indianapolis - Kabul Restaurant is a small place hidden away and most people miss out on one of the only restaurants in Indiana that specializes in Afghanistan's cuisine.
Many of the foods at the restaurant, located at 8533 N. Ditch Rd., Indianapolis, would be somewhat familiar to American diets. What is different, however, is the way the foods are prepared.Owner and chef Nassir Ayoubi uses a unique blend of spices and seasoning and many of the meals are served with large helpings of seasoned rice, lean meats and vegetables.
"We use no fried food or chemicals for our meals," Ayoubi said. "All of the food is prepared here, from scratch."
Some of the favorite dishes are kabobs, which consist of a choice of different meats broiled with vegetables and served over rice. Another favorite is kurma pallow, which consist of a choice of meats layered in seasoned rice and prepared in tomato-onion sauce, plus a vegetable of choice. Manto is another dish that patrons often order, featuring Afghan steamed dumplings filled with ground beef and topped with yogurt sauce.
With each meal, the experience of Afghan dining begins with a traditional nan bread with chutney, a cilantro-based sauce with vinegar, garlic and cayenne pepper.
After choosing from a small selection of appetizers, each entree is preceded by a choice of salad or an Afghan soup called aush. Aush is a broth with vegetables, noodles, ground beef and beans, topped with yogurt sauce.
There are some menu selections, such as the chutney, that are more spicy than others, but as Ayoubi said, "The dishes are delicately spiced."
Once inside the restaurant, patrons will find themselves well served. The waiting staff is helpful in assisting new customers in selecting a dish. Ayoubi is often out in the dining area talking to the customers.
"We all know each other here," Ayoubi said of his patrons, many of whom he talks to on a regular basis.
The atmosphere in the restaurant is very welcoming and comfortable. There is a large mural of an ancient city in Afghanistan. There is a very formal setting to the restaurant with a comfortable feel.
After Sept. 11, Ayoubi said business continued as usual.
"Business has picked up after Sept. 11," Ayoubi said. "Many people stopped by to check in and say hi."
Ayoubi has been in Indianapolis for 27 years and has been operating the Kabul Restaurant on the north side of Indianapolis for 15 years. Ayoubi said many Ball State professors from Ball State come down to dine.
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