Figuring out Massis Kabob nutrition and calories can feel like a puzzle, especially when you are trying to stick to a meal plan. Each skewer of saffron chicken at Massis Kabob arrives with grilled tomatoes and basmati rice, creating a balanced plate that still requires mindful sauce choices. You do not need to guess anymore, because we have broken down the menu numbers for you.
This guide will help you make smarter choices before you place your order. We will look at the most popular dishes, sides, and sauces, so you know exactly what you are eating.
Massis Kabob Nutrition And Calories
The menu at Massis Kabob is rooted in Persian and Mediterranean traditions, which often means lean meats and fresh ingredients. However, portion sizes are generous, and the rice and bread can add up quickly. Let us look at the core items that make up your plate.
Chicken Kabob Plate Breakdown
The chicken soltani or the regular chicken kabob is a common choice for first-timers. A standard order usually includes two skewers of marinated chicken breast, a heap of buttery basmati rice, and a grilled tomato.
- Chicken skewers (two): Approximately 420-480 calories
- Basmati rice (white, plain): 350-400 calories per cup
- Grilled tomato: 25 calories
- Grilled onions and bell peppers: 30 calories
That brings the base plate to around 850 calories before you add any sauce or bread. If you choose the “Soltani” option, which adds a ground beef koobideh skewer, you are adding another 300 to 350 calories to that total.
Beef Koobideh And Barg Options
Beef is heavier than chicken, and the way it is prepared matters. Koobideh is ground beef mixed with onion and spices, then grilled. Barg is a filet mignon cut, which is leaner but often served with more oil.
- Koobideh skewer: 280-320 calories each
- Barg skewer: 350-400 calories each
- Lamb chops (per order): 600-700 calories
If you are counting macros, the Barg has more protein per ounce but less fat than the lamb. The Koobideh has a higher fat content due to the ground meat mix, but it is very filling.
Rice, Bread, And Sides
Your choice of starch can change the entire nutritional profile of the meal. You often get a choice between white basmati, brown basmati, or a “dill rice” (baghali polo).
- White basmati: 210 calories per cooked cup
- Brown basmati: 190 calories per cooked cup
- Baghali polo (dill and fava bean rice): 260 calories per cup
- Mast-o-Khiar (cucumber yogurt dip): 60 calories per 2 tbsp
- Shirazi salad: 45 calories per cup
The flatbread that comes with the meal is often overlooked. One large piece of sangak or lavash can be 150 to 200 calories. If you eat the whole basket, that is like adding another side dish.
Hidden Calorie Sources In Sauces
The sauces are where most people get into trouble. The white garlic sauce or the “torshi” can be heavy on oil or sugar. You should always ask for sauce on the side so you can control the amount.
- Garlic sauce (2 oz): 180-220 calories
- Sumac spice: 0 calories
- Butter (often brushed on rice): 100 calories per pat
- Olive oil drizzle: 120 calories per tbsp
One common mistake is eating the rice with butter. The rice at Massis Kabob is already cooked with some oil or butter for flavor. Adding more on top is not necessary for taste and adds empty calories.
How To Order For Weight Loss
You can still eat at Massis Kabob and lose weight. The key is to modify the plate rather than skip the meal entirely. Here is a step-by-step strategy that works well.
- Choose the chicken kabob instead of the lamb or beef.
- Ask for double grilled vegetables instead of the rice.
- Request the sauce on the side, and use only one tablespoon.
- Skip the bread basket entirely, or eat only one small piece.
- Drink water or unsweetened tea instead of soda or juice.
If you follow this method, you can bring the meal down to roughly 550-600 calories. That is a solid meal for lunch or dinner that will keep you full for hours.
High Protein And Low Carb Options
For those on a keto or low-carb diet, the kabob is actually a great choice. The meat is unbreadeed and grilled. The issue is the sides. You can ask for a “protein plate” which usually comes with just the meat and a salad.
- Chicken skewer only: 240 calories, 35g protein
- Koobideh skewer only: 280 calories, 22g protein
- Barg skewer only: 320 calories, 40g protein
This is a very clean way to eat. You get high-quality protein without the carbs that cause a blood sugar spike. Just be careful with the marinade, which sometimes contains sugar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are the most common questions people ask about the nutrition facts at this restaurant.
Is the chicken at Massis Kabob healthy?
Yes, the chicken is a lean protein source. It is grilled, not fried, which keeps the saturated fat lower than other menu items. The marinade is mostly yogurt, lemon, and saffron, which is low in calories.
How many calories are in a full chicken soltani?
A full chicken soltani, which includes chicken and koobideh, rice, and bread, can range from 1,200 to 1,400 calories. This is becuase you are getting two types of meat and a large portion of rice.
Does Massis Kabob have nutritional information available?
Most locations do not have printed nutritional PDFs. You have to estimate based on standard Persian recipes. The estimates in this article are based on typical serving sizes and can vary by location.
What is the lowest calorie item on the menu?
The Shirazi salad with a side of plain chicken skewer is likely the lowest. You are looking at under 400 calories for that combination. It is light but still very flavorful.
Is the rice at Massis Kabob cooked with butter?
Yes, most Persian restaurants use a mix of oil and butter to cook the rice to get that golden crust at the bottom. This adds about 50-100 calories per serving compared to plain steamed rice.
Understanding Massis Kabob nutrition and calories is about being aware of the extras. The meat is good, the veggies are fresh, but the sides and sauces can double your intake. If you go in with a plan, you can enjoy a delicious meal without derailing your diet. Just remmeber to ask for modifications and eat slowly to recognize when you are full.