Afghan Bamyan Kabob — Restaurant in Jefferson Township

Tried this place out to support small business and the very few Afghan places available in Chicago.

For those that need things done timely, unfortunately there were only 2 people working so my order that was supposed to be 25 minutes took almost 50 minutes. So definitely pad in extra time to what they give you.

Also, I had an issue with there being no salt in our food. Thankfully it had other spices so all it needed was salt.

What we ordered:

Chicken Karahi: Delicious, super spicy and comes with this yummy super thin and soft bread to help mop up the gravy. I’d really like to try their other protein karahi. The one thing I did notice, was there was a little chicken scent. I’m not sure if it just needed to be cleaned better. I’m sensitive to smell. I do notice when salt is missing from food, the protein especially has a more gamey scent.

Mantu: Delicious and much more authentic. Handmade steamed ground meat dumplings, topped with yogurt, tomato sauce and split chickpeas.

Bolani: This is the one I couldn’t repair. It’s a fried flatbread stuffed with potatoes and green onions and spiced. I was looking forward to this the most. Unfortunately, it was the biggest let down due to the missing salt. But, everything else about it was perfect. Crispy ends and gummy inside with their spicy and tangy green sauces.

I’ll be going back to give them one more chance. It’s very possible they were fasting and couldn’t measure for salt like they usually do....

I stopped in for a later lunch with my mother. Luckily, there was a parking lot, so it was easy to park and enter, as she is 87. From the moment we walked in we were warmly greeted by the waiter and encouraged to sit where we pleased. Our waiter was patient and friendly, as my mother took longer to choose her entre. I ordered a falafel wrap, which was very tasty and cooked perfectly, and wrapped in fresh bread. My mother ordered the Afghan mantu, ground beef dumplings w/tomato sauce, garlic, yogurt sauce, split peas and spices- I had a taste, and they were quite good. We also shared a hummus plate which was also very tasty! The bread which came with it tasted like it was fresh out of the oven! Delicious. And the waiter offered us a small taste of their chicken soup, which was also very hearty, and loaded with flavor, spices and perhaps chick peas and garlic, very good, also. Overall, an A-1 dining experience. I will certainly be back, and will take every opportunity to recommend this little known, I believe, gem of a restaurant, in an unassuming little intersection of the city on California and Lincoln Ave. Oh, I forgot, also, very reasonably priced for a lot of food! Lots of bang for the buck, here. Great job Afghan...

I had the pleasure of trying Afghan food recently, and it was an absolutely delightful experience! The flavors are rich and perfectly balanced, combining savory and sweet elements in a way that’s truly unique.

The kabuli pulao was outstanding—tender lamb, perfectly cooked basmati rice, and the sweet touch of raisins and carrots made it a standout dish. The kebabs were juicy and flavorful, with just the right amount of seasoning. And let’s not forget the naan bread—soft, warm, and perfect for scooping up every bit of the delicious sauces.

I also tried the mantoo dumplings, which were a revelation. The combination of spiced meat, yogurt, and tomato sauce was so comforting and flavorful. For dessert, the firnee pudding was creamy and light, a perfect way to end the meal.

The hospitality was incredible—the staff were friendly, attentive, and eager to share the history and culture behind the dishes. It felt like more than just a meal; it was an experience of Afghan warmth and tradition.

I can’t recommend Afghan food enough! Whether you’re a foodie looking to explore something new or just want a hearty, flavorful meal, Afghan Bamyan Kabob is a must-try. I’ll definitely be...