The Kebab Factory
414 Washington St
Somerville, Massachusetts 02143
United States
(617) 354-4996
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8.6
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"Best kebabs in Boston!"

Way back in the 14th century, the Moghuls invaded Hindukush, "the land of milk, honey and other rich treasures." In return, they left behind a trail of destruction, and well, the kebab. The kebab was, at the time, just meat sprinkled with salt, which was barbecued and gobbled up by this army on the move. But soon it caught the fancy of Indian chefs. And by their very capable hands, the kebab was perfected into a sublime art. They chose the finest meats, created an amazing array of marinades in which these meats were transformed into savory goodness. Cooking was now also improved. The open fire was too unpredictable, so the even, dry heat of the tandoor took its place. All this effort to create the perfect kebab; the kind which you can savor at The Kebab Factory in Somerville.

Visit us at The Kebab Factory any day of the week for lunch and dinner.

  • Great Atmosphere
  • Lunch Buffets
  • Catering and Delivery Services
(Information provided by Citysearch)
Despite its name, this place is more of an upscale Indian restaurant than a carry-out joint.
November 09, 2005

This restaurant sports an upscale feel and decor similar to those of its sister establishments. Diners look through the glass that separates the dining room from the kitchen and view sizzling skewers of kebabs. The signature Kundan Kaaliya dish (carved mutton on a bed of rich, saffron-flavored gravy with edible gold leaves) is quite a sight.

(Editorial review provided by Citysearch)
1 to 10 of 23 reviews | Go to Page 1 2 3
a steal.
January 13, 2010
(5.0 / 5 stars)

The only reason I ever went to Kebab Factory was because it was in my neighborhood. Since it's on the corner of Washington and Beacon Streets, no one (unless they are intending to do so) would probably stumble upon this place and go, "gee, I think I'll eat here tonight"... since it's really far out of the way for anyone to wander to.

Still, it's absolutely worth the trip, even for the lunch buffet. I see a lot of Indian restaurants get love because of their frequent diners at their locations, but Kebab Factory is hands down the best purveyor of North Indian fare in Boston. Their lunch buffet cycles every day; I've seen their excellently executed chicken tikka masala twice in all the times I've been there but have never been disappointed with the other offerings. The kebab meat is tasty and some of the best I've ever had, no matter what time you go for weekday brunch.

Basically, the Kebab Factory is worth the hike and is worth every penny you spend on the food there. They seriously know what they're doing.

Pros: fantastic food
Cons: out of the waysies
(User review provided by Citysearch)
Excellent Buffet
April 15, 2009
(5.0 / 5 stars)

I often go to the Kebab Factory for lunch with colleagues. Its guaranteed to impress out of town clients, and new customers. However, I find that the spices are often bland (compared to other Indian restaurants) and the buffet menu does not change often. Still, if there is a place in Cambridge/Somerville that will definitely fill my appetite, this is it!

Pros: atmosphere, reliable food, friendly service
Cons: buffet does not change
(User review provided by Citysearch)
Best Indian Food In MetroBoston
January 04, 2009
(5.0 / 5 stars)

This was the second time I had had Indian food, but I went with a seasoned veteran of a friend to dinner, and we were both blown away. I'm not one for spicy foods, but everything was available in different heat ranges, with the standard being mild. The Chicken Tikka Masala was my favorite dish, and their Kali Mirch Ke Tikkey (chicken dipped in cream cheese) was confused for fish by my friend at first, because it was so tender and delicious. The complimentary soup at the beginning of the meal was great too, I've never liked spinach or mushrooms, but the soup somehow transformed them into this delicious medley of flavor. Then again, I've never liked tomatoes, and I like the Tikka Masala. As for the complaints about service, I have nothing but good things to say. Our water glasses were always full, they came and checked on us to see if we were enjoying our food, the services was speedy, and even though we were a little late to our reservation because we couldn't find parking, they weren't mad or tried to make us leave at all. Perhaps some people confuse that they don't speak perfect English for a failure on their part, which doesn't make any sense at all. My friend and I were so impressed by everything, in fact, that we went back the next week, and the service was even better than the first time. I believe we're now going to be regulars, since everything is cheap enough that it's not a strain on our college wallets.

Pros: Ambience
Cons: Parking, Stereotypical movies playing
(User review provided by Citysearch)
Incredibly rude.
December 22, 2008
(1.0 / 5 stars)

Incredibly rude service. We had a reservation for 8pm. We were seated shortly after 8, but the waiter took forever to take and bring our order. We got our food at perhaps 9 or 9:15. The food was good and we ate at a normal (even fast) speed. Before we could even think about ordering dessert, the manager asked us to leave because they had made another reservation for 9:30. She acted nice about it but that was the rudest thing I've ever had happen to me at a restaurant.

(User review provided by Citysearch)
disappointed!
January 28, 2008
(1.0 / 5 stars)

I had been looking forward to trying this restaurant for awhile. I went there for the first time the other day and was HUGELY disappointed. The service was awful and slow. The food made me feel ill afterwards. And worst of all- on the credit card slip we left a 17-18% tip- we later noticed on our bank statement that they had INCREASED THE TIP to exactly 20%, despite the fact that we clearly filled out the credit card slip with the tip and total amount and signed it. For that reason, I will never go to this restaurant again.

(User review provided by Citysearch)
Worst Service and Food, you shouldn't go there if you are from India or Pakistan, you'll be discriminated.
January 25, 2008
(1.0 / 5 stars)

I felt very disappointed, after I was discriminated by one of fellow from my own country. I can tell; I was ignored because, I am from India. I asked the waiter, actually I think he is a Manager (Indian or Pakistani) or related to him, I asked him for refill my water and request some extra spices, he never came back to my table, for 30 minutes. I end up living without eating my meal. There was an American couple seating right next to me, he was kept coming back to them and asking if they need anything!!!

Not only that, in beginning I kindly asked him, what?s your special and he point at the most expensive item on the menu with VERY BAD ATTITUTE.

I am a young professional, I eat out almost every day, they aren?t going to get single penny from my pocket. Believe me or not, I still end up giving him 5 dollars tip, the Kabob he served me was close to $21 dollars, I just order the Kabob and the tab water - $21 dollars!!! It may be ok, but with this whole attitude and poor service.

I always try to go to shops who are own by my country people, to support them. But I guess I am wrong. I would rather go where they respect me as customers don?t reject me because of my nationality.

Cons: POOR SERVICE
(User review provided by Citysearch)
Take out service is awful!
December 26, 2007
(2.0 / 5 stars)

It used to be my favorite Indian restaurant till I tried their take out. When I ordered they said it took 20 min. I arrived 20-25 min later the order was not ready. I waited for 10 more min and after that they informed me that they misplaced my order, so I had to wait another 20 min. The staff was not attentive and they could not provide me any answer about the status of my order when I came in. The restaurant is not cheap and the level of service is expected to be comparable to any other place in the same price range. I was very dissapointed.
They should reevaluate their management style.

Pros: parking, good Indian food
Cons: awful service
(User review provided by Citysearch)
The best Indian food you're likely to eat on this continent.
July 02, 2007
(5.0 / 5 stars)

You'd never know by the pizza parlor exterior that this is the best Indian restaurant in the Boston area -- maybe the best I've ever experienced in America or during several trips to India. The multi-regional dishes are imaginative, fresh-tasting and (according to my Indian friends) authentic "like my Punjabi mother used to make on her best days." The service staff are not particularly helpful or friendly, but they're efficient enough. The lunch buffet, usually featuring their amazing chicken kebabs with lots of other interesting veg and non-veg choices, is the best deal in town, and nothing at all like the normal Indian restaurant buffet lunch, where it seems like one huge kitchen is providing the same food to every restaurant in the area. . Don't plan to linger too long; it's usually crowded and pretty noisy, and the seats aren't all that comfortable. Forget all that: go there for the food and you will not be disappointed. [A nice touch is the little demitasse cup of soup they treat you to while you're waiting for a take-out order.]

(User review provided by Citysearch)
Best Indian Food in Boston....Even for Vegetarians!
May 14, 2007
(5.0 / 5 stars)

The name "kebab factory' is deceptive. My friends wanted to eat here, and I decided I'd just find some vegetarian food nearby since a kebab place would most likely have nothing for me to consume. But the weekend lunch buffet had enough chaat and vegetarian entrees to choose from! The paneer was the softest I have ever eaten, almost like the paneer you get in India! The rajma was also brilliantly made. The samosas and halva just added to the fun. The buffet cost only $10 per head and was totally worth the money. I am a vegetarian, but I haven't had better Indian vegetarian food in Boston till date! So all you vegetarians out there, this is definitely the place to go for tasty, flavorful Indian vegetarian food!

Pros: tastiest food, enough vegetarian options
(User review provided by Citysearch)
Best Chicken Tikka Masala Anywhere
May 11, 2007
(5.0 / 5 stars)

The Kebab Factory serves the best Indian food I have ever had. I've taken friends and family to the Kebab Factory over the last year or so and everyone raves about the food. So delicious. The staff is friendly and the service is always quick. Their complimentary soups are incredible. The best thing about the Kebab Factory, though, is the chicken tikka masala. It is SO GOOD. Spicy but sweet but tangy and awesome. Seriously. Just go and try it - you won't regret it!

Pros: The food, the staff, the location.
Cons: A little pricey, but the food is worth it.
(User review provided by Citysearch)
1 to 10 of 23 reviews | Go to Page 1 2 3
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A generous lunch buffet ($7.95 weekdays, $9.95 weekends) is served daily.

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THE DETAILS
Category:
Restaurant
Cuisine:
Barbeque, Eclectic & International, Mediterranean, Indian
Features:
Late Night Dining, Catering, Hidden Find, Buffet, Lunch Spot, Date Spot, Group Dining, Food Delivery, Carry Out
Prices:
$$
Payment:
American Express, Cash, Visa, Discover, MasterCard, Debit Card
Hours:
Mon-Fri 11:30am-12am Sat, Sun 12pm-12am
Parking:
Parking lot behind restaurant
Street parking
Serving 1 neighborhood:
Ward Two
GEOBLOGS
By Namrata Agarwal on 11/05/09 06:30 PM

This is my most visited Indian restaurant in Boston. I always take my friends who visit us from different city to this place. Everything of this...