Travelling to Kabul means two things. Firstly, you’re in Afghanistan which is extremely exciting in itself. You’re about to explore places you’ve dreamed of such as Mazar e Sharif, Bamiyan and Kandahar, while taking in the breathtaking scenery and surreal surroundings.
However, secondly, you’re going to get the chance to eat at some really good restaurants, for a fraction of the price that you would back home. While, of course, you can eat local street food for pennies, you’re also going to want to sit down in a nice establishment and not risk the adventures that come with trying the local food carts.
We have put together seven restaurants you should try in Kabul, to eat phenomenal food while not breaking the bank.
1. Ziyafat
Ziyafat provides 5-star service for regular Afghani prices. Ziyafat serves everything, however their kebabs, mantu (dumplings serviced with a tomato and chickpea sauce), and ashok (vegetarian dumplings) are their star performers.
From the minute you enter and see the grand staircase, you’ll be mesmerised by the service and over the top decor. Feeling like a Saudi prince, you have the choice of a private room or one of the public areas.
Ziyafat also serves a spicy dough, where they take yoghurt, salt and cucumber, blend it into a drink, and then add chilli for an extra kick.
Ziyafat is located in Shah e Nau, on Sulh Road just near Shah e Nau park.
2. Bolani Fast Food
This is a unique entry because unlike most restaurants in Afghanistan, they do one thing and they do it well – bolani, one of the national foods of Afghanistan.
Bolani is a traditional fried Afghani street food. Everywhere you’ll go in Afghanistan you’ll see fried flat breads stuffed with spiced potato, meat, pumpkin, spinach just to name a few ingredients. Each street vendor will have their specialty. This restaurant does multiple types of bolani, and you can wash it down with their home made dough (yoghurt drink).
Bolanis range from 30 (40cents) to 80($1) Afghanis and you really only need one. Maybe two if you’re really hungry.
Bolani Fast Food is located in Kart e Char, near the Kabul water park.
3. Bukhara
You can probably guess from the name what this restaurant specialised in – pilau. One of the most popular dishes in Afghanistan is pilau, of which there are two main varieties – Uzbek Pilau and Kabuli Pilau.
For those that haven’t travelled through Central or South Asia before, pilau, also called plov or pilaf is rice cooked with meat and vegetables.
The team at Bukhara restaurant have made it that you’ll feel as if you’ve been transported straight back to the old Silk Road as soon as you enter the restaurant, the walls adorned with swords, colourful plates and wooden carvings.
Bukhara restaurants is located on Ahmad Zaher Road, next to the Malalay hospital in district 4.
4. The Cafeteria
Another informal restaurant that is family friendly, The Cafeteria is a great place to see local Afghani families enjoying a meal. Made to feel as if you are entering a garden, The Cafeteria specialised in grilled meats and steaks. They also offer a wide variety of pizzas and pastas, however one might surmise that the main reason people come here is for the desserts.
With one of the most extensive sweets and drinks (I’m talking milk shakes and fruit smoothies) menus in Kabul, The Cafeteria also doubles up as a popular location for dates and you’ll often see young people coming here.
The Cafeteria is located next to Finest Supermarket and Noor Plaza on the corner of 2 nd Ansari Street.
5. Herat
Herat, named after the large city in the far west of Afghanistan, is a low-key place that is very local. From the street is looks rather run down and upon entering, it’s much the same. However, venture through the main building to the courtyard, and you’ll find a lovely oasis in the heart of Kabul. Herat restaurant has peacocks and geese roaming the gardens to make you feel like you’ve been whisked away.
The specialty at Herat restaurant is kebabs. You’ll be able to order chicken or lamb, with the number one pick being the lamb tikka kebab, where they place small pieces of lamb alternately with small cubes of fat and then cook it slowly over coals.
Herat restaurant is located across the road from Shah e Nau park between the park and Butcher Street.
6. Barg Continental
After travelling through Afghanistan for a couple of weeks, you’ve made it back to Kabul and you want something that isn’t kebabs, rice, soup or dumplings. Barg Continental is for you!
Barg Continental is a massive establishment with two stories packed with seating. They offer an extensive menu and even have an all you can eat buffet section. Catering to middle class Kabulis who are looking for an international meal at an informal restaurant, Barg offers their own take on Chinese, pizza, pasta, Indian and Pakistani curries. However, their specialty are their burgers, especially their take on the famous Zinger burger. Try one and see if it’s any different to the original from KFC.
Barg Continental is located opposite Shah e Nau Park on the corner of Sulh Road and Park Shah e Nau Street.
7. Cloud Café
If hipster is what you are after, then look no further than Cloud Café. Catering to young Kabulites, Cloud Café specialises in their caffeinated beverages as well as milk shakes and juices.
Fancy a game of chess, Cloud Café has you covered. Part of the hipsterdom of this fantastic place, is they also have games ready for you to play, or you can simply people watch.
At Cloud Café, they provide international menus featuring favourites such as tacos and loaded fries. It is located inside City Mall, Shah e Nau.
8. Shaam Kabul Restaurant
Serving the usual fare you’ll find in Kabul, Shaam Restaurant has one point of difference – the fact that you are eating in a museum. The owner of Shaam Restaurant has obviously gone to great lengths to collect thousands of items from all over Afghanistan.
You can choose to sit traditionally or at western style table and chairs, and the roof top dining option really creates a special moment in Kabul. However you choose you’ll be astounded by your surroundings.
If you venture to Shaan Kabul Restaurant, you really need to eat the Kabuli Pilau or their famous Kebabs.
Shaam Kabul Restaurant is located on Ahmad Zaher Road next to Najeeb Zarab market.
If you'd like to find out more about what you can eat and drink in Afghanistan, check out our Food and Drink page .
