaty
Dec 3,2025
5/5
Kabul Express Kabob is truly a hidden gem! Their Afghani burger is the best I’ve ever had — juicy, flavorful, and perfectly seasoned. The chicken soup and Aash are absolutely unbeatable — rich, comforting, and full of authentic Afghan taste. Every dish tastes fresh and homemade, just like you’d get back in Kabul. The staff are kind, the service is quick, and the food is always served hot and delicious. Highly recommend this place to anyone who loves real Afghan food or simply wants to try something amazing.
Sual R
Dec 3,2025
5/5
The food here is incredibly delicious, the prices are very affordable, and the customer service is excellent. This restaurant is definitely a must-try!
Faizan Khan
Dec 3,2025
5/5
Tried Kabul Express Kabob today and honestly, the food was really good. I got the Qabli Pulao, Chapli, and the Kefta Kabab combo, and everything had great flavor. The Qabli Pulao was my favorite ,really tender meat and the rice was perfect. Chapli and kefta were both solid and cooked just right

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Location

Opening Hours

Monday 11:00 AM - 07:00 PM
Tuesday 11:00 AM - 07:00 PM
Wednesday 11:00 AM - 07:00 PM
Thursday 11:00 AM - 07:00 PM
Friday 11:00 AM - 08:00 PM
Saturday 11:00 AM - 08:00 PM
Sunday 11:00 AM - 06:00 PM
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