Cheap Eats 2008: Bamian Afghan Cuisine

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Reviewed by Todd Kliman , Cynthia Hacinli , Ann Limpert , Dave McIntyre , Rina Rapuano

Bamian Afghan Cuisine

5634 Leesburg Pike
Falls Church, VA
Phone: 703-820-7880

Cuisines:
Afghan, Middle Eastern

Opening Hours:

Wheelchair Accessible:
Yes

Nearby Metro Stops:
East Falls Church
Ballston-MU

Price Range:
Inexpensive

Dress:
Informal

Noise Level:
Intimate

Reservations:
Not needed

Special Features:
Party Space, Kid Friendly

Website:
Click here to open in new window.

Best Dishes
Mantu with ground beef; aushak with chopped scallions; carrayee, a lamb stir-fry; sauteed eggplant; kadu chalau, sauteed pumpkin with yogurt; lamb rib kabobs.

Price Details:
Appetizers $3.95 to $4.95, entrées $9.95 to $14.95.

Why go: Many local Afghan restaurants lack a certain ambiance. Here the proud, ancient cuisine is given its due with wooden booths and chandeliers in a dining room as expansive as the menu.

What to get: Bouranee baunjaun, a silky eggplant purée; rich mantu dumplings with ground beef; garlicky lamb kebabs; kadu chalau, sweet chunks of sautéed pumpkin with a tangy yogurt sauce; firnee, a cool white pudding sprinkled with crushed pistachios.

Best for: A power lunch—the food may be Afghan, but the vibe is pure steakhouse.

Insider tip: The dining room is sometimes understaffed, making service spotty.

See all 2008 Cheap Eats restaurants

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