I’ve never eaten at the Afghan restaurant Helmand Palace (Van Ness between Union and Green), mostly because it just looks like a hole-in-the-wall and secondly because I don’t know much about Afghan cuisine. But, Michael of the S.O.F.A.T. blog (Stories of Food and Travel) dined there recently, and reading about his experience has convinced me to try it.
Here’s how he describes the qabalee: “A mound of rice that, once uncovered, exposes juicy, moist and tender chunks of lamb. The carrots and raisins complement the rice and lamb with another dose of sweet, moist flavor. This was surprisingly more addicting that the aushak and bowlawni.” Yum! Looks good! Sounds good! Feels good?
Have you tried Helmand Palace? What was your experience?
I was a bit skeptical about it, since I don’t trust any restaurant on Van Ness anymore after eating at Ho’s (down the block). But Helmand is pretty damn good. Didn’t hurt that I had one of those $25-gift-certificate-for-$2 coupons. Very friendly place too (with cool decorations).
Good to know! Thanks. Did you get your coupon at Restaurant.com?
Truth be told, I wasn’t in charge of getting it, but I think that’s where it came from.
I love the Helmand! They have great food, especially the ravioli and the vegetable dishes like the pumpkin and the eggplant. And yes, good deals on Restaurant.com
Since you live right next to the place, why don’t you try it and tell us?
I actually really like Helmand. I went when it was whatever it was before, and it was maybe better, but Helmand is good. It’s always empty, which makes me sad but the food is good and if I remember correctly, the price is right too.