TRY FOOD FROM A TO Z, ONE COUNTRY AT A TIME! Join me on this delicious adventure as I explore global flavors, one bite at a time! 🌍
Today, I traveled to Afghanistan—not by plane, but through its amazing food! 🇦🇫 Afghan cuisine is full of warm spices, rich flavors, and comforting dishes. Influenced by Persian, Central Asian, and South Asian cultures, it offers a mix of sweet, savory, and aromatic ingredients.
For one full day, I enjoyed only Afghan food—from breakfast to dinner. Here’s everything I tried and what I thought about it!
Capital: Kabul
Location: South-Central Asia, bordered by Pakistan, Iran, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and China
Size: Approximately 652,860 km² (252,070 sq mi)
Population: Estimated between 36 to 50 million people
Official Languages: Pashto and Dari (Persian)
Traditional Afghan Breakfast
I am starting the Morning with a Traditional Afghan Breakfast. Mornings call for something warm, and Dal Soup was a simple yet filling way to start the day. This lentil-based soup is cooked with turmeric, garlic, and cumin, making it rich but not too heavy.
What stood out? The naan. Instead of using a spoon, I scooped up the soup with pieces of this soft, chewy bread. A small but essential detail that made the meal feel more authentic.
Would I eat it again? Yes—but only if I had naan on the side.
A Crispy and Flavorful Lunch: Bolani
By lunchtime, I was ready for something more exciting. Bolani delivered. It’s a thin, stuffed flatbread filled with mashed potatoes, onions, and herbs, then pan-fried until crispy.
It reminded me of a mix between a stuffed crepe and a crispy quesadilla, but with a milder, more herby flavor. I paired it with yogurt for a tangy contrast, and I totally get why this is a popular Afghan street food.
Would I eat it again? Yes, but I’d love to try different fillings.
A Light Afternoon Snack: Sweet & Tangy Dried Fruits
Afghanistan is known for its dried fruits and nuts, so for a snack, I tried dried jujube fruit. The texture was chewy, almost like a date, and the flavor was a little sweet with a slightly tangy kick.
I was glad to try it as part of the experience, but it’s not something I would go for again. The taste was interesting, but not quite my favorite.
Would I eat it again? Probably not, but I appreciated getting to try something new.
A Sip of Afghan Hospitality: Green Tea
Tea is a huge part of Afghan culture, and I couldn’t skip it. Afghan Green Tea is simple but refreshing, sometimes flavored with cardamom for extra aroma.
It wasn’t overly strong, and I could see why this is a drink served throughout the day. In Afghanistan, offering tea to guests is a sign of hospitality, and I liked the idea of slowing down and sipping tea as part of the experience.
Would I drink it again? Yes, especially in the afternoon with a snack.
A Feast for Dinner: Afghanistan’s Most Famous Dishes
Dinner was the highlight of the day. Three traditional dishes, all full of slow-cooked flavors and layered textures:
Qabeli Palaw – This is Afghanistan’s national dish, and I get why. It’s spiced rice cooked with carrots, raisins, and slow-cooked meat (usually lamb or beef). The mix of sweet and savory flavors was unexpected at first, but it worked.
Afghan Tomato Sauce Meat – Tender, slow-cooked meat in a thick, spiced tomato sauce. It was rich, flavorful, and paired perfectly with the rice.
Borani Banjan – A dish I didn’t expect to love but did. Fried eggplant layered with garlic yogurt and a tomato-based sauce. The creamy yogurt balanced the dish perfectly, making it one of the most interesting things I ate all day.
Would I eat them again? Absolutely, especially the Qabeli Palaw and Borani Banjan.
Final Thoughts: My Favorite Afghan Dishes & Next Stop!
Afghan cuisine was a mix of familiar comfort foods and new flavor combinations. The balance of spices, textures, and hearty ingredients made this challenge more than just about food—it was a peek into a culture where meals are meant to be shared.
My top dish of the day? Borani Banjan. The creamy yogurt, rich tomato sauce, and soft eggplant worked so well together that I didn’t expect to enjoy it as much as I did.
My flop? Dried Jujube Fruit. While I was happy to try it, the chewy texture and tangy taste weren’t for me, and I wouldn’t go out of my way to have it again.
Next stop? Albania 🇦🇱! Stay tuned as I continue my culinary adventure around the world, one country at a time! 🌎🍽️ Click here to see article of Albania 🇦🇱
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