Helmand
Cambridge, MA 02142-1205
Phone: (617) 492-4646
- Price:
- $$
- Cross Street:
- Rogers Street
- Hours:
- Sun-Thu 5pm-9:30pm, Fri-Sat 5pm-10:30pm
Editorial Review for Helmand – by Citysearch Editors
The Scene
The city's premier destination for Afghan cuisine offers a relaxed, airy setting in which to enjoy authentic kabobs and vegetarian dishes. Earth-toned Afghan knick-knacks line the walls, and pleasant servers maintain a calming atmosphere. Expect a loyal, local crowd of area techies and academics, plus the odd family of expats.
The Food
For those unfamiliar, Afghan cuisine has distinct Indian, Persian and Arabic influences. Dishes are highly seasoned with spices like turmeric, cardamom, cinnamon and cilantro. The entrees are hearty and rely heavily on the vegetable-intensive sauces and baked rice which accompany every dish. The lamb is very good, especially the dwopiaza, slices of marinated tenderloin in a thick, yellow split-pea gravy. Fans of kabobs enjoy the koufta challow, beef meatballs with Afghan spices and a sun-dried tomato sauce. Vegetarians have much to choose from, including the popular kaddo, super sweet baked baby pumpkin topped with garlicky yogurt.
Editorial content is independent of paid advertisers. Any expenses are paid for by Citysearch.
Insider Tips
ParkingAt night, don't worry about parking--the area surrounding the restaurant is a ghost town, so expect loads of metered spaces to be available.
User Reviews for Helmand
05/01/2008 Posted by tnick1973
Friends had dinner party here and I was VERY put off by the reviews here, but honestly, it was a great dining experience. The service was FINE - quick, but not rushed, and very polite. The food was great, came out quickly, and the bread was spectacular. It has a parking lot and they give you passes to park, which was fabulous. Nice decor, good experience - maybe they've made changes since some of these reviews?
Pros: good service, good food, quick and easy
Cons: seating is a little crowded, hostess is not as nice as the waitstaff
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful
02/18/2008 Posted by bradddd
Great food, incredibly bad service. Last time I will go there. We called for a reservation and were only offered one at 9:30pm. We arrived on time, were seated, and given menus. But we did not get to order anything until 9:55pm. No drinks, no bread, nothing. The food came out fast, but halfway through someone came over and asked if we were finished, and wanted to take the plates away. Water glasses were never refilled the entire evening. Later the waitress, who seemed extremely over-extended, told us that the kitchen closed at 10pm, so we couldn't have dessert or coffee. When we protested that it was the restaurant that offered a 9:30pm reservation, she grudgingly offered to see if there was any desserts, left, "if the cooks haven't locked the fridge already".
Pros: great food
Cons: terrible service
0 out of 1 people found this review helpful
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