No need to fly to Kabul to try the authentic Afghani food. Just drive to south Delhi’s Lajpat Nagar and Bhogal, which serve as home to migrants from Afghanistan and have some of the famous Afghani food joints. High on dry fruits and low on spices, Afghani food makes for a perfect winter brunch. It is a welcome change for an appetite that has grown on spicy biryanis and curries. We present you five such places
The Afghani restaurantDone up with two seating areas — the regular table and chair and the traditional dastarkhawn — this place has red Afghani carpets and decorative tea pots. The specialty is Kabuli pulao, a rice dish loaded with raisins. Vegetarians may try Manhoo, a mash of potatoes and onions. Green tea is like Kashmir’s kahwa. Meal for two: Rs.400-500 Where: H-7, Krishna Market, Lajpat Nagar-I Tel: 9810786108
The Afghani LoungeA blend of Afghani food and an upbeat lounge space, this is the place for a quiet meal. In the night, the entire place is lit with lamps and candles. Try their chicken korma and mutton koftas, served with the famous Nan-e-Afghani. Meal for two: Rs.400-500Where: E-96, Lajpat Nagar-IITel: 011-49502058
Kabul Delhi restaurantWith a cover for 30, the restaurant’s famous Kabuli pulao is accompanied by a vegetable dish, Afghani rotis and a large portion of diced cucumbers, tomatoes and shredded cabbage. Try Dogh, the Afghani lassi. Meal for two: Rs.300-400Where: E-104, Ground floor, Lajpat Nagar-II,Tel: 011-46012525
{{/usCountry}}Kabul Delhi restaurantWith a cover for 30, the restaurant’s famous Kabuli pulao is accompanied by a vegetable dish, Afghani rotis and a large portion of diced cucumbers, tomatoes and shredded cabbage. Try Dogh, the Afghani lassi. Meal for two: Rs.300-400Where: E-104, Ground floor, Lajpat Nagar-II,Tel: 011-46012525
{{/usCountry}}Kabul restaurantStart the meal with Yakhni soup, which comes thick with vegetables. Ignore the raisin-rich kabuli pulao, and go for the meatier kofta pulao. In case if you have a Kandahar-themed party, the restaurant also takes bulk orders for Afghani weddings and family parties.Meal for two: Rs.350-450Where: 4/8, Opposite Modi pastry, Central road, Jangpura Bhogal. Tel: 9654838229
Afghan bakeryAlso known as Afghan Nanwaee, this bakery makes the authentic Afghan naan, which is large, a little rubbery, and like the Kashmiri lavasa, it has holes on the surface. The bakery is patronised by Afghan people living in the area, that itself is a proof of the authenticity of its naans. Price: Rs.10 for a naanWhere: Near Modi Pastry, Bhogal Tel: NA