Last week on Tracey’s recommendation, I went out with Keith to The Helmand, an Afghan restaurant in Baltimore. I’d never had Afghan food anymore and was comforted when I recognized some of the words on the menu as different spellings of Arabic foods. The similarities ended there, of course, but luckily, everything was fantastic.
Keith and I both started with the Kaddo Borawni, which is sauteed baby pumpkin with a yogurt garlic sauce. I know exactly how that sounds – trust me. I’m no fan of yogurt. But it was all I could do to keep from licking my plate clean. (Keith reserved some bread to sop it up.)
I had the Koufta Challow, which they describe as “lamb and beef meatballs seasoned with sun-dried baby grapes, paprika and turmeric in hot green pepper, green peas and fresh tomato sauce.” Very tasty. Probably one of the best meals I’ve had in years, to be honest. Keith seemed to like his meal – though he couldn’t remember what it was called and they took the menu. Looked good though.
They also make a fine cup of cardamom tea, which we both had, and I loved the “Middle Eastern Pastries” which seemed like baklava and something that looked like a mini-egg roll served with raspberry and mint sauces. Keith said that he enjoyed the Afghan ice cream with dates, dried figs and fresh mango, but I can’t tell if he was just humoring me.
I honestly can’t recommend the place highly enough. As great as the place was, I was most impressed with the prices: dinner for two with starters, entrees, deserts and tea for about $50. Go to The Helmand. And let me know how much you loved it.