Restaurant
Kabana
167 Lygon St, Carlton VIC 3053, Australia
Find Kabana
167 Lygon St, Carlton VIC 3053, Australia
Directions ↗*Opening hours may differ during holidays.
Book NowAbout Kabana
On a strip dominated by red sauce and espresso, Kabana brings charcoal smoke, spiced rice, and sprawling communal platters to Carlton. Regulars gather here for the King Platter—heaping mounds of seasoned basmati loaded with lamb chops, grilled chicken, fresh flatbread, and tangy tomato-chilli dips. The room stays lively well past normal dinner hours, with groups lingering over fruit-flavoured shisha and steaming pots of cardamom-laced Shir chai.
- Communal feast platters: Heaping family-sized mixed grills feature skewers of lamb, chicken, and spiced mince served over fragrant seasoned rice with house dips and bread.
- Late-night shisha and tea: Guests linger late into the Carlton evening with outdoor shisha pipes paired with spiced tea and traditional sweets.
What's On at Kabana
Upcoming events, special menus and other reasons to plan a visit.
No events or specials listed right now.
Why Dine at Kabana
Why diners choose Kabana for authentic Afghan banquets, social gatherings, and late-night hospitality in Carlton
Generous Communal Feast Platters
Large multi-person feast platters like the Kings Platter and Platter for 4 combine tender lamb chops, marinated skewers, seasoned rice, bread, and dips.
We ordered the platter for 4 it was so delicious. The lamb champs were out of this world delicious and cooked to perfection.
Sana Amir Authentic Charcoal Grills and Regional Specialties
Specialty slow-cooked and grilled Afghan classics like lamb shank, mantu dumplings, and spiced chapli kebabs showcase traditional flavours.
The meat was tender, the rice was perfectly cooked, and the flavours were rich and authentic.
Ahmad Bashawri Bountiful Portions That Leave Everyone Satisfied
Hearty portions and bountiful spreads ensure large dinner parties and family tables leave completely full and satisfied.
We were a group of five and paid around $40 each, and everyone left super full and satisfied.
Juan David Rodríguez Callejas Heartfelt Hospitality That Feels Like Home
Welcoming hospitality and home-style comforts transport guests with sincere care and nostalgic Kabul dining warmth.
The best best best service, the atmosphere that took me to Kabul jan.
Shaima Azizi Vibrant Setting for Group Celebrations
Comfortable seating arrangements and shareable banquet spreads accommodate group birthdays, family gatherings, and casual dates.
Had a birthday here for my daughter, and every guest loved the food. The kings platter is sensational.
Tasneem Chopra Relaxed Social Evenings with Shisha and Tea
Evenings extend naturally over dedicated shisha pipe service, Shir chai, and hot spiced Afghan tea in a relaxed, friendly environment.
the serving sizes are really big so you get more than what you pay for and the shisha is also 10/10.
Maxine Fayle
Most popular items
Signature charcoal grills and traditional Afghan specialties crafted for sharing
King platter
The kings platter is sensational.
Tasneem Chopra Chapli kebab
Highly recommend my personal favourite - the chapli kebab.
Pratik Pakrashi Lamb shank
Every dish we ordered was delicious, especially the lamb shank, kebab platter, and mantu.
Ahmad Bashawri Mandi
I ordered the Mandi and it was absolutely amazing.
Sohail khan
Frequently Asked Questions
What dishes are best to order for groups or first-time visitors?
Generous share platters are widely recommended for pairs and groups, such as the King Platter for 2 or the platter for 4, which combine mixed meats, rice, salad, and bread with traditional dips like yoghurt and spicy tomato sauce. Other popular highlights include chapli kebab, chopaan ribs, and lamb karahi.
How easy is it to find parking near the restaurant?
Finding a street spot directly out front on Lygon Street can be tough and requires some luck or a short walk depending on the hour, though free street parking is available in the surrounding area and visiting later in the evening makes parking easier.
Does Kabana offer shisha?
Yes, alongside authentic dining and hot teas like Shir chai, Kabana offers shisha pipe service in the evenings.
How large are the portion sizes?
Portions are notably generous. Diners note that sharing platters and standard mains easily leave groups full, with five diners sharing meals for around $40 per person.
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