Food & Drink · Restaurants
Kababish Cafe
About
Kababish Cafe: Halal Pakistani and Indian Cooking in Downtown Cary
On West Chatham Street in downtown Cary, Kababish Cafe has earned a devoted following for its authentic, all-halal Pakistani and Indian cooking. Warm and family-run, it’s become one of downtown Cary’s most beloved independent restaurants.
A Career Change Rooted in Passion
Kababish opened in 2015, founded by husband-and-wife team Samreen “Sam” Nawaz and executive chef Syed Yousuf. Pakistani natives who came to Cary by way of New York, they chose the town for its livability. Syed left a career in computer engineering to cook full-time, and together they turned a former downtown wine bar into a destination for South Asian food.
The Food: Slow-Cooked and Halal
The kitchen emphasizes fresh ingredients and traditional, slow-cooked dishes. House signatures include haleem—a rich lentil, wheat, and chicken stew—alongside fragrant biryanis and the classic slow-cooked stew nihari. Every meat dish is halal certified, and most entrées arrive as a complete plate with basmati rice, salad, and naan. A generous vegetarian selection rounds out the menu.
A Downtown Cary Favorite
Kababish’s quality and hospitality have earned it local recognition, including a Maggy Award for Best Indian Restaurant, and its owners have been active in Cary’s downtown community. Fresh, from-scratch cooking is the through-line.
Plan Your Visit
Kababish serves lunch and dinner most days but is closed Tuesdays, with split midday and evening service earlier in the week and continuous hours Friday through Sunday. Hours can vary, so it’s worth confirming before a visit.