Best Budget Eats in Herāt, Herāt, Afghanistan

1. Mantu Mashwii

Tender dumplings filled with spiced meat, served with a yogurt sauce. Savor the authentic taste of Herat's street food.

Rice dish cooked with lentils, vegetables, and spices. A hearty meal for a reasonable price.

Nutrition: Packed with proteins and nutrients from the lentils and veggies.
Value for Money: An affordable meal that provides a substantial amount of food.
Cultural Experience: Experience the rich Afghan culinary heritage through this traditional dish.

Fluffy rice mixed with raisins, carrots, and lamb. A tasty and fragrant dish, perfect for a budget meal.

Delicious saffron-infused rice pudding topped with almonds. A sweet treat for a small cost.

Affordability: An affordable dessert option that won't break the budget.
Flavor: Rich and aromatic, with the subtle sweetness of saffron.
Locality: A traditional Afghan dessert that can be found in many local eateries.

A tangy and sweet soup made with beets, yogurt, and wheat. A budget-friendly meal for cooler days.

Grilled skewers of minced meat, seasoned with local spices. A flavorful meal that won't strain your budget.

Taste: Juicy and flavorful kabobs infused with traditional Afghan spices.
Portability: Easy to eat on the go, great for travelers.
Cultural Connection: Experience the art of grilling and spice-blending in Afghanistan.

Slow-cooked lamb stew made with yogurt and aromatic spices. A hearty meal that won't break the bank.

Taste: Tender, succulent lamb cooked to perfection in a tangy yogurt sauce.
Nutrition: A nutrient-rich meal that's high in protein and iron.
Warmth: Perfect for cold Herat evenings, warming you up from the inside out.

Thick and fluffy flatbread topped with sesame seeds. A budget-friendly option for a filling snack.

Flavor: Crunchy sesame seeds add a delightful contrast to the soft, doughy bread.
Portability: Easy to carry around for snacking on the go.
Tradition: An age-old bread tradition in Afghanistan.

Savory pastries filled with leeks and herbs. A budget-friendly snack that's perfect for travelers.

Taste: Delicate flavors of leeks and herbs enclosed in crispy pastry.
Portability: Easy to eat on the go, making it convenient for travelers.
Authenticity: Traditional Afghan pastry made with locally sourced ingredients.

Steamed dumplings filled with leeks and spinach, served with a garlic yogurt sauce. A budget-friendly meal for vegetarians.

Vegetarian Option: A tasty vegetarian dish that's easy on the wallet.
Taste: The delicate flavors of leeks and spinach combined with a tangy garlic yogurt sauce.
Cultural Connection: Experience the traditional Afghan dumpling-making technique.

Minced meat kebabs grilled on a skewer and served with fresh herbs. A flavorful budget meal.

Fried dough balls soaked in honey and nuts. A sweet treat for a small price.

Affordability: A budget-friendly dessert option that won't break the bank.
Flavor: The sweetness of honey combined with the crunchiness of nuts.
Tradition: A traditional Afghan dessert that's enjoyed by locals and visitors alike.

Okra stewed with tomatoes, onions, and garlic. A budget-friendly vegetarian dish.

Vegetarian Option: A tasty vegetarian dish that's easy on the wallet.
Taste: The unique flavor of okra combined with the tanginess of tomatoes and garlic.
Culture: A traditional Afghan dish made using locally sourced ingredients.

Pumpkin stewed with yogurt and spices. A budget-friendly dish for a filling meal.

Nutrition: A nutrient-rich dish that's high in vitamins and fiber.
Value for Money: An affordable meal that provides a substantial amount of food.
Warmth: Perfect for cold days in Herat, warming you up from the inside out.

Steamed dumplings filled with pumpkin and spinach, served with a garlic yogurt sauce. A budget-friendly vegetarian dish.

Vegetarian Option: A tasty vegetarian dish that's easy on the wallet.
Taste: The delicate flavors of pumpkin and spinach combined with a tangy garlic yogurt sauce.
Cultural Connection: Experience the traditional Afghan dumpling-making technique using local ingredients.