Afghan Cuisine

Afghan cuisine is one of the great hospitable traditions of Central Asia, hearty, aromatic and shaped over centuries by the country's position at the crossroads of the Silk Road, drawing on Persian, Indian and Central Asian influences. Its celebrated national dish is kabuli pulao, fragrant steamed rice heaped over tender lamb and crowned with sweet carrots, raisins and nuts. The table also features succulent grilled kebabs, mantu and ashak dumplings filled with meat or leek, hearty soups, fresh yoghurt and generous rounds of warm naan bread. Renowned for its warmth and generosity, and celebrated around the world, it is a cuisine of real distinction.

What you actually see

• Kabuli pulao - the fragrant rice with lamb, carrots and raisins.
• The kebabs - the succulent grilled lamb and chicken skewers.
• Mantu and ashak - the savoury steamed dumplings.
• The naan bread - the warm rounds of fresh flatbread.

When to go

Year-round; Afghan cuisine is enjoyed across the country and celebrated worldwide through the Afghan diaspora and its restaurants, from fragrant kabuli pulao to grilled kebabs and fresh naan. Afghan hospitality around food is legendary in every season.

Honest expectations

Some of the most memorable Afghan dishes, like a properly made kabuli pulao, take real time and skill to prepare, so they are at their finest in a home or a dedicated restaurant rather than rushed. As a hearty, aromatic and deeply hospitable tradition, from fragrant rice to kebabs and dumplings, though, Afghan cuisine is a genuine highlight of Central Asian food.

Nearby

Afghan restaurants and diaspora communities around the world serve it.