About Bamiyan Restaurant

Bamiyan is named in honor of the Buddhas of Bamiyan, two enormous statues carved into sandstone cliffs in the central Afghan town of Bamiyan, on the ancient Silk Road that linked East Asia with Europe. The famous road provided a trade thoroughfare that introduced spices and food traditions across continents and cultures.

Amir Sabour Mohajer opened Bamiyan in 2002, when a year had passed since Afghanistan's ruling government, the Taliban, destroyed the Buddhas of Bamiyan. He commissioned a beautiful woodcarving of the Buddha statues to hang outside the restaurant, as a reminder of their former glory.

At the entrance of the restaurant, black-and-white photographs of the statues show the grandeur of the sandstone carvings that were larger than Mount Rushmore's in South Dakota. Afghan cuisine is a blend of flavors reminiscent of its better-known culinary neighbors Iran and Pakistan or the Indian state of Punjab.

The restaurant features Afghan and Persian selections. The service is professional, with servers taking the time to explain dishes and seasonings. American palates will find Bamiyan's delightful food subtly yet exotically seasoned with coriander, cumin, cinnamon and fresh cilantro. We do offer halal meat (lamb,beef,chicken).

The menu includes vegetarian fare (eggplant, dumplings, potatoes and spinach) as well as meats (lamb, chicken, and beef). Dishes carry the right complexity of spices to tingle the tongue, but not to overwhelm. Bamiyan will delight diners with its Afghani specialties. Visit the wonders of Bamiyan when planning your next dining.