Afghan Marco Polo Restaurant — Restaurant in London

Tucked away in the heart of West Hendon, Afghan Marco Polo Restaurant is an unassuming treasure that offers an evocative culinary journey through the flavours of Afghanistan. From the moment you step inside, there’s a warm and inviting atmosphere—equal parts rustic charm and subtle elegance, with Afghan motifs adding an authentic cultural texture.

The menu is a tribute to traditional Afghan cuisine, elevated with finesse. I began with the mantu, delicate steamed dumplings generously filled with seasoned minced lamb, topped with a rich lentil and yoghurt sauce that was both tangy and savoury—a masterclass in balance. The ashak, another dumpling dish, was a standout as well, its leek and chive filling complemented perfectly by a hearty tomato-based meat sauce and a whisper of mint.

But it’s the lamb qabuli palaw that truly speaks to the heart of Afghan cooking. Fragrant rice flecked with slivers of carrot, raisins, and almonds, served with meltingly tender slow-cooked lamb, each grain infused with depth and soul. The dish is comfort food of the highest order—simple, soulful, and unforgettable.

Vegetarian options are equally compelling. The borani banjan—layers of aubergine cooked to velvety softness in tomato sauce with garlic yoghurt—is both luscious and delicately spiced. Paired with warm, freshly baked naan and a refreshing mint chutney, it’s a dish that could convert even the most devout carnivore.

Service is gracious and attentive without ever feeling overbearing. Staff are knowledgeable and eager to guide diners unfamiliar with Afghan cuisine, offering thoughtful recommendations and a genuine warmth that enhances the overall experience.

In a city brimming with culinary options, Afghan Marco Polo stands out not for glitz or gimmicks, but for its authenticity, consistency, and heart. This is the kind of place that reminds you why food matters—not just as sustenance, but as a story, a heritage, and an invitation to connect across cultures.

A visit here doesn’t just feed the body—it...

I never write reviews. But this was honestly one of the worst experiences I have EVER HAD! Me and the family ordered from UberEats with this restaurant. It arrived with missing items. I very kindly called them up and tell them and the owner or chef or whoever it was SHOUTING at me on the phone telling me I am a liar and that all the items arrived. They kept calling me a liar. I was so shocked and saddened. After a while I noticed that the plastic bag had a different address on it. I called them back and told them and they confirmed they had another delivery to that address and that the driver must of mixed up the orders. They said the driver cannot come back and told me to come collect the missing item and that they will give me some extra items on top. Although I had paid for delivery and a service charge on uber eats. I agreed to come because my children were hungry and I needed the item I had originally paid for. I drove all the way down. They gave me the bag and I went back home. I opened the bag at home and guess what. No extra items given. They lied. They made me drive all the way down even though I paid for delivery and they shouted at me on the phone. This is hands down the worst experience I have had and I still cannot believe their bad customer service and shouting at people on the phone. And if they say they were not shouting and calling me a liar then my partner recorded parts of the phone call so its all recorded. Then later on they confirmed that the driver mixed...

Last week, I ordered a Chapli Kebab takeaway from Afghan Marco Polo Restaurant, hoping for a flavorful experience. Unfortunately, my experience was deeply disappointing.

Chapli Kebab Quality

The Chapli Kebab was one of the worst I’ve ever had. The patty kept crumbling apart, making it difficult to eat, and the bottom was burned, imparting an unpleasant bitter taste. The texture was dry and lacked the signature juiciness and spice balance that makes a good Chapli Kebab stand out. Given the reputation of Afghan cuisine for its hearty, well-seasoned kebabs, this was a letdown.

Comparison to Other Reviews

While some online reviews praise the Chapli Kebab at Afghan Marco Polo for its flavor and spice, my experience was the opposite. The inconsistency suggests possible quality control issues, especially for takeaway orders. Other reviewers have highlighted the restaurant’s commitment to authentic recipes and home-style cooking, but my order did not reflect this standard.

Overall Impression

Based on this experience, I will not be ordering from Afghan Marco Polo Restaurant again. The poor execution of a classic dish like Chapli Kebab, with both structural and taste issues, overshadowed any potential positives. If you’re seeking authentic Afghan kebabs, you might want to look elsewhere or consider dining in, as takeaway quality can...