After years behind the counter, I can tell you the questions about koobideh kabobs come in a predictable order. What’s in them? Are they spicy? What do they come with? I decided it was time to answer them all in one place, in plain language, the way I would if you were standing in front of me. Here are the six questions I hear most.
1. What Exactly Is in Koobideh Kabobs?
Our koobideh is a mixture of ground beef and onions, skewered and broiled to perfection. That’s it. No filler, no complicated list. The beauty of this dish is its simplicity, and it’s why the quality of the meat and the care in the cooking matter so much. If you’d like to see how we think about it, I wrote about it in how Shamshiri perfected koobideh kabob in Glendale.
2. Are Koobideh Kabobs Spicy?
Not in the way most people worry about. Persian cooking leans on aroma, herbs, and balance rather than chili heat, and koobideh is savory and mild rather than fiery. It’s a very easy dish for guests who don’t enjoy spicy food.
3. What Do They Come With?
Every kabob entree on our menu is served with grilled vegetables, broiled tomatoes, and our special basmati rice. If you’d like a different rice, it’s available for an extra charge. Many guests also add a Shirazi salad, made with cucumber, tomato, onion, and parsley in a fresh lime dressing, for something cool and bright next to the grilled meat.
4. Are Koobideh Kabobs Halal?
Yes, our koobideh is halal. Our lamb dishes are halal as well. If you’re curious about any other dish, please ask our team and we’ll gladly tell you.
5. Can I Get Koobideh at Lunch?
Yes. Our lunch special runs Monday through Friday from 11:30 AM to 3:30 PM (not on holidays), and Koobideh is one of the choices. It comes with bread, butter, and your choice of salad or the soup of the day, with salad only for takeout. It’s a quick, satisfying way to try the dish without committing to a full dinner.
6. Is There a Chicken or Vegetarian Option?
There is. Chicken Koobideh is a separate dish made with ground chicken, ground onions, and spices, and it’s a milder option for guests who prefer poultry. For vegetarians, several of our plates come with a vegetable kabob instead, such as Vegetarian Sabzi Polo or Vegetarian Zereshk Polo. Everyone at your table can find something to enjoy.
A Little Background
If you’re curious about where dishes like this come from, this history of Persian food is a nice place to start. And if you’re planning a gathering and want to serve koobideh kabobs to a crowd, our catering page is the best place to begin.
You can browse every dish on our menu page. We welcome guests from Eagle Rock and Sparr Heights who come in with their questions, and I’m always happy to answer them. You can learn more about our home base on our Glendale page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I order koobideh kabobs for takeout or delivery?
Yes. Use the Order Pickup or Order Delivery button on our website.
Do you offer catering with koobideh kabobs?
We offer catering. Please see our catering page or call us to plan your event.
Do you have outdoor seating?
Yes, we offer outdoor seating, as well as a dining room and a private dining room for groups.
Still Have a Question? Ask Us
If we missed anything, give us a call or ask when you visit. We’re always happy to help.
Shamshiri Persian Grill Glendale
122 W Stocker St, Glendale, CA 91202
📞 818-246-9541
📍 Get directions on Google Maps


