Boston Afghani


At MenuPages, we love foods from around the globe, and keeping with that theme, it’s time to highlight two of Boston’s finest, featuring cuisine from Afghanistan.

Everyone we know seems love to Helmand, a few blocks from Kendall and right next to the Cambridgeside Galleria. Serving up some of the best food and wine in town, it’s no wonder tables are tough to reserve on the weekends. Their giant oven warms the spacious dining room, and guests would perform an amazing feat if they left hungry. Specializing in the traditional pallow rice (challow for vegetarians), they feature a wide variety of lamb, beef, and chicken dishes, while their vegetarian options are equally appealing.

But, despite Helmand’s notoriety, our personal favorite is the lesser known, equally delicious Ali Baba Tandoor, tucked on Mass Ave. between Porter and Davis Squares. Because prices and quality are comparable, we like this little known gem for its family appeal. Recently opening for lunch, Ali Baba Tandoor serves amazingly fresh bread, tasty chutneys, and makes the best salad with pomegranate dressing you’ve ever had. Their lamb is on a visible skewer in the corner just outside the kitchen, and their vegetarian sampler is the best mix of baby pumpkin, okra, and spinach in town. Need further incentive? Try the hot homemade pickles or Sheerberaing (rice pudding) for dessert. We promise you won’t be disappointed.

Helmand [Official Site]
Ali Baba Tandoor [Official Site]

[Photo: Jeff Kubina/Flickr]

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Boston Afghani