Did you know that Afghan cuisine may well have been one of the world’s first experiments in fusion cuisine? It was.
Afghan food combines elements of Indian, Persian, Mediterranean, Chinese and Turkish food to create memorable and delicious dishes. From the traditional bread known as Naan to the elaborately flavored rice dishes known as Palao and the large variety of kebabs, Afghanistan’s location as a crossroads of civilizations is evident in its food. Additionally, Afghanistan’s role as the heart of the Silk Road, a historic trading route, long allowed ingredients to flow from east and west and back. Without Afghanistan, Europeans may have never tasted carrots and tomatoes and would have gone without spices such as saffron, cardamom, coriander and cumin.
And while Afghanistan may seem like it's a world away, the Washington, D.C. Metro area boasts a number of Afghan restaurants and markets that feature many of the country's most delicious dishes. If you're a little more daring, you can even try to cook some of the dishes yourself! To bring Afghanistan closer to you, please visit our handy lists of local Afghan restaurants and choice recipes.
