Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them in Kabul, Afghanistan

1. Qabuli Palow

A popular rice dish with raisins, carrots, lamb, and pistachios. Try it at Karwan-e-Saab restaurant.

Unique Ingredients: Features a sweet and savory combination of raisins, carrots, and lamb.
Traditional Restaurant: Served at Karwan-e-Saab, a classic Afghan restaurant in Kabul.
Cultural Significance: A traditional dish that represents Afghanistan's rich cultural heritage.

Steamed dumplings filled with ground meat and served with a tomato sauce. Visit Naderi Mantu House for the best experience.

Flavorful Dumplings: Delicious, tender dumplings filled with juicy meat.
Local Eatery: Served at Naderi Mantu House, a popular choice among locals and visitors.
Historical Connection: A dish that dates back to the Persian Empire, reflecting Afghanistan's history.

Flatbread filled with potatoes, onions, and spices. Taste it at Bamiyan Restaurant.

Versatile Filling: Features a savory filling of potatoes, onions, and spices.
Authentic Restaurant: Served at Bamiyan Restaurant, known for its traditional Afghan dishes.
Street Food Option: Can also be found as street food throughout Kabul.

A rich and flavorful curry made with lamb, apricots, and almonds. You can find it at Safi Restaurant.

Exotic Fruits and Nuts: Incorporates exotic ingredients like apricots and almonds.
Iconic Restaurant: Served at Safi Restaurant, a Kabul landmark since the 1960s.
Fusion of Flavors: Combines sweet and savory flavors in one dish.

A fried or baked pastry filled with spiced chickpeas. Available at most street food vendors.

A sweet rice pudding made with saffron and raisins. Enjoy it at Shola Zard Restaurant.

Flavorful Rice Pudding: Infused with saffron for a unique taste.
Specialized Dessert Spot: Served at Shola Zard Restaurant, dedicated solely to desserts.
Traditional Afghan Sweet: A classic dessert enjoyed by Afghans for generations.

Grilled lamb kebabs served with naan bread. Visit Chaman-e-Haft-e-Qalander for an authentic experience.

A strong black tea flavored with cardamom, mint, and sugar. Can be found at local teahouses.

Refreshing Brew: Provides a refreshing break from the heat of Kabul.
Local Teahouse Experience: Enjoy at local teahouses, where you can socialize with locals.
Aromatic and Spiced: Infused with cardamom, mint, and sugar for a unique flavor.

A dessert made from cottage cheese and flavored with cardamom, saffron, and rosewater. Taste it at Khyber Restaurant.

Creamy Dessert: Creamy dessert made from cottage cheese.
Elegant Setting: Served at Khyber Restaurant, a modern and elegant dining option in Kabul.
Spiced with Traditional Flavors: Infused with cardamom, saffron, and rosewater.

A traditional Afghan dish made from lamb meat cooked in a pot with yogurt. Try it at Sitarah Restaurant.

Creamy Lamb Dish: Lamb cooked in a creamy yogurt sauce.
Modern Restaurant: Served at Sitarah Restaurant, offering a modern twist on traditional dishes.
Hearty Meal Option: A filling dish perfect for a satisfying meal.

Thin and flaky flatbread, often served with various dishes. Available at most restaurants.

Sweet rice dish cooked with rosewater and sugar. Available at most dessert spots.

Fragrant Dessert: Infused with the delicate flavor of rosewater.
Traditional Afghan Dessert: A classic Afghan dessert enjoyed by locals and visitors alike.
Sweet Ending to a Meal: Ideal for satisfying your sweet tooth after a meal.

A yogurt-based dish with cucumbers, garlic, and mint. Find it at many local eateries.

Cooling Side Dish: A refreshing side dish that helps balance spicy dishes.
Traditional Afghan Staple: A traditional Afghan side dish popular across the country.
Perfect with Kababs: Ideal for pairing with grilled kababs.

A hearty salad made with tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and a tangy dressing. Available at many restaurants.

Soft and fluffy flatbread, often served with various dishes. Found at most restaurants.