ATHLEISURE LIST | KEBABISHQ

Kebabishq is the latest venture from Vamshi Adi (Executive Chef & Co-Owner) and Neel Mittal (Co-Owner) opened in August 2025 — they’re behind the Bib Gourmand–recognized restaurant Ishq in NYC.

Their vision involved bringinng a modern, fast-casual kebab concept rooted in deep South Asian (especially Hyderabadi) tradition to New York, with bold spices, live charcoal grilling, and accessible formats (rolls, bowls, loaded fries). The menu emphasizes 100% halal meats, vegetarian options, and house-made paneer.

Their Kebabs are marinated in proprietary spice blends and cooked over a live charbroiler to impart smoky, charred flavor.

Typical spices and aromatics you’ll find include: garam masala, cumin, coriander; ginger, garlic aioli; red chili/chili powder, green chili; turmeric, black pepper, mustard; yogurt or from Ishq, focusing on kebabs, grilled meats, and approachable formats.

The technique of marination + charcoal/open flame is central: the meats absorb the flavor deeply, then get “sealed” by the grill’s heat. Because it sits in the Indian kebab tradition, there is also likely influence from Mughlai, Hyderabadi, North Indian kebab substyles (seekh, tikka, etc.).

The menu is broken out with Kebabs/Grill which has core proteins (chicken, lamb, shrimp, paneer, and soya) in kebab form (skewers, cuts). There are Rolls/Wraps where kebabs or grilled meats wrapped in paratha/flatbreads with chutneys, sauces, salad. There is also a section focused on Bowls/Rice/Salad. There are Kebabs placed over pulao or rice, salad (greens), sometimes “loaded” versions (e.g. fries + toppings). They also have Sides & Small Plates which includes: Chutneys, breads (naan, paratha), crispy/fried items, salads, raita, etc. To complete the meal, there are Desserts & Refreshments. You can enjoy South Asian desserts (kulfi, falooda, etc.), lassi, chai, soft drinks, and other beverages. Finally, there are Custom/Add-ons which includes extra sauces, toppings, spice levels, extra protein, etc.

We suggest their Chicken Kebab Roll (or Paratha Roll with Chicken Kebab). It’s a marinated chicken, grilled, wrapped in soft paratha with chutneys and salad offers contrast in texture, spice, and freshness; Lamb Seekh Kebab Bowl/Over Pulao/Loaded Fries; and Paneer/Soya Kebab Option - a great vegetarian offer. If you prefer more exotic suggestion, we suggest their Shrimp Kebab.

For a side, we enjoyed their Bhel Puri – A classic Indian street food snack made with puffed rice, sev (crispy chickpea noodles), onions, tomatoes, herbs, and tangy tamarind chutney. Their Dahi Puri is a beloved chaat dish consisting of hollow, crispy puris filled with potatoes, chickpeas, chutneys, yogurt, and spices.

KEBABISHQ

128 2nd Ave

NY, NY 10003

kebabishq.com

IG @kebabishqnyc

PHOTO CREDITS | Kebabishq

Read the OCT ISSUE #118 of Athleisure Mag and see ATHLEISURE LIST | Kebabishq in mag.

BINGELY BOOKS

THE NEW ORLEANS KITCHEN: CLASSIC RECIPES AND MODERN TECHNIQUES FOR AN UNRIVALED CUISINE [A COOKBOOK]

Lorena Jones Books

Justin Devillier + Jamie Feldmar

James Beard Award winning chef and restaurateur of La Petite Grocery in the Garden District and Justine in the French Quarter, Chef Justin Devillier who was on Top Chef: New Orleans shares his 120 recipes in The New Orleans Kitchen: Classic Recipes and Modern Techniques For an Unrivaled Cuisine. You'll learn how to make the fundamentals of New Orleans cuisine including proper roux-making as well as classics such as Duck and Andouille Gumbo and the more casual Abita Root Beer-Braised Short Ribs, and Biscuit and Pâté Brunch Sandwiches. You'll find step-by-step instructions and gorgeous imagery.

SIMPLE SALAD COOKBOOK: 100 RECIPES THAT CAN BE MADE IN

MINUTES

Callisto

Johanna Marie Mirpuri

A classic go-to for us for lunch or dinner is a salad. We can't have enough, but we're always looking for ways to change up our salads and in Simple Salad Cookbook: 100 Recipes That Can Be Made in Minutes. This cookbook will allow us to not only have get some variety with our favorite dish, but we can learn techniques that we can put to good use when we're making our next creation!

We also like that these recipes will take less than 10 mins to make so that we can keep moving and grooving no matter how busy our schedule is!

With 100 recipes and minimal prep, you'll be able to add your favorite ingredients and grab those items that you already have to make them feel new on your plate. You'll find that recipes will include meat and plant-based proteins whether your salad is a side dish or a main one.

The salads that are included contain those that are leafy, veggie, slaws, grains, beans, pasta, tofu, seafood, and meat! You'll also find that you will be able to make substitutons based on dietary needs or what you have on hand.

BAKING FOR TWO: 200+ SMALL BATCH RECIPES, FROM LAZY BAKES TO LAYER CAKES

America's Test Kitchen

America's Test Kitchen

In Baking For Two: 200+ Small Batch Recipes, From Lazy Bakes to Layer Cakes, this cookbook focuses on sweet and savory treats and cutting them down to make small batches! You don't need to be concerned about using calculators and you won't have to worry about measuring. We're excited to try their Blueberry-Lavender Cornmeal Crumbles, Coconut Snack Cake, or Cranberry-Cardamom Muffins.

You'll learn tips on how to prepare items ahead, freezing, baking later, and more! It's definitely a cookbook you'll want to have on hand whether you're enjoying a meal along, with a special someone or your besties while watching your favorite shows.