On the day of Hector’s Big Birthday, copious quantities of Chapli Kebab were provided for my guests. For the majority, a first encounter, including Prof G, who is one of many who asked in subsequent days – what were they?
Today in Seattle WA, the Hector has sourced Chapli Kebab, in the Capitol Hill district of the city, at Cafe Ashiana (1601 Harvard avenue, Seattle WA 98122 USA). We arrived at 13.05 to find a family in situ at a corner table. With only three tables, and a seating capacity of twelve, this is very much a cafe.
In the minutes following, there was a steady stream of customers, such that the poor chap, manning the place alone, had to advise of a forty minute wait for food to be served. We timed it right.
Chicken Chapli Kebab ($16.99), times three, was duly ordered along with drinks ($2.50) from the fridge behind me. With Chicken, Beef and Lamb available, the chap asked:
Why chicken? Usually people have beef.
We have Chicken Chapli at home – was Hector’s reply.
Prof G established that Chicken Tikka is the house specialty. I was happy to see the handwritten Curry menu (below), some Desi Curry there.
Cafe Ashiana is therefore more than just a simple Kebap House.
Subsequent customers were informed that there was no more Chicken available. Given the lack of space indoors, they all chose to wait outside. A bit warmer today, so not onerous.
No cups, a straw had to suffice. The Hector lost his straw in the bottle of San Pelegrino. All this way to drink Italian Sparkling Water.
The wait was substantial, should this be a one man operated show?
Chapli Kebab
Three patties sat atop a small bed of Rice, they were covered in a Modest Salad comprised of Onion and Coriander, with a small Dip on the side. Modest, small.
Is that it? – was my reaction. Not a lot of food for the dollar.
The Spice Level impressed, the lack of Seasoning did not. In terms of Flavour, Cumin was very much to the fore, with the Coriander Leaves not far behind. The Dip offered some Citrus.
A pleasure to eat, and a marked difference from the pub-fayre that I have generally tried to avoid on this trip. Not a patch on Yadgar (Glasgow, Scotland) in terms of Flavour, or value for money.
Dr. Stan offered no official comment, but enjoyed his lunch.
Prof G was effusive therefore in comparison:
The flavours burst into the mouth, leaving a residual spicy tang to the lining of the mouth, long after the Chapli had left my mouth.
Delicious.
All plates were cleared, not much of a challenge in that respect.
The Bill
$50.32 (£37.40) (for Dr. Stan and myself). A bit of liberty with the drinks.
The Aftermath
The Calling Card was duly presented, not that our chap had much time to chat. He did, however, display an air of enthusiasm, such that the Hector had to be reminded to pay.
2026 Menu
