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
09/03/2008 Posted by travellerfromNY
i'm giving it 3 stars, because i like the food and has been there several times. but the last time i was there, the waiter brought the wrong dish, which is not a big deal. however, after i pointed it out to him, not only did he not apologize, but argued that i was the one who made the mistake ordering! how rude! that said, overall, food is very good. i'd like to go back, just don't want an unpleasant experience.
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
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