Top 5 Afghan restaurants to try in Dubai

We round up restaurants in Dubai that are known for serving authentic Afghan delicacies.

With a number of Indian and Pakistani restaurants in the city, one does not often hear much about Afghan cuisine or its delectable dishes. In fact, Afghan cuisine offers the best of both worlds, with influences from the Middle East and the Indian subcontinent; it has its own unique flavours and combinations that are sure to satiate your appetite.
Thankfully, Dubai boasts of some of the finest Afghan restaurants and once you sample what they have to offer, you will be completely hooked to these flavoursome dishes. Here are some restaurants that hit the spot and serve some of the best traditional Afghan dishes in the city that should definitely not be missed:
Shahista Restaurant & Café
Tucked away in Garhoud, this restaurant is one of the city's hidden gems and offers welcoming interiors and comfort food. Some of the must-try dishes include the tender chapli kabab, manto, delectable dumplings stuffed with your choice of meat and the luscious chicken karahi. They also offer a variety of other dishes such as salads, pastas and grilled seafood options.
INFO: Near GGICO Metro Station, Opposite Deira City Centre, Garhoud, 04-286 5060 
Afghan Khorasan Kabab House
As the name suggests, the kababs are the absolute winner at this eatery. The specialities include the kabab Afghan mutton tikka and the kabab kofta Afghan that are charred on foot-long skewers and paired with tasty Afghan pulao or bread. You also have the option to dine indoors in the Afghan majlis for an authentic experience.
INFO: Near Dubai Bowling Centre, Al Qouz, 04-338 9838; Behind Al Ghurair Mosque, near Al Manal Centre, Naif, 04-234 0999; Opposite Dubai Customs, Mankhool, 04-359 0003 
Kabul Darbar
The restaurant has been around for quite some time and offers a variety of classic Afghan fare. Signature dishes include the Afghan polaw with seekh boti that features basmati rice prepared with carrots and various kinds of nuts and cooked with large pieces of succulent lamb. The daal maash that has slow-cooked lentils, which are best paired with soft Afghan bread.
INFO: Opposite Al Fardan Exchange, Khalid Bin Al Waleed, 04-325 0900; Near Al Ghurair Mosque, Naif, 04-239 4445 
Kabana
The restaurant has a separate menu dedicated to Afghan dishes along with other continental dishes and is located conveniently in Jumeirah 3. The highlight of the menu is the loghmeh kabab, a yoghurt-marinated chicken that is grilled and succulent, and the traditional delicacy Ashak, fluffy dumplings served with tomato sauce and yoghurt.
INFO: Jumeirah Beach Road, Jumeirah 3, 04-388 1111 
Bayman Afghan Restaurant
The menu boasts of a variety of classic options and a meal here is sure to be a feast for your taste buds. The qabuli pulao is a stands out with a platter of fluffy rice, spiced with cumin and cardamom, paired with tender lamb shanks and topped with almonds and carrots. Also try their kadu borani, a pan-fried traditional flatbread stuffed with spiced pumpkin that makes for a great appetiser.
INFO: Shop G52, Ground Level, Bay Avenue, Executive Towers B, Business Bay, 04-456 1408