1. Baklava
Americans often associate this pastry—composed of layered
phyllo dough, nuts, and honey (or other sweet syrup)—with Greece. But the
flaky treat also figures into the cuisines of such countries as Iran and
Afghanistan. Made with pistachios, the giant triangles at Kabul
Kabob House (514 S. Van Dorn St., Alexandria; 703-751-1833) are
fresh, light, and never soggy.
2. Firne
The jiggly, pistachio-dusted dome of cornstarch pudding at
Bamian (5634 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church; 703-820-7880)
is velvet-textured and subtly sweet—far tastier than its appearance
suggests.
3. Ghulab Jamun
Head to Kabob N Karahi (15521 New Hampshire
Ave., Silver Spring; 301-879-0044) to try these custardy deep-fried milk
balls, sticky with rose-water syrup and utterly addictive.
4. Persian Ice Cream
Smooth, creamy, and redolent of rose water, the saffron-laced
scoops at Rose Kabob (126 Maple Ave. W., Vienna;
703-255-2557) arrive in a sundae dish with two spoons for
sharing.
