Caravan Kebab owner continues to provide Christmas meals to those in need

Caravan Kebab owner Shahzad Raja will distribute over 100 free meals to those in need throughout South Snohomish County on Christmas Day. Raja has provided the meals annually since 2010, as a way to celebrate his birthday.

Caravan Kebab’s Christmas Day Tradition

Raja will personally prepare, cook, and package the meals with the assistance of volunteers. The meals will consist of rice pilaf and chicken.

This year’s efforts were scaled back due to a restaurant closure earlier in the year. In March, a van crashed into Caravan Kebab, requiring approximately six months of repairs before reopening.

Volunteers of American Western Washington (VOAWW) Vice President of Community Engagement Steve Woodard, along with cold weather shelter volunteer Amira Atan, are coordinating the meal distribution with Raja.

Caravan Kebab has served Edmonds and surrounding areas for more than 15 years, offering a diverse menu influenced by cuisines from India, Ukraine, Turkey, Greece, and Raja’s Pakistani heritage. Raja’s travels throughout Eastern Europe, the Mediterranean region, and central Asia have also shaped the restaurant’s offerings.