4.1
41 reviews
88% will return

Kandahar

1380 Oak Tree Avenue, Woodbridge Township, NJ

Afghan$$

Halal summary

Staff has given verbal assurance of halal status. All food at this restaurant is certified halal.

Fully halal
No alcohol allowed
Trending

About Kandahar

A new restaurant that serves Afghan and Turkish cuisine. Part of the Shalimar chain of New Jersey restaurants.

Photos

Photo of Kandahar
Sys AdminJan 12, 2026
Photo of Kandahar
Sys AdminJan 12, 2026
Photo of Kandahar
Sys AdminJan 12, 2026
Photo of Kandahar
Sys AdminJan 12, 2026
Photo of Kandahar
Sys AdminJan 12, 2026
Photo of Kandahar
Sys AdminJan 12, 2026
Photo of Kandahar
Sys AdminJan 12, 2026
Photo of Kandahar
Sys AdminJan 12, 2026
Photo of Kandahar
Sys AdminJan 12, 2026
Photo of Kandahar
Sys AdminJan 12, 2026
Photo of Kandahar
Sys AdminJan 12, 2026
Photo of Kandahar
Sys AdminJan 12, 2026
Photo of Kandahar
Arham AtiqueFeb 27, 2025

Hours

Monday11:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Tuesday11:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Wednesday11:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Thursday11:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Friday11:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Saturday11:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Sunday11:00 AM - 11:00 PM

Amenities

Prayer allowed upon request
Parking space
Restroom
To-go
Handicap access
Transit access

Social media

Email

Location

1380 Oak Tree Avenue, Woodbridge Township, NJ

4.1
41 reviews·71% would return
5
4
3
2
1
A

A. Shah

Dec 27, 201542 reviews
3

We stopped out here very randomly, literally by Googling 'Best Indian Pakistani Restaurants in Edison, NJ'. Our luck had that this place has great food. The amount of flavor, spiciness, and portion were great! We contemplated getting the order for 2 but one entree each was more than enough. They placed a grilled hot pepper on the plate and that ONE pepper made the whole entree delicious! Very fresh food and good service. The variety is exceptional and the accompaniment of salad, naan, and chutneys is great! We are not sure how authentic the food is. probably not authentic but it passed the taste test. Edit 12/27/15: Returned back with family and came back a little disappointed but not because of the food. The food is good, however we found out that they add gratuity without your consent for a party of 4 or more. Normally gratuity is added for 15 or so people. Adding gratuity without consent is shady and adding a surcharge for CC is even worse! Dropped rating to 3 stars because of these things. There are a lot of places within a few minutes of this place that offer better quality of food and service. I suggest going elsewhere.

Would return
I

Ibn Fooduta

Dec 22, 2015329 reviews
4

Food was good. I enjoyed the kababs, however, I will stay away from the lamb next time. It was not cooked right. They also do not serve any beef here :( and no free water, you have to pay for bottled water. The ownership was friendly.

Would return
A

Ahmar Mehmood

Sep 3, 20157 reviews
5

Best Afghani and Turkish food in Jersey! And the best part is large portions and economical price! Everything tastes authentic

A

ali rahim

Jul 20, 20152 reviews
5

Delicious Turkish & Afghan cuisine combines here with very good and friendly service to give a rewarding dining experience. THE BEST TURKISH RESTUARANT IN NEW JERSEY

Would return
H

hassan ahmed

Jan 22, 20151 review
5

This is a great place to eat, the food is delicious and inexpensive. . Well worth your money. There are always people at this restaurant at any gjven time. They are open late on most nights which is very convenient. I can\'t wait to eat here again! Love this place!

Would return
S

shahid khan

Jan 20, 20151 review
5

Absolutely amazing, like last time. I have a 20 % off coupon, but I refuse to use it. Their food is worth each and every penny. I had the curried lamb. It almost fell apart as I tried to put it into my mouth. My fiance had the chicken kabob Yes I know I likely misspelled that, but the food was amazing The service was very quick and awesomely friendly and courteous. I will definitely be a regular.

Would return
Z

zia mohammad

Jan 19, 20152 reviews
5

This place is the best kabob in town! the service is quick and friendly and the food is always on point. If you're in the area you def need to stop by and check it out!

Would return
J

Jimmy Ulfat

Dec 6, 201444 reviews
1

Not clean. Expensive. Oily food.

M

Mir Ahmad

May 22, 20148 reviews
5

if you are into non spicy food then you have found a very good place. They cook mostly kebabs and gyros over rice . Food is delicious and i would recommend this place to families.

Would return
S

seema mehboob

Feb 12, 20144 reviews
5

went there on Sunday the food was good and the service was great. portion size is very good also much better than all the other restaurants that we have been to in Edison.

Would return
M

Matin Sheikh

Feb 9, 201467 reviews
4

One of the only Halaal restaurants on Oak tree road that serves authentic style Afghani food. Huge portions, large variety, pretty good taste and flavor but there are better definitely much better alternatives if you want to experience true authentic Afghan food (i.e. Silk road, Choopan, etc.). Service, seating arrangements are pretty horrendous as is the parking and it is overpriced (since there is no competition). Interestingly, on top of high pricing and poor service the tip is also included in dine in food service - strange since this is more like a fast food / take out style eatery. Nonetheless, you have to travel far outside of Edison to taste the alternatives which is why Kandahar is always packed for those craving this cuisine.

Would return
H

halal guy

Jan 23, 20145 reviews
5

I am Glad to have Afghan food on Oak Tree road! Food is very delicious. I would recommend spicy gyros and Kabuli pulao! They are too good

Would return
M

maria khan

Jan 14, 20141 review
5

I saw great reviews as recommended by others so I went to kandahar this weekend with my family to try it myself. Kandahar restaurant is definitely serves the best halal food in jersey area. The food was so delicious I will highly recommend this restaurant!

Would return
K

khalil jan

Jan 12, 20141 review
5

There is good Afghani food right on Oaktree Rd.this is another location from group of shalimar.the meat is really tender and tasty.also I like there white sauce.and chicken and lamb gyros and chicken afghan pull ao my favorite.and manger shahid latif is so nice with customers he was working like professional waiters.he help us to chose the menu what ever he recommended it was so tasty.

P

Patricia william

Jan 10, 20141 review
5

BEST AFGHANI FOOD

Would return
A

aisha khan

Jan 10, 20141 review
5

delicious food :) kandahar is definitely the best turkish restaurant in jersey. I like chicken/lamb shawarma and adana kabab. Owners are very nice great staff...do yourself a favor!try this restaurant on oak tree road and you will love it :)

Would return
M

Mean friend

Jan 10, 20146 reviews
5

WE tried Sultan platter for 4, food was very delicious, kebabs were juicy and Not spicy, and portion was very satisfying!

Would return
S

Smith watson

Jan 9, 20141 review
5

BEST AFGHAN RESTAURANT

Would return
A

anjalina fox

Jan 8, 20141 review
5

BEST FOOD BEST RESTAURANT

Would return
M

Mary jonson

Jan 8, 20141 review
5

BEST TURKISH RESTAURANT NEW JERSEY

Would return
B

Barbara adams

Jan 5, 20141 review
5

BEST RESTAURANT NEW JERSEY

Would return
H

Hina Siddiqui

Nov 18, 20132 reviews
5

This is one of my favorite places on oak tree! Fresh food, good service, just avoid the eyes of the creepy owner

M

Maria Omer

Oct 13, 201319 reviews
3

A

Ali Khan

Aug 27, 20137 reviews
1

Listen, if you want afghani or Turkish. Don't come here

R

rubia tates

Jul 27, 20131 review
5

Great shop ! really liked this shop. It's both a sweet and savory food store. I admittedly do not like Indian sweets (they're basically sugar, milk, and butter mixed together into different ratio's and shapes), but the sweet I tried here was definitely better than at the other stores nearby. I think most people buy boxes and 1/2 lbs of sweets, so the lady just let me try the 1 piece of rectangular sugar for free.the staff are very helpful and professional.grat ........i like it.

Would return
F

fatimah ludgood

Jul 27, 20131 review
5

The mothership of the Shalimar empire! This is the staple for no nonsense Pakistani style cuisine! They specialize in meat and do not mess around. Half the place is a sweet shop and half a full fledge crowded at all times food haven for us meat lovers! Buffets are extensive and awesome! Prices are very fair. This is not a fancy wine and dine spot. It's a hole in the wall type where people and their families come to eat! No thrills or frills just serious food! I live an hour away but always stop by when I'm in Edison and always have family pick some kebabs up for me too when they go visit. Been going here since I've been a kid. Their other smaller location down the street is open 24 hours! I love these guys!

Would return
L

leontine wash

Jul 27, 20131 review
5

Shalimar is definitely a hole in the wall place. I came here a week after going to Moghul, which was a legit sit down Indian restaurant buffet. But Shalimar is a place you walk in to grab a quick bite, grab some desert, or you can meander to the back for wonderful buffet, but served with plastic plates and plastic utensils.

Would return
A

anid andino

Jul 27, 20131 review
5

So delicious - hits the spot every time. True Pakistani food - not Indian. We always get the 4 piece chicken and beef kabobs, nihari and Haleem. Amazing - period. I also just tried their sweets this time - the kalakand....holy crap I don't even like desi mithai and this stuff was sooo legit. Man...wish they were closer to me!

Would return
E

earleen swickard

Jul 27, 20131 review
5

Excellent and very authentic Afghani food. Average price but worth every penny. Three of us ordered 4 items from its long list of menu, we walked out with our belly over stuffed. If you want spicy, request for a roasted or fried chilli pepper.

Would return
H

hallil mustafa

Jun 15, 20131 review
5

There are hundreds of restaurants in NJ, but finding a good one, a restaurant that gets you in and out without feeling rushed, has a good variety of dishes, but not a menu that will take an hour to read, has excellent food and service AND gives you a cozy feeling, is difficult to find. One such restaurant is the Turkish Cuisine, and To be perfectly honest, I never would have ventured inside, had my sister not recommended it. But once inside, you feel like you are on one of the cobblestone streets of a middle-eastern or European city, and it is quite charming. The food is delicious, the service very attentive, and the deserts scrumptious. Try it and enjoy!

Would return
F

Fakeron Jim

Jun 13, 20131 review
5

I ate there last week and their food was amazing ! the place is clean , and the food is just great ! i recommend with all my heart !

Would return
H

Haider Rizvi

Jun 12, 20132 reviews
1

This is the WORST restaurant I have been too. The food was terrible, and the staff was very rude. When they gave me a bill they doubled all the prices from written menu prices (which is illegal) and told me it costs 2x to sit and eat. I have never had 'muslim owned restaurant' openly steal from me like this before. I will NEVER eat there again and recommend everyone to avoid them.

Would not return
C

cinderella bis

May 16, 20131 review
1

i used to LOVE this place, i became very good friends with a guy who works there, and i always went there whenever i visited jersey, which was once a month. Recently, i got the inside scoop. they DO NOT serve halal meat. the reason behind that? haram is cheaper. not only that, but everything they claim has lamb in it, (apart from the lamb chops and some kababs) is actually just beef, cus lamb is too expensive. People have sold their imaan just to make money. I'm beyond disgusted, i dont think service, or food, or anything else matters when something as big as this, is lied about. astagfurillah.

Would not return
M

Mohammad Ejaz

Apr 29, 201348 reviews
1

The food was terrible, and I mean terrible, awful. It did not taste like Afghan food at all. It was oily and completely bland, no flavor, no taste, no texture. I agree with the reviewer before me, it felt like half boiled food on a plate. The place itself is dirty and service was shaky. I would never recommend anyone to waste their money here.

Would not return
A

Asad Yousuf

Apr 28, 20131 review
5

The restaurant is very dirty, the food was bland. Looked like they just boiled the food and put on a plate. There many other places that serve the same kind of food and are much better tasting. STAY AWAY. The restaurant is owned/operated my Shalimar restaurants, I think this place is and embarrassment for Shalimar chain of restaurants.

A

Aq Alidost

Mar 4, 2013297 reviews
4

I liked their food better than other Afghan places. The owner is Muslim and assured us that everything is halal. Their chicken burger was outstanding. The place is inside "Lovely Sweets", so there is no sign for it from outside. We discovered this place by accident. Good discovery. Will for sure go back to try it again.

Would return
M

M K

Jan 13, 20132 reviews
3

Food was good I thought, my brother thought it was a bit on the bland side but he still enjoyed it too. The Afghani rice with the carrots and prunes was delicious also. Our waiter seemed a bit apathetic though, seemed like he didn't want to be there but nonetheless, I will be returning back!

Would return
H

Halal Adventurer

Sep 4, 201212 reviews
1

Please beware! We were so keen in going there until we had this bad experience. We did a mistake to try their buffet. Firstly they didnt even bother to fill their buffet when any of the tray were empty. Secondly there is nothing afghani about it, so dont even go there if you are craving afghani Lastly which threw us was they were serving fried chicken and wings not even cooked. We took the first bit off the fried chicken as it was brought fresh in the buffet after we insisted twice to fill that tray.We found that these fried chicken pieces were still frozen from inside and were not even cooked well. The owner was not even kind enough to say sorry or acknowledge that mistake, thats ridiculous. I often dont write reviews but when there is a bad conduct I just cant stop myself.

Would not return
F

Faz Man

Sep 1, 201243 reviews
3

The food is okay, a little over priced. However, the only thing really negative is that it is very plain/bland tasting. Try for yourself and see if this style is for you, but i prefer Sahara near Rutgers a lot better tasting than this place.

S

Shaheer Hakki

Jun 29, 20129 reviews
4

I recently ate at Kandahar restaurant with my family. The kids ordered the chicken burgers and we ordered the kababs. Overall, the food was plentiful but kind of plain and not very spicy. The "chutney" on the table was quite tasty which had to be used liberally to flavor our food. We do not eat very spicy ourselves but do want some flavor. Would we go back, yes, the food was tasty enough and is a change from the other stuff on Oak Tree road.

Would return
S

Syed Rizvi

Jun 12, 201253 reviews
5

A part of the Shalimar Chain of Restaurants and located right on Oak Tree Road. Kandahar is a much needed addition to the Edison/Iselin area. Living in this area one craves something other than pakistani/chinese halal and there are basically no options. Now with Kandahar there is good afghani/turkish food right on Oak Tree Rd. The prices may seem a little high compared to other places on Oak Tree but they give a lot of food. The meat is really tender and tasty. My favorite items so far are the chicken/lamb shawarma and adana kabab. Also their white and hot sauces are great compliments to their dishes.

Would return