Cambridge: Helmand

Location:

143 1st Street  Cambridge, MA

Finally! Something tasty in this city!

I've never tried Afghan cuisine, but it certainly has very distinct flavours. Mint to coriander to pumpkin to cardamom. Curries and rices but crispy pastries and soft breads.

We ordered Bowlawni, the pastries filled with veggies, the Qoremay Ma-He, sea bass that's pan fried and sauteed, and served with rice. Absolutely delicious! The vegetarian special which includes baked pumpkin (out of this world!) eggplant, spinach, okra, and rice.

The cardamom cake (called "our cake" on their menu) is a must try. I make a cardamom cake, too, although this was much more moist and soaked in the essence. Mine is more of a tea cake (also a must try!)

It was also fairly busy even on a weeknight, but the service was still attentive and beyond wonderful.

I can't recommend this place more!

Comments

[Janey]

I haven't tried Afghan food before, we only have Thai, Chinese, Indian and Mexican restaurants that I have heard of or been to here in Zimbabwe. It all looks so good and has me salivating!

[Smita]

Janey, it's really good, I think you'd like!

[lei ann]

i've only ever been to helmand on weeknights & it's always busy...can't imagine it on a weekend :) i haven't been in years & if you'd ever like to go again, i'd love to go!

[Smita]

Lei Ann, would love to! It felt like the weekend, it was so busy.

[Clair]

There's another Afghani place in Allston called Ariana's...SO SO good. I agree...the flavors in their cuisine are just...amazing.

Gorgeous photos...and a good place to know about!

[FASHION TALES]

I've had Afghan cuisine before. I'm sort of obsessed with cadamom since my youth, because my grandmother cooked with it a lot.

[Smita]

Clair, I'll have to try out Ariana's!
Hey Madison, yes, we use a lot of cardamom in our indian cooking as well! Yummeh!

[Cinnamon Spring]

I've never heard of Afghan cuisine, but it looks reallllly tasty. I'm getting hungry :(