Arbab Kebab Authentic Arabic Restaurant in San Mateo Rizal

Recently, I discovered a humble little café along C6 Road, Daang Bakal, San Mateo, Rizal. Its name immediately caught my attention, and I couldn’t help but think—this might just be the place to experience an authentic yet affordable Arabic meal. Curious and excited, I decided to give it a try.

I worked in the Middle East for nearly fifteen years, and Arabic cuisine is one of the things I truly miss from that part of the world. Yes, there are many Arabic restaurants in the Philippines that serve delicious meals; however, most of them are located within the main cities of NCR. Because of distance, traffic, and time limitations, visiting those places isn’t always convenient for me.

Fortunately, San Mateo, Rizal is slowly becoming part of the food scene. Beyond its beautiful attractions, the area is now home to several great restaurants that are definitely worth exploring.

Just a week ago, I had lunch at Arbab Kebab. At first, I wasn’t sure if the flavors would be truly authentic—or at least close to what I remembered. But after taking my first bite of their chicken dish, I was pleasantly surprised. The flavors hit the right notes, and I can confidently say it made for a delicious and satisfying lunch.

For around ₱475–₱700, two people can already enjoy a generous meal. The serving comes with a good portion of chicken and a hearty amount of rice, making it both filling and great value for money.

I ended my lunch the Arabic way—with a comforting cup of chai, the perfect finishing touch to a satisfying meal.

There are still many dishes on the menu that I’m excited to try on my next visit, but for now, I’m more than satisfied with what I had.