Babani’s, the U.S.’s First Kurdish Restaurant, Homey, Affordable Dishes in St. Paul | Eater Twin Cities

"Low-key and lovingly run since 1997, this small, family, no-frills Kurdish restaurant—named after owner Jamal’s tribe and widely considered the first Kurdish restaurant in the United States—now sits in an inconspicuous West Side industrial strip with ample parking and has been serving affordable, deeply flavorful dishes from Iraq’s Kurdistan region for nearly 30 years. Stepping into the warm seven-table room with lanterns, woven tapestries, and retro Arabic music, I was greeted by kind, attentive, grandma-vibe service that felt like being invited to a friend’s dinner party—eager to share their food and culture without any over-the-top antics. The vegetarian-friendly menu is sparse (about a dozen items, some differing only by rice), portions are healthy, and big eaters may want an appetizer; the standout chicken tawa—chicken sautéed in lemon then baked with peppers, potatoes, onions, and dried limes—is only offered Fridays and Saturdays, so plan accordingly. On a Thursday, I had perfectly grilled, smoky chicken kebabs with biryani (a baked rice with peas, raisins, and vegetables), while my husband paired his kebabs with basmati; our sides, a lemony, yogurt-y dowjic soup and a tabbouleh that popped with fresh parsley and lemon, were excellent. Drinks include sodas and tea, but the must-try is the Kurdish lemonade made with whole lemons and dried limes—an iced-tea-like refresher that’s just $3 and underscores how affordable the meal is at the only Kurdish restaurant in town. Practical note: they’re closed Sundays and Mondays, the kitchen winds down around 7:30 p.m. (closing at 8), and kubay brinij and bakla stop around 7, so timing matters if you’re chasing specific dishes." - Cinnamon Janzer