Bamiyan Afghan Restaurant

Traditional Afghan restaurant Bamiyan is an unexpected find in a little strip of shops and eateries in suburban Coorparoo and it is well worth the trip to sample the delicious and refined tastes of this ancient cuisine.

Named after a city in Afghanistan, the cosy red-walled restaurant seats around 50 and has a loyal following of both locals and Brisbane’s Afghani population, who frequent it on any night of the week. Afghani specialties are Mantu (melt-in-the-mouth beef dumplings topped with yoghurt, chick pea, tomato and garnished with ground mint), Perikee (traditional Afghani flat bread), Kababs, Curries and Pallow (traditional Afghani rice).

If it’s a first time dining here, must-try are the Mantu, Kabuli Pallow (rice cooked with cumin powder and cardamom, filled with chicken pieces and topped with caramelised onion, sultana and almond nuts) and the succulent Kebabs – try the Mixed – traditional Afghani marinated chicken, tender Tikka Lamb back strap (marinated with onion, garlic and herbs and cooked in the Tandoor) and Sikh (marinated lamb mince cooked in Tandoor). All kebabs, and some of the curries, come served with heavenly premise-baked Naan bread, salad and chutney.

Meanwhile the extensive list of curries includes Chicken or Lamb Kurooti (rubbed yoghurt and a special blend of chef’s spices, with a cream sauce), Beef, Chicken or Lamb Harahi (a traditional tomato based sauce with onion, capsicum and tomato and special spices), or Korma (an Afghani version of the popular Indian dish, with beef, chicken, lamb, red kidney beans or chickpeas cooked in a rich tomato gravy, herbs and spices).

Accompaniments include Naan, rice, yoghurt sauce, vegetable chutney, salad and yoghurt.

Nice to know - The obliging Afghani family who own and run Bamiyan are happy to oblige with suggestions to make the most of a meal here.

Need to know – The entrance of Bamiyan is easily confused with that of the Thai restaurant next door, which has similar décor. Parking is on street. Takeway is also available.