Afghan Kitchen Restaurant — Restaurant in Salt Lake City

I recently dined at this Afghan kitchen restaurant and had a mixed experience that I feel needs to be shared. Let me start with the positives: the ambiance and decorations were absolutely stunning! The traditional Afghani decor was immersive and created a warm, authentic atmosphere that I truly appreciated. Additionally, the waitress, Zahra, was exceptional—she was attentive, friendly, and went above and beyond to make the dining experience enjoyable.

However, the food was a major letdown. I ordered the Qabule Palaw, Lamb Shang, and Chicken Qurma, and unfortunately, none of the dishes met my expectations. The flavors were bland, the dishes lacked authenticity, and overall, it felt like the food didn’t do justice to Afghan cuisine, which I know can be incredibly flavorful and rich. It was truly disappointing, especially given the high standards set by the ambiance and service.

While I appreciate the effort put into the decor and the outstanding service from Zahra, I strongly believe the kitchen needs a revamp. Perhaps it’s time to reconsider the cook or the recipes being used, as the food simply doesn’t match the potential of this restaurant.

I would still consider returning in the future if changes are made, as the foundation for a great dining experience is there—thanks to the ambiance and Zahra’s incredible service. But for now, I can’t recommend the food.

Rating: 2.5/5 (1 star for the ambiance, 1 star for Zahra’s service, and 0.5 for the potential to improve with a better cook.)

I hope the management takes this feedback constructively, as this restaurant has so much potential...

Review for Afghan Kitchen Restaurant Rating: 2/5

We recently visited Afghan Kitchen for the first time, and while the experience was disappointing overall, I want to highlight the one positive aspect: the waitress. She was incredibly kind, respectful, and attentive, which is the only reason this review gets two stars.

Unfortunately, there were several issues that made our visit less enjoyable. First, the cleanliness of the restaurant was unacceptable. The table we were seated at was not clean, and there was a lot of mess under the table. Despite this, we had no choice but to sit there. For cleanliness, I would give a rating of zero out of five.

Additionally, the male staff member who served us seemed unhappy and uninterested in providing good service. His attitude made the experience uncomfortable. As Afghan guests, we found it odd that he continued speaking English even after we spoke to him in Farsi. This behavior felt strange, especially in a restaurant representing Afghan culture.

Overall, the visit did not reflect the warmth, hospitality, or cleanliness one would expect from a restaurant. I hope the management addresses these issues to create a more welcoming and enjoyable environment for all guests, particularly those who come looking to connect with Afghan traditions...

I cannot say enough kind things about this restaurant. What a wonderful hidden gem, with amazing food and great staff. They helped make my birthday dinner a huge hit.

We came in a little late with our 3 kids, and were treated very well. Our server was especially understanding and made us feel welcome. Such a rarity with people these days! Thank goodness for him.

And the food, oh my word. The Aushak was flavorful and a personal favorite, eggplant dip was fun to try (served chilled), naan bread the best I've ever had (so fluffy yet crispy on the edges), joose e am also the best mango yogurt drink I've ever had, chicken kabobs well flavored, chicken qorma was super tender, and the lamb shank qabili pilau insanely good. Not to mention the 4 sauces they give you complimentary: mint chutney, spicy habanero (reminded me of a better Tabasco sauce), garlic yogurt sauce, and a chili garlic one. All so different, yet so delicious.

Honestly, my only regret is that my stomach and wallet couldn't get more food! Afghan Kitchen has earned a new place at the top of my favorites list and they are very deserving of that spot. Well done, friends. I'll be...