
Best Budget Eats in Kandahār, Kandahār, Afghanistan
1. Street Kebabs at Ali Baba
Affordable kebab stands offering delicious grilled meat skewers, a popular street food in Kandahar.
- Authentic Experience: Enjoy a traditional Afghan dining experience on the streets of Kandahar.
- Quick and Convenient: Ideal for travellers with limited time who want to try local cuisine quickly.
- Reasonable Pricing: Street food is generally cheaper than restaurant meals, making it a budget-friendly option.
2. Qabuli Pulau at Zohra Restaurant
Delicious rice dish with raisins, carrots, and lamb or chicken, served with a tangy yogurt sauce.
- Cultural Immersion: Experience one of Afghanistan's national dishes in an authentic setting.
- Affordable Luxury: A restaurant meal that won't break the bank for budget-conscious travellers.
- Generous Portions: Qabuli Pulau is known for its generous servings, providing good value for money.
3. Chicken Mantu at Mir Wais
Tender dumplings filled with minced chicken and served with a spiced yogurt sauce.
- Unique Flavor Profile: Enjoy the distinct flavors of Afghan cuisine through these popular dumplings.
- Budget-Friendly: Dumpling dishes are often more affordable than other main courses in Kandahar.
- Popular Choice: Chicken Mantu is a local favorite and can be found at many restaurants throughout the city.
4. Tak Borek at Cafe Khaled
Flaky pastries filled with spiced meat and cheese, perfect for a quick and tasty snack.
- Easy to Grab: Tak Borek is easy to eat on-the-go or as a convenient between-meal snack.
- Reasonable Pricing: Affordable pricing makes this pastry an accessible option for budget travellers.
- Popular Pastry: Tak Borek is widely available throughout Kandahar, making it a versatile choice.
5. Qorma Pulao at Nazanin Restaurant
A savory rice dish with tender lamb and carrots in a flavorful tomato-based sauce.
- Rich Flavors: Experience the depth of Afghan cuisine through this aromatic rice dish.
- Affordable Luxury: A restaurant meal that won't break the bank for budget-conscious travellers.
- Generous Portions: Qorma Pulao is known for its generous servings, providing good value for money.
6. Kabuli Nan at Koh-e-Morad Bakery
Soft and fluffy Afghan bread baked in a tandoor oven, perfect for dipping in savory dishes.
- Authentic Experience: Enjoy freshly-baked Afghan bread at this popular Kandahar bakery.
- Versatile Side Dish: Kabuli Nan is the perfect accompaniment to any Afghan meal, making it a versatile choice.
- Budget-Friendly: Fresh bread is an affordable side dish option for budget travellers.
7. Chicken Karahi at Habibia Restaurant
Spicy chicken cooked with tomatoes, onions, and a blend of aromatic spices.
- Spice Lovers' Dream: Satisfy your craving for heat with this flavorful and spicy chicken dish.
- Budget-Friendly: Chicken dishes are generally affordable, making this an accessible option for budget travellers.
- Popular Choice: Chicken Karahi is a widely appreciated dish in Kandahar and can be found at many restaurants.
8. Mantu Soup at Mir Wais
Tender dumplings filled with minced meat swimming in a rich and flavorful soup.
- Warming Comfort Food: Enjoy a hearty and comforting bowl of Mantu Soup on a chilly day in Kandahar.
- Budget-Friendly: Dumpling dishes are often more affordable than other main courses in Kandahar.
- Cultural Immersion: Experience one of Afghanistan's most beloved comfort foods.
9. Sekanjabin at Koh-e-Morad Bakery
A sweet and tangy syrup made from vinegar, honey, water, and mint, often served as a refreshing drink.
- Refreshing Drink: Beat the heat with this cooling and thirst-quenching beverage.
- Authentic Experience: Try a traditional Afghan drink that's enjoyed throughout the country.
- Affordable Beverage: Sekanjabin is an affordable way to quench your thirst while exploring Kandahar.
10. Mushakilan at Koh-e-Morad Bakery
Crispy and flaky pastries filled with a sweetened cream, perfect for dessert or a snack.
- Sweet Treat: Indulge in a delicious pastry for a budget-friendly dessert option.
- Easy to Grab: Mushakilan is easy to eat on-the-go or as a convenient between-meal snack.
- Popular Pastry: Mushakilan is widely available throughout Kandahar, making it a versatile choice.
11. Samosa at Cafe Khaled
Delicious fried or baked pastries filled with spiced potatoes and peas.
- Portable Snack: Samosas are easy to eat on-the-go, making them a convenient snack option.
- Budget-Friendly: Samosas are an affordable and filling snack for budget travellers.
- Cultural Immersion: Experience one of Afghanistan's most beloved street foods.
12. Chicken Kabob at Ali Baba
Juicy and flavorful chicken kabobs cooked on a skewer over an open flame.
- Authentic Experience: Enjoy a traditional Afghan dining experience on the streets of Kandahar.
- Budget-Friendly: Street food is generally cheaper than restaurant meals, making it a budget-friendly option.
- Quick and Convenient: Ideal for travellers with limited time who want to try local cuisine quickly.
13. Aushak at Zohra Restaurant
Thin dumplings filled with leeks and spinach, served with a yogurt sauce and a spiced tomato broth.
- Unique Flavor Profile: Enjoy the distinct flavors of Afghan cuisine through these unique dumplings.
- Budget-Friendly: Dumpling dishes are often more affordable than other main courses in Kandahar.
- Cultural Immersion: Experience one of Afghanistan's lesser-known but beloved dumpling dishes.
14. Bolani at Cafe Khaled
Thick flatbread stuffed with spinach, leeks, and sometimes potatoes, baked until crispy.
- Unique Flavor Profile: Enjoy the distinct flavors of Afghan cuisine through this unique flatbread.
- Budget-Friendly: Flatbread dishes are often more affordable than other main courses in Kandahar.
- Cultural Immersion: Experience one of Afghanistan's most beloved street foods.
15. Salad Sherbat at Koh-e-Morad Bakery
A refreshing mix of shredded cabbage, carrots, and beets, dressed with a tangy vinegar dressing.
- Refreshing Salad: Beat the heat with this cooling and refreshing salad.
- Authentic Experience: Try a traditional Afghan salad that's enjoyed throughout the country.
- Affordable Side Dish: Salads are an affordable side dish option for budget travellers.