Best Local Foods to Try and Top Restaurant Recommendations in Afghanistan

Afghanistan is rich in culture and history, and its food is no exception. Afghan cuisine is a delicious mix of flavors, textures, and recipes passed down through generations. Whether you’re into hearty meat dishes, comforting rice meals, or colorful vegetable stews, Afghanistan has something delicious waiting for you.

In this guide, you’ll learn about the best local foods to try, along with some top restaurant recommendations. Let’s dive right into the must-try Afghan dishes and where to find authentic, mouth-watering meals in this beautiful country.

Kabuli Pulao

Considered the national dish of Afghanistan, Kabuli Pulao is a fragrant rice dish that’s often topped with tender lamb, raisins, and carrots. It’s the perfect balance of sweet and savory.

You can find this dish across the country, but for an exceptional plate, head to Herat Restaurant in Kabul. They serve Kabuli Pulao that’s rich in flavor and loaded with the freshest ingredients.

Where to eat Kabuli Pulao

Herat Restaurant (Kabul) – A favorite among locals for its perfectly cooked Kabuli Pulao.
Shandiz Restaurant (Kandahar) – Known for its generous portions and flavorful rice dishes.

Mantu

If you’re a fan of dumplings, then Mantu is a must-try. These Afghan dumplings are stuffed with ground beef or lamb and are usually topped with a tomato-based sauce and yogurt. The mixture of spices and toppings makes every bite a treat.

Mantu is commonly served as an appetizer, but it can easily make for a filling meal too. A great spot to enjoy Mantu is Barg Continental Restaurant in Kabul.

Where to eat Mantu

Barg Continental Restaurant (Kabul) – Their Mantu is a local favorite, served with a rich tomato sauce.
Aria Restaurant (Herat) – A great choice for crispy yet tender Mantu, served with traditional yogurt sauce.

Bolani

Bolani is a stuffed flatbread that’s popular as a street food snack. The fillings can vary, but you’ll typically find it stuffed with potatoes, spinach, or green onions. It’s crispy on the outside and soft on the inside—perfect for a quick lunch or afternoon snack.

For some of the best Bolani in town, check out Bano Restaurant in Kandahar. Their crispy, fresh Bolani is a local favorite.

Where to eat Bolani

Bano Restaurant (Kandahar) – Known for serving hot and crispy Bolani with a variety of fillings.
Zamzam Street Food Corner (Kabul) – A small street food stand but their Bolani packs a punch with flavor.

Qorma

Afghan Qormas are hearty stews, typically made with lamb or chicken, and slow-cooked with flavors like garlic, onion, tomatoes, and a mix of spices. Each region has its own variation, but you can expect a flavorful sauce that pairs perfectly with Afghan bread or rice.

If you’re in Herat, don’t miss out on Sheesha Garden, where their lamb Qorma is cooked to perfection.

Where to eat Qorma

Sheesha Garden (Herat) – Their lamb Qorma is tender and infused with bold spices.
Imperial Restaurant (Kabul) – Known for its traditional Qorma dishes served with naan bread.

Afghan Bread (Naan)

Naan is a staple food in Afghanistan. It’s the perfect side dish to mop up all the delicious sauces you’ll come across. Afghan naan is typically long and thin, with a crispy exterior and fluffy inside.

You’ll find naan served at almost every meal, but if you want freshly baked naan right out of the tandoor oven, visit Rahimi’s Bakery in Kabul. They’ve been baking traditional Afghan breads for decades.

Where to find authentic naan

Rahimi’s Bakery (Kabul) – A local bakery known for its freshly baked naan.
Darbar-e-Shahi Bakery (Herat) – Their naan is soft, fresh, and pairs well with any main dish.

Samosa

Afghan samosas are crispy, deep-fried pastries usually stuffed with spiced potatoes or minced meat. You’ll find these tasty treats sold by street vendors all over major cities. They’re an excellent on-the-go snack for travelers.

If you’re in Kandahar, stop by Kandahar Corner Samosa Shop for perfectly fried, golden samosas.

Where to find the best samosas

Kandahar Corner Samosa Shop (Kandahar) – A tiny but popular spot for fresh, crispy samosas!
Bazar-e-Charsi Street Vendor (Kabul) – A famous street vendor serving up delicious samosas.

Kebabs

No visit to Afghanistan would be complete without trying their kebabs. Lamb and chicken are the most popular, marinated in spices and grilled over an open flame. Served with a side of fresh naan and yogurt sauce, these kebabs are packed full of flavor.

If you want a killer kebab, head to Jawzjan Kabab House in Mazar-i-Sharif. They’ve been grilling up some of the tastiest kebabs for years.

Where to eat kebabs

Jawzjan Kabab House (Mazar-i-Sharif) – A top spot for juicy, charred kebabs.
Char-bagh Kebab Stand (Herat) – A bustling street vendor known for its huge portions of kebabs.

Afghan Desserts

After indulging in savory dishes, you’ll want to save room for Afghan sweets. Some iconic desserts include Firnee, a creamy milk pudding, and Sheer Yakh, Afghan-style ice cream flavored with rosewater and cardamom.

For some of the best desserts in Kabul, check out Azizi Sweet House. Their Sheer Yakh is famous, and many locals stop by daily to satisfy their sweet tooth.

Where to eat Afghan desserts

Azizi Sweet House (Kabul) – A popular dessert shop where the Sheer Yakh is to-die-for.
Dowlat Café (Mazar-i-Sharif) – Grab a cup of tea and Firnee for a fantastic Afghan dessert experience.

Final Tips for Eating Out in Afghanistan

Afghanistan is full of incredible food, so don’t be afraid to wander into smaller, local joints. Many of the street food vendors and family-owned restaurants offer some of the freshest and most authentic meals you’ll find. If you’re ever unsure about what to order, just ask the staff for recommendations. They’ll be more than happy to guide you to their best dishes!

Lastly, hygiene standards may vary depending on the location, especially in more rural areas. Stick to popular spots with a crowd and high turnover of food to ensure freshness. If you’re in larger cities like Kabul, Herat, or Kandahar, most restaurants take great care of food preparation to ensure good hygiene practices.