Bamian Restaurant in Falls Church offers some of the most traditional Afghan food without diners having to book a flight. The entreés are filled with flavor and a variety of spices, making Bamian the perfect place for guests who are looking to stir up their taste buds. 
Bamian Restaurant in Falls Church offers some of the most traditional Afghan food without diners having to book a flight. The entreés are filled with flavor and a variety of spices, making Bamian the perfect place for guests who are looking to stir up their taste buds.
The elegantly appointed dining area is decorated with chandeliers on the high ceilings and is equipped with a row of closed off seating as well as open seating in the dining room for those who are celebrating a special occasion with friends and family.
Diners should start their meal at Bamian by trying one of its traditional appetizers such as the Mantu ($4.50), a dumpling filled with ground beef and served with spicy chutney sauce. This melt-in-your-mouth traditional-style dumpling will be sure to tickle any guest’s taste buds. The spicy chutney sauce adds an extra kick to the flavor of the ground beef.
Customers looking for variety should aim for the popular Kabob platter ($14.95 lunch, $17.95 dinner). It includes three skewers of meat, which consist of chicken, a ground beef patty and lamb. This dish might seem a bit pricey, but it’s well worth it. With its generous portions large enough to split between people. Other popular kabob entreés include the Kabob Murgh ($10.95 lunch, $12.95 dinner), pieces of boneless chicken marinated in special herbs and spices, and broiled on a skewer.
Kabob platters are prepared only with hilal meat (meat that is permissible to eat according to Islamic Law) and range from boneless chicken to tender lamb. All kabob entreés are served with rice and traditional Afghan bread, made fresh everyday in the kitchen.
Restaurant-goers looking for something a little less filling might want to try the Palau ($9.95 lunch, $11.95 dinner). This entrée includes seasoned tender pieces of lamb atop a mound of saffron rice, served with meatball sauce. Bamian also offers variations of this dish with different meats and spices.
Alternatives to meat dishes include the Vegetarian Rice Platter ($10.95 lunch, $12.95 dinner). This combination of sautéed pumpkin, stir-fried spinach and eggplant is served with seasoned rice. It will be sure to satisfy vegetarians and meat eaters alike. Picky eaters should keep in mind that Bamian has something for everyone, including a kids’ menu, complete with burgers and chicken nuggets.
Don’t forget to save room for a little something extra. This writer recommends finishing off the evening with traditional Jelabi ($4.20), a candy-like desert made with wheat flour, sugar, corn oil, egg and coated with honey. This delicate treat will be sure to leave any sweet tooth satisfied and wanting more.
Patrons can come in on weekends and enjoy live music while they dine. This mix of eclectic tones are perfect for those looking to get their energy pumping before a night out on the town.
Diners will be sure to leave Bamian having scored authentic, home cooked Afghan food, right in their back yard.
The restaurant also offers a dance floor and stage ideal for private parties ranging from corporate events to wedding receptions. Live entertainment is also easily accommodated.
Bamian Restaurant
5634 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, VA
bamianrestaurant.com • 703-820-7880
Hours:
Open Daily 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.
