Salam Afghan Food — Restaurant in Hamilton

TLDR: Poor service, average chicken palau. Avoid this place if you're in a hurry.

I love Afghan food, and during a brief visit to Hamilton, I decided to try this place for dinner based on all the glowing reviews. Unfortunately, this place did not live up to expectation, mainly due to slow, clumsy and inattentive service.

The place wasn't busy when I arrived. The waitress greeted me on arrival and said I could sit wherever I liked. I waited for a few minutes, expecting the wait staff to bring me a menu and some water, but they didn't. I was fine with this though - I knew where the menus were, so I grabbed one for myself.

I chose the chicken palau, and then tried to make eye contact with the wait staff to order; however, they kept walking past me. I then wondered whether I needed to order at the counter, so I called out to one of them and asked about this. He said he would come and take my order; however, he carried on doing other things for a while, so I flagged down a different waiter who looked like she wasn't busy, to give my order. The back-and-forth between wait staff became a bit of a theme....

I then waited what seemed like a long time for my food to arrive. When it did, all I was given was the chicken on rice without any of the side dishes (salad, bread and condiments). The waiter mumbled something that sounded like "cutlery", faffed around behind the counter for a bit, and then disappeared into the kitchen. After waiting for a few minutes, I gave up and asked a different waiter for some cutlery. He apologized profusely and gave me some.

When I realised my side dishes were missing, I flagged down the waiter who gave me the rice, and he spoke to the kitchen staff. They handed him a small plate of chopped up veges, and a piece of flatbread. The waiter gave these to me and walked off. Still no condiments. The food was pretty bland without sauces, so I asked another waiter about the condiments. She apologized to me, walked over to the kitchen to ask them about it, and then completely forgot about it. After waiting for a while, I went back to the first waiter, and asked for the sauces. The kitchen staff eventually handed over a tzatziki-like sauce which, unfortunately, didn't help much with the blandness.

Meanwhile, there was a family sitting nearby, who I noticed arrived before me, and received their food long after me. I felt bad for them.

I'm so used to receiving good hospitality that this experience really stood out as one worthy of a critical review. I later found out they only recently opened, so these could be teething issues. Overall, I give it two stars because the food wasn't bad (just not great), and the restaurant was clean and nicely fitted out. I wouldn't dine here...

🌟 5/5 - Salam Afghan Foods (Hamilton) - A Taste of Afghanistan! 🌟

Just had an unforgettable meal at Salam Afghan Foods in Hamilton and had to share! This place truly serves the most authentic, flavorful Afghan cuisine with 100% halal certification - a total game-changer for foodies!

Why It's Special: ✔ Kabuli Pulao - An absolute masterpiece! Fragrant basmati rice with tender lamb, caramelized carrots, and raisins - perfectly balanced sweetness and savoriness. ✔ Chicken Broast - Crispy on the outside, juicy inside - rivaling the best fried chicken in town! Served with garlic sauce & fresh bread. ✔ 100% Halal & Fresh - Every dish uses premium halal meat & authentic Afghan spices. ✔ Homemade Taste - You can tell each dish is cooked with traditional recipes & love!

Must-Try: Mantu (Afghan dumplings) - Divine with yogurt & mint! Chapli Kebab - Spiced beef patties with perfect char! Fresh Naan - Warm, fluffy, straight from the tandoor.

Verdict: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5/5 - BEST Afghan food in Hamilton! Huge portions, fair prices, and explosive flavors that keep us coming back. Highly recommend the Kabuli Pulao & Chicken Broast combo!

A hidden gem for halal food lovers!* Will definitely return soon. 🍗🔥 #AfghanFood #HalalEats...

If you're in the mood for an incredible Middle Eastern dining experience, look no further than Salam Afghan restaurant in Hamilton! They offer a delightful array of authentic Afghan dishes that are sure to satisfy your cravings. As a bonus, all their offerings are halal, making it a perfect choice for those seeking halal meals.

Their menu boasts a wide range of mouthwatering options. If you are fond of kebabs, biryanis, rice options, or meat dishes, Salam Afghan is the perfect place for you. They offer a wide variety of dishes to cater to every taste. The mixed kebab platter with rice , a delightful and aromatic rice dish made with grilled meat and kebab varities and a mix of spices, is an absolute must-try. Every grain of rice is cooked to perfection and infused with flavors that will make you crave for more.

The friendly staff greets you with a smile and promptly guides you to your table, ensuring a pleasant dining experience from start to finish. The portion sizes at Salam Afghan are generous, ensuring that you leave the restaurant feeling fully satisfied. Will try again and thanks for your...