Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them in Kandahār, Kandahār, Afghanistan
1. Qabuli Palow
A delicious rice dish with raisins, carrots, and lamb, served with a caramelized sauce. Try it at Khazana-e-Khaas restaurant.
- Unique Ingredients: Includes sweet raisins and carrots
- Local Tradition: A traditional dish with a rich history in Afghanistan
- Rich Flavor: Balanced sweet and savory flavors
2. Mantu
Steamed dumplings filled with ground meat and onions. Best enjoyed at Mantu Ostad restaurant.
- Authentic Taste: Prepared in a traditional way
- Local Specialty: One of the most popular dishes in Kandahar
- Flavorful Filling: Ground meat and onion filling gives a savory taste
3. Kabuli Sekh Kebab
Marinated lamb skewers served with naan bread. A must-try at Spingar restaurant.
- Tender Meat: Marination makes the meat tender and juicy
- Flavorful Marinade: Infused with a mix of spices like garlic, ginger, and saffron
- Cultural Significance: A traditional dish that showcases Afghan culinary skills
4. Kukur Kafta
Spicy meatballs made from ground beef and lamb. Visit Bala Hissar Fortress for this dish.
- Spiciness Level: Packed with hot spices
- Historic Location: Prepared and enjoyed at the ancient Bala Hissar Fortress
- Unique Texture: Softer than traditional kebabs due to the use of minced meat
5. Aushak
A type of dumpling filled with leeks and spinach, served in a yogurt-based sauce. Try it at Kariz-e-Khwaja restaurant.
- Healthy Option: Includes vegetables like leeks and spinach
- Traditional Preparation: Prepared in a traditional way using yogurt-based sauce
- Delicate Taste: Leek and spinach filling gives a mild flavor
6. Chicken Chapshairo Kebab
Grilled chicken kebabs seasoned with turmeric and served on skewers. Best tasted at Shamiana restaurant.
- Delicate Flavor: Seasoned with turmeric for a mild flavor
- Local Specialty: A popular dish in Kandahar region
- Grilled to Perfection: Grilled over hot charcoal for a smoky taste
7. Shola Kebab
Thin slices of lamb marinated and grilled on skewers. Try it at Taimani restaurant.
- Tender Meat: Marination makes the meat tender
- Flavorful Marinade: Infused with a mix of spices like garlic, ginger, and yogurt
- Cultural Significance: A traditional dish that showcases Afghan culinary skills
8. Mast Qorma
Lamb cooked in a yogurt-based sauce with potatoes. Enjoy it at Zarnegar restaurant.
- Creamy Texture: Yogurt-based sauce gives a creamy texture
- Local Specialty: A popular dish in Kandahar region
- Rich Flavor: Balanced flavors from the yogurt, lamb, and potatoes
9. Chicken Korma
Tender chicken cooked in a creamy cashew nut sauce. Best enjoyed at Shamiana restaurant.
- Creamy Texture: Cashew nut sauce gives a smooth and creamy texture
- Local Specialty: A popular dish in Kandahar region
- Tender Chicken: Cooked to tender perfection
10. Chicken Karahi
Spicy chicken cooked in a wok with tomatoes and spices. Try it at Taimani restaurant.
- Spiciness Level: Packed with hot spices
- Flavorful Sauce: Tomatoes and spices give a rich flavor
- Local Specialty: A popular dish in Kandahar region
11. Bolani
Flatbread filled with spinach and leeks. Try it at Kariz-e-Khwaja restaurant.
- Healthy Option: Includes vegetables like spinach and leeks
- Traditional Preparation: Prepared in a traditional way using flatbread
- Delicate Taste: Spinach and leek filling gives a mild flavor
12. Aush
A hearty wheat porridge cooked with meat and vegetables. Try it at Zarnegar restaurant.
- Warm and Filling: Fills you up on a cold day
- Nutritious Meal: Includes meat, vegetables, and wheat porridge
- Traditional Preparation: Prepared in a traditional way using wheat porridge
13. Naan Bread
Soft and fluffy leavened flatbread. Perfect companion for many dishes.
- Versatile Side: Complements many Afghan dishes
- Soft and Fluffy: Soft and fluffy texture for a pleasant eating experience
- Traditional Preparation: Prepared in a traditional Afghan tandoor oven
14. Sabzi Kukua
A vegetable and meat pie made with layered dough. Try it at Spingar restaurant.
- Vegetarian Option: Offers a vegetarian option without meat
- Layered Dough: Made with layers of dough for a unique texture
- Local Specialty: A popular dish in Kandahar region
15. Shola Wazwan
A traditional feast featuring various grilled meats and dishes. Best tasted at Taimani restaurant during special occasions.
- Cultural Experience: Participate in a traditional Afghan celebration
- Variety of Dishes: Includes various grilled meats and dishes
- Local Specialty: A traditional dish that showcases Afghan culinary skills