The Best Places For Afghani Food In Delhi
Image Credit: Instagram/mazaar_restaurant. Mantu, steamed dumplings filled with chopped meat and onion, at Mazaar in Lajpat Nagar.

Lajpat Nagar in Delhi has been home to Afghani eateries for a few years now. During the 19th century, thousands of Afghani refugees migrated to India and settled in neighbourhoods like Lajpat Nagar and Bhogal. Today, a lot of Afghani restaurants form an important part of the culinary landscape of Lajpat Nagar. People from around the city and even outside of it visit the neighbourhood for its Afghani gems. From Afghani naan to Kabuli pulav, these restaurants serve some great Afghani food:

Al Naseeb

Al Naseeb is a casual restaurant that only started as recently as 2018. A plate of dried fruits is served to welcome guests right after they arrive. The place is known for its traditional Afghani seating and quick service. The shole ghorbandi, ashak, mantu and quroti are popular Afghani dishes served at the restaurant. There’s also a wide range of kebabs to choose from. End your meal with some tasty baklava.

Location: Mata Naina Devi Marg, Block I, Lajpat Nagar II, Lajpat Nagar, New Delhi.

Timings: Daily, 11am-11pm.

Cost for two: ₹500

Afghan Darbar

Afghan Darbar is a favourite with Delhi’s meat eaters and perhaps the most popular Afghani restaurant in the city. Start with the mutton chopan kebabs, mantu and qorma Kofta, and transition to the Qabuli Uzbeki (which is served with Afghani naan) for main course. If you’re a rice eater, try the Kabuli pulav, which is served garnished with raisins. All the food at Afghan Darbar is affordable. 

Location: E- 96, Block E, Lajpat Nagar II, Lajpat Nagar, New Delhi. 

Timings: Daily, 11.30am-11.30pm.

Cost for two: ₹400

Mazaar

The charm of the seating arrangement at Mazaar is that it requires you to sit cross-legged on mattresses. However, for those who find that uncomfortable, there’s regular seating too. The menu features sheer yakh, Afghani pulao, borani banjan, kofta chalao, yakhni murgh, lamb ribs and a whole range of kebabs. The fried fish is a treat for fish lovers. 

Location: Shop no 78, MCD Hospital Road, Block I, Lajpat Nagar II, Lajpat Nagar, New Delhi.

Timings: Daily, noon-11.30pm.

Cost for two: ₹800

Chopaan Kebab

Chopaan Kebab is well known among the Delhi crowd that loves Lajpat Nagar’s Afghani food and for good reason: the place has very hospitable staff and presents every dish beautifully. Try the qorma-e-gosht, jigar kebabs, and zereshk pulav ba morgh. There’s enough variety for vegetarians too, including bulani kachalu and ashak. The Afghani meat platter is a treat for meat eaters.

Location: 48, Near Central Market, Lajpat Nagar II, Lajpat Nagar, New Delhi.

Timings: Daily, 11am-11pm.

Cost for two: ₹700