Trying Afghan food for the first time? You’re in for a meal filled with grilled meats, aromatic rice, warm naan, savory vegetables, dumplings, and traditional spices. Afghan cuisine offers plenty of approachable choices, even if you have never experienced the flavors of Afghanistan before.
At Fremont Afghan Kabob, guests can explore authentic Afghan cuisine at locations in Fremont, Santa Clara, and Mountain House, California. The menu is 100% Halal and includes kabobs, traditional entrées, appetizers, vegetarian dishes, soups, and desserts.
If you’re wondering what to order at an Afghan restaurant for the first time, here are some great dishes to start with.
Start With Bolani or Mantoo
Sharing an appetizer is an easy introduction to Afghan flavors.
Bolani is an Afghan-style flatbread stuffed with seasoned fillings such as potato, leek, or pumpkin. It is grilled and makes a great appetizer for the table.
Another popular choice is Mantoo, Afghan-style dumplings filled with seasoned ground beef and topped with a ground beef tomato sauce and yogurt. You can order Mantoo as an appetizer or a full entrée.
Both are available on the Fremont Afghan Kabob menu, along with other starters such as Borani Kadoo, Borani Badinjon, Mast-e-Khiar, and Shor Nakhud.
Try an Afghan Kabob
If you enjoy grilled meat, kabobs are one of the easiest places to begin.
Fremont Afghan Kabob offers several options, including Chicken Kabob, Beef Kabob, Lamb Kabob, Shami Kabob, Chapli Kabob, and Chopan Kabob. The meats are seasoned or marinated with Afghan spices and charbroiled, and kabob plates are served with basmati rice.
Can’t decide which one to try? A Combination Kabob allows you to choose two kabobs, while the Sultani Kabob offers a choice of three. This can be an excellent option for your first visit because you can experience different flavors and styles of Afghan kabobs in one meal.
Don’t Miss Qabili Palau
For a more traditional Afghan entrée, try Qabili Palau.
This dish combines seasoned basmati rice with your choice of lamb shank or chicken and is topped with carrots and raisins. The combination of savory meat, aromatic rice, and subtle sweetness makes it an excellent introduction to traditional Afghan cuisine.
If you are visiting with family or friends, consider ordering Qabili Palau along with a few kabobs and appetizers so everyone can share and try different dishes.
Are There Vegetarian Afghan Dishes?
Absolutely. Afghan cuisine offers plenty of flavorful meat-free options.
The Fremont menu includes vegetarian dishes such as Korma-E-Nakhud, made with garbanzo beans, tomatoes, onions, and Afghan spices; Veggie Sabzi Chalau, featuring spinach and garlic; Veggie Dahl Chalau, made with lentils and spices; and Veggie Borani Badinjon, featuring seasoned grilled eggplant with tomatoes and yogurt.
These dishes make it easy for groups with different dietary preferences to enjoy an Afghan meal together.
Try a Traditional Afghan Drink
To complete your first Afghan dining experience, consider trying Doogh, a traditional yogurt drink made with cucumber and dried mint. Another option is Afghan tea, available in green or black tea simmered with cardamom.
For dessert, try Firni, an Afghan pudding prepared with milk and almonds and topped with pistachios, or traditional Afghan ice cream.
Where Can I Try Authentic Afghan Food?
Fremont Afghan Kabob is a family-owned restaurant serving 100% Halal Afghan dishes, with recipes and restaurant experience rooted in the family’s history in Kabul, Afghanistan.
You can view all Fremont Afghan Kabob locations and menus before your visit. The original Fremont restaurant offers full-service dining and traditional floor-style seating, the Mountain House restaurant offers dine-in and takeout, and the Santa Clara location provides a faster self-service experience.
Whether you start with chicken kabob, Mantoo, Qabili Palau, Bolani, or a vegetarian entrée, your first Afghan meal is an opportunity to discover the rich flavors and hospitality behind traditional Afghan cuisine.
