Afghan Cuisine — Restaurant in Austin

I recently had the pleasure of dining at Afghan Village, and I must say, it was an experience worth sharing. Located in the heart of Austin, this spot brings the rich flavors and warm hospitality of Afghanistan right to your table.

The restaurant itself is clean, well-maintained, and adorned with traditional Afghan decor like famous landmarks including amazing mosques, that sets a charming and inviting atmosphere. We walked in without any wait and were immediately welcomed by friendly staff who made us feel right at home.

Now, onto the food—this is where Afghan Village truly shines. We started with their fresh bread, which came with a side of spicy lentils and a crisp, refreshing salad. The bread was warm and fluffy, perfect for dipping into the flavorful lentils that had just the right amount of spice.

For our main dishes, we ordered the Chicken Kadhai and the Kabuli Pulau. The Chicken Kadhai was a standout, with its bold, rich tomato flavor that we couldn’t get enough of. The chicken was mostly boneless, making it easy to enjoy, but there were just enough tiny bones to remind you of the traditional preparation. Each bite was tender and full of flavor.

The Kabuli Pulau, on the other hand, came with a massive lamb shank that was falling off the bone. The lamb was incredibly tender, and the meat almost melted in your mouth. The rice, studded with sweet raisins, perfectly complemented the savory lamb. It’s the kind of dish that stays with you long after the meal is over. Very fulfilling and huge portions.

Overall, Afghan Village offers an authentic and flavorful dining experience that’s hard to find elsewhere in Austin. The food is not only delicious but also served with a level of care and warmth that makes you feel like a guest in someone’s home. If you’re in the area and looking to try something new, I highly recommend giving Afghan Village a visit. You won’t be...

After a long drive from Corpus Christi, an unexpected Google search led us to a surprising find—a modest Afghan halal restaurant tucked away near one of the first gas station buffets we encountered on North Lamar. Intrigued by the promise of authentic flavors, we stepped in and immediately appreciated the simple, unpretentious seating and a thoughtfully curated menu.

By the time we arrived, some of the popular choices had already disappeared from the display, heightening our sense of urgency. We quickly ordered a selection of dishes that spanned the best of Afghan cuisine: the flavorful chicken karhai, Afghan tandori naan, chicken kabob, and, notably, the famous kabli plauoo.

The kabli plauoo stole the show—each bite burst with aromatic spices and a comforting balance of textures that made it truly memorable. The chicken karhai didn’t fall far behind; its rich flavor profile hinted at a blend of traditional spices that warmed the palate. The Afghan tandori naan was a pleasant accompaniment, proving to be soft yet perfectly toasted, ideal for sopping up the sauces. Conversely, the chicken kabob, while prepared competently, didn’t quite match the impact delivered by its fellow dishes.

What made the meal even more enjoyable was the warmth of the staff. Their friendly attitude and prompt service transformed our quick meal into a genuinely welcoming experience. For anyone cruising through Austin or seeking a taste of Afghan halal cuisine off the beaten path, this spot is a delightful, no-frills discovery that surprises with quality and authenticity.

Exploring unconventional dining options can be an adventure—sometimes, the best culinary experiences come from unexpected stops. Whether you're a local or a traveler on the hunt for something unique, this Afghan restaurant on North Lamar is...

Austin has long been overdue for a sit-down Afghan restaurant. For years, we've had to make pilgrimages to San Antonio for our Kabuli Palaus and Mantus. Finally, we have a proper Afghan restaurant right here in the city.

I had an amazing meal here the other day. This location seems to change frequently—it started as Afghan Village, which was sold, and now it's Afghan Cuisine. This was my first time dining here, as I didn’t get a chance to visit under the previous ownership.

We ordered the Afghan Mantus, Tikka Kebab, Kabuli Palau, and Lamb Karahi. They also served us a side of lentils and plenty of Tandoori Naan, which I believe comes with several of the dishes.

The Tikka Kebabs were an absolute hit, and the Lamb Karahi, with its spicy, flavorful gravy, was my personal favorite. The Tandoori Naan was just the best. While I’ve had better Mantus and Daal at other places, and the Kabuli Palau was a bit on the dry side, everything was still quite delicious, and we left very satisfied.

Our party was 5 people and all that food above was just about the right amount for all of us averaging around $20 per person.

There are some things to improve though. The service was somewhat slow. The communication could be clearer. Toward the end of our meal, one of the servers mentioned something we couldn’t quite understand. We later realized she was offering complimentary Afghan tea, but it wasn’t clear at the time, so we turned it down. Also, when we asked for water, they served bottled water for a charge instead of complimentary tap water in glasses, which was a bit unexpected.

Overall, these were minor issues, and the meal was fantastic. I’ll...