Bringing the culinary heritage of Kabul to KL, The Ghan is billed as Malaysia's first full-fledged Afghan restaurant, helmed mainly by a team of Afghans who've come to Malaysia in recent years.
Start with the Kabuli Palaw (RM21), considered Afghanistan's national dish, comprising a very hearty pilaf of firm, flavoursome rice with tender marinated lamb, sweet raisins and fresh carrots. A should-have for anyone who adores rice-with-spice recipes.
Even for the overwhelming majority of us who've never traveled to Afghanistan, there's a feeling of authenticity to The Ghan's fare.
Adventurous patrons seeking something different can check out the Kala Pacha (RM30; a rich, savoury broth of sheep head and leg parts - this is an acquired taste) and the Dopiaza (RM25; chunks of lamb shoulder with onions and coriander).
For a safer choice that even squeamish customers won't mind, order the vegetarian-friendly Ashak, regarded as the Afghan ravioli, comprising scallion dumplings with the tang of a yogurt-based sauce (RM18).
All in all, the flavours and textures here evoke the nurturing, nourishing sense of home cooking.
Adventurous patrons seeking something different can check out the Kala Pacha (RM30; a rich, savoury broth of sheep head and leg parts - this is an acquired taste) and the Dopiaza (RM25; chunks of lamb shoulder with onions and coriander).
For a safer choice that even squeamish customers won't mind, order the vegetarian-friendly Ashak, regarded as the Afghan ravioli, comprising scallion dumplings with the tang of a yogurt-based sauce (RM18).
All in all, the flavours and textures here evoke the nurturing, nourishing sense of home cooking.
You'll also find a few temptations from Afghanistan's neighbour, Iran. Try the Qormeh Sabzi, a popular Iranian herb stew (RM13), and Mirza Ghasemi, a creamy smoked eggplant dip with egg (RM15) - soft, minimal-chewing-needed comfort food.
The Ghan
B14, Jalan Ampang Utama 2/2, Ampang, Kuala Lumpur. Open Mon-Thurs, 9am-11pm; Fri-Sun, 9am-1am. Tel: 03-4265-7467
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