In celebration of Foursquare Day, I am starting a world tour (while staying in Metro Vancouver) with food based on the Food categories of Foursquare!
Afghan Restaurants in Vancouver
First on the Foursquare alphabetical list of categories is Afghan Restaurants. According to Foursquare, four restaurants are categorized under Afghan Restaurants.
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| Foursquare Map |
We decided to try Afghan Chopan from the list because it's affordable, and it's accessible. "East is East" is closer to our home and has a higher rating, but the food is a mixture of Indian and Afghan cuisine, so we went to Afghan Chopan instead.
Afghan Chopan Bakery and Diner
It's a small place (with about 9 chairs and 3 tables), but the branch on No. 3 Road is closing permanently on April 20, 2018. They have a new branch around a 10-minute walk near the Richmond Public Market at Westminster Highway.
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| Afghan Chopan Bakery and Diner Menu |
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| Afghan Chopan Bakery and Diner Menu |
Ashak for Appetizer
They have three choices for appetizer - Bolani, Mantu, and Ashak. Before going here, I was reading Wikipedia about Afghan food, and because of that, I decided to get Ashak. I initially want Mantu, but I thought it's close to Korean Mandu, so I went for something different.
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| Ashak for Appetizer Menu Description: A very delightful and common Afghan recipe, steamed dough with leeks topped with sauce and yogurt. |
The dumpling itself is cooked well, and it wasn't chewy, and it's not fried, so it's not crunchy either. The sauce on top is delicious. I love beans. The sauce shows more of the personality of the cuisine. In the Philippines, we have soy sauce and chilli flakes as we like our food saltier. It seems like Afghan cuisine, loves their spices and well, tomato-based dishes.
Pallow and Kebab for Main Meal
I chose Afghan Chopan because I think it's affordable and oh boy was I blown away. Jomar ordered Assorted Kebab while I got the Pallow Special. There was so much food! I think it's suitable for 3 people. Everything is so good! I will go back just for the Pallow! It's mildly spicy and incredibly flavorful. Meanwhile, the Kebab was seasoned well, tender, and melts in your mouth.
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| Pallow Special Menu Description: Tender pieces of beef shank beneath Afghan steamed basmati rice served with side vegetable. |
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| Assorted Kebab with side salad Menu Description: One skewer each of chicken, shami (ground beef), and tekka (beef tenderloin) kebab |
We finished everything, just the two of us.
Ferny for Dessert
Based on the food we've tried, it's evident that Afghan food isn't into extreme. I mean so far, nothing we've had is TOO spicy or salty, so I wasn't expecting the only dessert in the menu to be sweet. It's called Ferney, and I was right that it wasn't delicious.
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| Ferny Menu Description: Milk Pudding made with a hint of cardamon and topped with Pistachios. |
It was soft, and when we started digging in, it slowly lost its form. The pistachios on top provided crunch and texture to the whole thing.
Have you tried Afghan food before? How was it?
