Discover Afghan Flavors

Qabuli Pulao (قابلی پلو)

Afghanistan’s national dish — long-grain rice cooked with tender lamb, sweet carrots, raisins, and a blend of warm spices. Balanced in flavor and deeply comforting.

Challow (چلو)

A fragrant rice dish mixed with herbs and green vegetables, often paired with slow-cooked lamb. It’s light, herby, and nutritious.

Sheer Birinj (شیر برنج)

Creamy Afghan rice pudding made with milk, sugar, and a touch of cardamom. Served warm or chilled, it’s a comforting dessert or sweet snack.

🍚Main Dishes (Rice-Based)

Afghan cuisine is known for its richly flavored rice dishes, often served as the centerpiece of gatherings and family meals. These pulaos are slow-cooked with spices, meats, and vegetables to create comforting, aromatic perfection.

Shola (شوله)

A thick, savory rice dish cooked with lentils, beans, and sometimes meat. Soft in texture and full of earthy flavors, it’s a comfort food often enjoyed during colder months or casual family meals.

Zamarod Pulao (زمرد پلو)

Named after the word "Zamarod" (emerald), this dish blends spinach with spiced rice and lamb, offering both color and rich flavor.

Qorma (قورمه)

A classic Afghan curry made with onions, tomatoes, and tender meat — often chicken, beef, or mutton. Rich, hearty, and served with rice like Challow.

Kofta (کوفته)

Spiced meatballs simmered in a savory tomato-based gravy. Comforting and flavorful, often enjoyed with rice or naan.

Karahi Gosht (کرایی گوشت)

Pan-fried meat (usually lamb or beef) in a thick, spiced tomato and garlic sauce. Served sizzling hot and perfect with bread.

🍖Meat-Based Curries & Stews

Afghan stews and curries, known as Qormas, are slow-cooked dishes that blend meat, onions, tomatoes, and aromatic spices. Each dish brings deep, rich flavor and pairs perfectly with rice or bread.

Shorwa (شوروا )

A traditional Afghan stew made with meat, potatoes, carrots, and herbs. It’s brothy and wholesome — often served with bread for dipping.

Achar Gosht (آچار گوشت)

A bold, tangy curry made with pickled spices and meat, usually beef or lamb. Known for its spicy and sour kick.

Eggplant Borani (بورانی بادمجان)

Fried eggplant slices layered with garlic-infused yogurt and sometimes topped with tomato sauce. Creamy, smoky, and rich in flavor.

Seekh Kebab (سيخ کباب)

Minced meat (often lamb or beef) mixed with herbs and spices, shaped onto skewers, and grilled over open flames. Served with naan, onions, and green chutney.

Tikka Kebab (تکه کباب)

Chunks of marinated meat (usually lamb or beef) grilled on skewers until charred outside and tender inside. A smoky, savory street food classic.

Chapli Kebab (چپلی کباب)

Flat, spiced meat patties — pan-fried and crispy. Originally from the Pashtun regions, now loved all across Afghanistan.

🔥 Kebab Specialties

Kebabs hold a special place in Afghan street food and traditional meals. Marinated and flame-grilled, they’re served fresh with naan, chutney, or rice — offering smoky, juicy bites full of flavor.

Shami Kebab (شامی کباب)

Soft, pan-fried patties made from minced meat (often beef or lamb), mixed with lentils, spices, and herbs. Unlike chapli kebab, shami kebabs are smoother in texture and milder in flavor — often served with naan or rice during family meals and special occasions.

Bolani (بولانی)

Crispy flatbread stuffed with fillings like potatoes, leeks, or lentils. Shallow-fried until golden brown and served with chutney or yogurt. A beloved snack at home and on the streets.

Pakora (پکوره)

Crispy, deep-fried fritters made with vegetables (like potatoes or onions) coated in a spiced chickpea flour batter. A popular street snack, especially during Ramadan..

Mantu (منتو)

Steamed dumplings filled with seasoned ground meat and onions, topped with garlic yogurt and lentil sauce. A party favorite and a true symbol of Afghan hospitality.

🥟 Afghan Street Eats & Comfort Favorites

These dishes represent the heart of Afghan home cooking and street food — where dough, dumplings, and bold flavors meet comfort and culture.

Aushak (اشک)

Leek-filled dumplings, lighter than Mantu, topped with garlic yogurt and a spiced meat sauce. Savory, delicate, and herb-packed.

Shor Nakhod (شور نخود)

Tangy, spiced chickpea salad made with herbs, lemon juice, and chili. A street food classic that’s bold, refreshing, and protein-rich.

Soup (سوپ)

A warm, fragrant starter often made with chicken or lentils. Afghan soups are seasoned gently with turmeric, saffron, or herbs — simple and soothing.