Kabobi By The Helmand

We had been meaning to try the Kabobi by Helmand restaurant for a while, but not gotten around to it. Last weekend gave a perfect chance for a quick Takeaway.

We went for the traditional Kabuli pulao with lamb which was chock full of flavor. We also tried the Mantu dumplings which were in a flavorful and delicate sauce. My wife’s personal favorite was the chicken Lawand which had a very nice sauce we had not tried before. The spinach was OK, could have had a bit more flavor.

Take away order was easily placed. The environment inside was very nice and we will definitely come for a dining experience in the future.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 3

Recommended dishes: Chicken Lawand, Pallow

Very nice place

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Great place food excellent and perfect service. It is a defendant must try.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Chicken Samosas, Naan

This is my new favorite restaurant. The food is so flavorful and tasty. Wonderful blend of spices in every course.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Baklava, Naan

Delicious food and amazing service.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Thier Bokari was amazing

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Lovely place near the airport - excellent food! Authentic flavors - outstanding aushak !! Cocktails were refreshing especially the basil one!!

Vegetarian options: Aushak was exquisite.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Lamb Lawand, Naan

Wonderful food and staff!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Naan

Nice little place, lovely people. It really seems optimized for the lunch crowd in the Herndon/Reston area - - counter service available, hard-top tables, and so on. I took my overnight visiting cousin there so he could try Afghan food.

The food was quite good (we each ordered kabobs, and I got us a kadu starter so he could try Afghani-style pumpkin), albeit just a little bland (perhaps to have broader appeal to American diners?). But it was thoroughly pleasant, and staff were very polite and friendly.

Prices weren't unreasonable, but the total dinner tab was on par with what one would pay for dinner of slightly better quality in a more inviting setting (something like Panjshir or Bamiyan). So, I think I'd give this a strong recommendation as a lunch spot. Perhaps they might brainstorm a bit about making dinner service a little more inviting. But kudos for exposing more people to Afghani cuisine.

Parking: Located in the typical "urban modern" rabbit warren of mixed-use office buildings, commercial rental apartments, hotels and condos. Street parking only. In the evening, when the area clears out, it was pretty easy to find a free spot. During the day, I suspect parking is a challenge except for those who have access to underground garages.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 4

Service: 5

My go to restaurant for vegetarian options!! Try their mushroom dish! So good!!

Food: 5

My friend took me here for my birthday and it was amazing. I returned today and it was again amazing.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Chicken Lawand

Customer service needs more work. Vegan food options are limited and taste is mid. Pumpkin is surprisingly good.

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 2

Service: 1

Good was spectacular

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

My friend took me here for my birthday and it was amazing. I returned today and it was again amazing.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Chicken Lawand

Staff was not friendly. The guy at order register is looking as if he is in rest mood and not ready to work. Not a great experience.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 5

Service: 1