Dress code is casual. All major credit cards are accepted. BYOB. There is only one small step before the entrance, so wheel chairs are welcome. Parking is available at the E-Z parking lot across the street. Kabul Afghan Cuisine is a non-smoking restaurant.
American taste buds have been changed forever. Kabul, an adventure in exotic dining, uncommon to Philadelphians, is the city’s first and original Afghan restaurant since 1991. Kabul is the kind of restaurant people return to again and again for the best of all possible reasons: fine, fresh, attractively presented food; attentive, agreeable service; pleasant surroundings; reasonable prices plus a profusion of discounts. The restaurant is chef and family owned and operated. That means that everyone involved with your order equates your pleasure with their prosperity.
Kabul’s menu is characterized predominantly by uniquely spiced lamb and chicken main courses, recently expanded to include an ample sampling of vegetarian dishes. Everything – bread to salad dressing to desserts – is prepared on the premises. The sauces are subtle and sophisticated. All the food is marinated in herbs and spices in order to achieve the true flavor of Afghan cuisine. As for the desserts, Elaine Tait, an Inquirer restaurant critic, once wrote, “I’ve grown accustomed to ethnic desserts that don’t always measure up to our standards for sweets. What we’re served at Kabul, however, were unusual but familiar enough to satisfy a majority of American sweet- lovers.”
At Kabul, half the fun of eating Afghan food is the atmosphere. The soothingly alto Afghan music immediately sets a tranquil mood. The decor intrigues: pink walls adorned with colorful native rugs, striped costumes and portraits of stoic warriors. To complete the ambiance, the restaurant is lit primarily by candlelight.
Or if you would care to try dining in traditional Afghan style, call in advance and reserve the taqh, a raised platform covered with Afghan rugs, cushions, and pillows, located in the back of the dining room. There, you can remove your shoes and eat with your hands (silverware is optional) while sitting or reclining in luxury. After dinner, the waiter gives you a pitcher to wash your hands.
Additionally, Kabul does not have a liquor license so bring your own wine. In fact, bring white and red, as you’ll find that the dining experience is best with both.
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