Looking for Halal food in Miami. Here is the best Halal spot for Persian or Iranian food in South Florida. Shahs of Kabob is near the University of Miami campus in Coral Gables, Florida and offers fresh classics like Koobideh and Barg kabobs.

The Halal Food scene in Miami isn’t as concentrated as other cities in Florida. The best spots are spread out across the entire county. For Halal Food along the beach coast line, you’ll want to try Juicy Gyros. But if you find yourself in the North Miami area, there are several spots like Quickies Burger and Wings and also Sheik’s Bakery and Café. But for South Miami, Shahs of Kabob is the spot to try.

First, I must let you know that I am reviewing the restaurant based on my to-go order. Given the pandemic, I opted not to do the dine-in options. Some of the freshness may have been lost it transport. Having said that, I was still impressed with the meal. My first bite of the koobideh reminded me of some of the spots I had eaten at growing up in Toronto, a city with a large Iranian population and many restaurants and market spots.

Koobideh is a combination of ground lamb and beef mixed in with some spices placed on wide flat skewers. They then cook it over an open coal flame. Eating this meal did carry that authentic flavor profile. The rice was light and fluffy which helped accentuate the barbeque meat flavors. I was a little disappointed that there was no yellow rice or saffron added, but excited to get the grilled tomato in the traditional manner.

This is a counter service spot where your meal is made fresh to order. The menu is visible above the register and the staff is able to answer any question you have about the meal. They have been in business for about 3 years and are very popular with the local nearby student population.

The proximity to the University of Miami campus keeps pressure on them to keep meal value in line for college students. Given the portion, the value is reasonable. There are options to add traditional elements like walnuts, cranberries and feta cheese. These are upgrades that come for a small charge but give the meal a more authentic look. Think of it as adding the guac at Chipotle. The wraps also offer good value if you want a quick bite to eat for lunch.

The space is small with a few tables for parties of 2-4 in doors. There is also covered seating outdoors. The décor is quite vibrant with their color choices. The large areas on the walls are covered with colorful geometric patterns consistent with their Iranian cultural roots.

There is metered street parking nearby, but if it is taken there is also a parking garage adjacent to the restaurant unit. Be sure to plan to be there at least 20-30 minutes as food takes time to prepare, or you can always call ahead to place your order.

Given the scarcity of Persian or Iranian foods in Florida, this was a treat to find. The service was efficient and there was good value for the food portion. It did remind me of my younger years growing up in Toronto where there was an abundance of Iranian spots to choose from. I chose the classic Koobideh dish and was not disappointed. If I find myself in South Miami again, I would make it a point to stop by and explore the menu more.

On an interesting note, the name reminds me of a TV show called Shahs of Sunset. It follows a group of young wealthy Persian in California and documents the intense drama that unfolds in their friendship circles. Definitely not a show to watch with you Auntie or Uncle, but entertaining none the less.