Frommer's Review
Never exactly a secret, the Helmand enjoyed a burst of publicity when Afghanistan moved into the headlines, and it's hardly had a slow night since -- make a reservation. The elegant setting belies the reasonable prices at this spacious spot near the CambridgeSide Galleria mall. The delectable flavors and textures evoke Middle Eastern, Indian, and Pakistani cuisine. Many dishes are vegetarian, and meat is often one element of a dish rather than the centerpiece. Every meal comes with delectable bread made fresh in a wood-fired brick oven near the entrance. Service could be more attentive, but with food this good, that's a minor quibble (even for picky old me).
To start, you might try slightly sweet baked pumpkin topped with spicy ground meat sauce -- a great contrast of flavors and textures -- or aushak, pasta pockets filled with leeks or potatoes and buried under a sauce of split peas and carrots. Aushak are available as a main course and come with meat sauce as well as veggies. A recent special of pan-fried trout served with sautéed eggplant incorporated dates and walnuts to very good effect; regular entrees include grilled meats and poultry and several versions of what Americans would call stew. Kourma challow, an excellent mélange of lamb, potatoes, onion, tomatoes, and green beans, comes with flavorful, cumin-scented rice. For dessert, don't miss the Afghan version of baklava.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without
notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before
planning your trip.
