Walk up to a Persian grill menu for the first time and the list of kabobs can feel long. Koobideh, barg, shishlick, joojeh. Which one is for you? I get this question at the counter almost every day, so I’ve put my answer in writing. Here are six kabobs from our menu and how I’d help you choose between them.
One thing all of them have in common: every kabob entree is served with grilled vegetables, broiled tomatoes, and our special basmati rice. You can ask for a different rice for an extra charge.
1. Koobideh: The Classic Starting Point
Koobideh is a mixture of ground beef and onions, skewered and broiled to perfection. It’s tender, juicy, and savory, and it’s the dish I recommend to almost every first-time guest. If you’re unsure, start here. Our koobideh is halal.
2. Barg: For Those Who Want Something Leaner
Barg is made from the heart of the tenderloin, sliced thin, marinated, and skewered. Because it’s a whole cut of meat rather than ground, it has a different bite: firmer, cleaner, and a little more delicate. If you like steak more than burgers, this is your kabob.
3. Shamshiri: Can’t Decide? Get Both
Our house combination pairs Barg with Koobideh on the same plate. It’s the best way to taste both textures side by side, and it’s what I’d order if I were new and curious. It also makes a great plate to share if you’re dining with a friend.
4. Shish Kabob: A Step Up
Shish kabob uses chunk pieces of filet mignon, marinated and broiled. It’s the choice for a special evening, when you want a hearty, steak-style kabob with the same smoky, grilled character as everything else on the menu.
5. Joojeh Kabob: Something Different
Joojeh is a whole Cornish hen, skinned, cut into eight pieces, then marinated and broiled. It’s juicy, flavorful, and a little out of the ordinary, which makes it a favorite among guests who want chicken but something more interesting than a plain breast.
6. Lamb: Shishlick and Bareh Kabob
For lamb lovers, we offer two choices. Shishlick is made with marinated lamb chops, while Bareh Kabob uses boneless lamb ribeye chunks, both skewered and broiled. If you enjoy richer, deeper flavors, this is where to look. Our lamb dishes are halal.
How to Decide in Ten Seconds
If you want familiar and approachable, choose Koobideh. If you want lean and delicate, choose Barg. If you want to try two things, choose Shamshiri. If you want chicken with character, choose Joojeh. And if you want richness, choose lamb. There are also chicken kabobs, a ground chicken koobideh, and a fresh fish kabob on the menu, so everyone at your table has something to love.
You can see every option on our menu page, and our Persian grill page shows more about what comes off our fire. For a neutral look at why kabobs sit at the heart of this cuisine, Wikipedia’s article on Iranian cuisine is a good read.
Guests from Verdugo Woodlands and Rossmoyne often tell me they’ve worked their way down this list over several visits, which is exactly how I’d suggest doing it. You can learn more about the area on our Glendale page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best kabob for a first-time guest?
Koobideh, made with ground beef and onions, is the most approachable starting point.
What comes with a kabob entree?
Every kabob entree is served with grilled vegetables, broiled tomatoes, and our special basmati rice.
Which dishes are halal?
Our koobideh and lamb dishes are halal. Please ask our team about any specific dish.
Can I get a different kind of rice?
Yes, for an extra charge. Just ask your server.
Come Pick Your Kabob
The fire is hot and the menu is ready. We’d love to cook for you.
Shamshiri Persian Grill Glendale
122 W Stocker St, Glendale, CA 91202
📞 818-246-9541
📍 Get directions on Google Maps
