 The SceneNamed for the Afghan river that winds southwest to the Iranian border, this small restaurant is an oasis of good taste on Broadway's garish topless strip. Dishes are served in a large yet intimate room lit by brass chandeliers and small table lanterns. The furniture is dark and heavy and colorful travel posters decorate the walls. The Food The menu showcases a distinctive cuisine reminiscent of India and the Middle East, but with a highly aromatic character of its own. The light and variously spiced house-made yogurts, a staple of Afghan cooking, dress several favorite appetizers, including mantwo (dumplings filled with sauteed onions and beef, topped with carrot sauce and yellow split peas) and kaddo borawni (sweet baby pumpkin, deep-fried and then baked, tempered with a piquant yogurt-garlic sauce). For a main course, try the tender, juicy marinated rack of lamb. Editorial content is independent of paid advertisers. Any expenses are paid for by Citysearch. Insider Tips What to Drink Strong Turkish coffee, prepared tableside, is an elegant way to conclude your meal. Save Money A lunch buffet is offered on weekdays. User Reviews What users are saying Prompt seating: yes Make reservations: yes Romantic: yes Good for kids: no Good for groups: yes Write a review and share your thoughts with other users. FAVORITE RESTAURANT IN THE CITY Posted by cdelrio on 02/16/2006 This place is one of the lesser known gems of the city. Every dish I've had there is immensely flavorful, and I can't believe how modestly priced it all is. If you live in the city, this is a restaurant that's great to make part of your regular routine, as well as a neat place to take out-of-town guests. Surprisingly, I've never had issues with it being crowded. If you've never tried Afghan food, this is a fabulous place to start. Pros: price, portions, flavors Cons: none Overall user rating: Highly Recommended |
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 The food at Helmand makes one wonder why more restaurants don't specialize in Afghani cooking. While the flavors are a little different, they seem familiar. The understated decor is like an oasis in the bright and gaudy world right outside its door on the Broadway strip. Thanks to the candles and flowers on each table, the place engulfs diners in a romantic glow.Cuisine: Afghani Specialties: Lamb dishes; vegetarian offerings; ravioli stuffed with leeks; frozen ricotta with pistachio and cardamom Seats: 70 Prices: $9.95-$15.95 Noise: 2 bells Parking: Validated lot at Kearnyand Broadway $5 Vitals: 430 Broadway (near Montgomery), San Francisco; (415) 362-0641. Dinner Tuesday-Sunday. Full bar. Reservations and credit cards accepted. |
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 Few restaurants in the Bay Area specialize in Afghani cooking, but even if they did it would be tough to find any better than Helmand. The soulful cooking will please even less adventurous diners. The understated decor takes on a romantic glow at night thanks to candles and flowers on each table. Service is as smooth as you'll find in the best French restaurants.Cuisine: Afghani Specialties: Lamb dishes; chicken kebabs; ravioli stuffed with leeks; frozen ricotta with pistachio and cardamom Seats: 70 Prices: $9.95-$15.95 Noise: 2 bells Parking: Validated lot (free weekdays, $5 weekends) Vitals: 430 Broadway (between Montgomery and Kearny), San Francisco; (415) 362-0641. Dinner daily. Reservations and credit cards accepted. |
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 Hiding among North Beach's bright lights is a dark restaurant with cozy bricked walls and tables with fresh flowers. Foodies rave over the lamb and ravioli; lovers come for hushed, attentive service. Surprise: It's not Italian. It's The Helmand, San Francisco's only all-Afghan restaurant. Afghan cuisine draws from several influences. You'll see Indian in the yellow split peas, yogurt, eggplant and "pallow" (like India's "pillau") rice. Middle Eastern accents are everywhere, especially the kebabs and spices. Other tastes -- like the liberal use of pumpkin -- are uniquely Afghan. Every appetizer here is worth ordering. The mantwo -- two thick pastries, one filled with onions, one beef -- is topped with yellow split peas, carrots and a ubiquitous Afghani beef sauce. More exotic is the kaddo, an original pumpkin dish with sugar, yogurt-garlic and beef sauce. Among entrees, Chowpan -- lamb tenderloins with eggplant and rice -- is fork-tender and savory. Theeka kabab, prime rib marinated and grilled, is even better. Vegetarians should opt for leek-filled ravioli. Desserts are an afterthought. Instead, ignore everything you've been taught and fill up on dense Afghani bread, served with red, white and green sauces -- the colors of North Beach. -- Julie Ross |
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