In the heart of Lajpat Nagar lies a vibrant neighbourhood known as "mini Kabul," home to Afghan refugees and a treasure trove of authentic Afghan cuisine and culture. Our recent culinary expedition in this lively neighborhood was a delightful journey of discovery, where we sampled a variety of Afghan delicacies, from snacks to main courses and desserts.
Our first stop was Najeeb Bhai's stall, where we indulged in the veg Bolani bread - potato and spring onion stuffed Afghan deep-fried flatbread, paired perfectly with a runny tomato chutney. The thin and soft flatbread was quite yummy.
Next, we ventured to Ahmed Bhai's Afghani burger shop, where we were captivated by the Afghani burger, a mammoth wrap brimming with cabbage, cucumber, French fries, ketchup and mayo. The flavours were quite irresistible.
At a traditional Afghan bread workshop, we marveled at skilled bakers crafted various shapes of rotis, their enticing aroma whetting our appetites. The horizontal tandoor caught our attention.
Our exploration continued at a small bakery stall adorned with an array of Afghani breads and cakes. Here we sampled the khajoor and dorai cake, both delightful treats showcasing Afghan bakery expertise.
A fortuitous encounter led us to Marzaan, a popular restaurant where we shared a memorable meal with a group of young subscribers, relishing classic Afghan dishes like chopan kebab, quabuli uzbeki, borani banjan, and chicken kadhai.
At Afghan Darbar Restaurant, we savoured the Ashak - leek and spring onion stuffed steamed dumplings topped with chana dal and yogurt sauce, a tangy and zesty delight for the palate.
Our culinary journey concluded at a dessert stall run by the genial Amanullah, where we indulged in sheer yakh, a traditional Afghan dessert reminiscent of ice cream, with its luscious texture and rich flavor.
Each stop on this gastronomic adventure was a testament to the vibrant culinary heritage and warm hospitality of the Afghan community.