7 Afghan Dishes You Need to Try If You've Never Had Afghan Food
If you've never tried Afghan food, you're missing one of the most underrated cuisines in the world. Rooted in centuries of Silk Road trade, Afghan cooking blends the warmth of South Asian spices with the grilled traditions of Central Asia and the fragrant rice dishes of Persia. The result? Food that feels both exotic and deeply comforting — the kind that makes you wonder why you waited so long.
At Bigi Awasaana, our head chef Chef Mirza has been perfecting these dishes for decades, from the kitchens of Kabul to Los Angeles. Here are 7 Afghan dishes every first-timer should know — and where you can taste them in the San Fernando Valley.
1. Tikka Kabob — The One That Starts It All
If there's one dish that defines Afghan street food, it's the kabob. Tikka kabob is marinated chunks of tender beef or chicken, charcoal-grilled over an open flame until the outside is perfectly charred and the inside stays juicy.
The secret is in the marinade — a blend of aromatics and spices that have been passed down through generations. Unlike drier kebabs you might find elsewhere, a properly made Afghan tikka kabob almost melts in your mouth.
Why first-timers love it: Familiar enough (it's grilled meat!), but the flavor is on another level entirely.
Try it at Bigi Awasaana in Reseda, CA — our Tikka Kabob is one of our most popular items.
2. Shami Kabob — Afghanistan's Answer to the Perfect Patty
Shami kabob is ground beef mixed with spices and herbs, then shaped and grilled to perfection. Think of it as Afghanistan's version of a gourmet burger patty — but with a depth of flavor that beef alone can't achieve.
It's smoky, savory, and slightly herby, usually served with fresh flatbread and a side of chutneys or salad.
Why first-timers love it: It's easy to eat, deeply satisfying, and unlike anything at a standard grill.
Bigi Awasaana serves Shami Kabob as part of our Zabiha Halal menu — certified halal, every single day.
3. Qabuli Palou — The National Dish of Afghanistan
No list of Afghan food is complete without Qabuli Palou — widely considered Afghanistan's national dish. It's a slow-cooked beef and rice dish layered with caramelized carrots, raisins, and a blend of warm spices like cardamom and cumin.
The rice absorbs all the savory juices from the braised beef, and the sweet carrots and raisins create a contrast that sounds unusual but tastes absolutely brilliant.
Why first-timers love it: It's a full meal in one bowl and it genuinely surprises people. The sweet-savory balance is something most Americans haven't experienced before.
Chef Mirza's Qabuli Palou at Bigi Awasaana is made with slow-braised beef and served the traditional way.
4. Bolani — Afghan Stuffed Flatbread Done Right
Bolani is a thin, crispy Afghan flatbread stuffed with seasoned fillings — most commonly potato and green onion, or spinach. It's pan-fried until golden and served with yogurt or chutney on the side.
Think of it as Afghanistan's answer to a stuffed paratha or quesadilla — except lighter, crispier, and with a flavor profile that's all its own.
Why first-timers love it: It's a perfect starter or snack, vegetarian-friendly, and incredibly easy to share.
Bolani at Bigi Awasaana makes for a great appetizer or a light meal on its own.
5. Samosa — Not What You Think
Yes, Afghan samosas exist — and they're different from the Indian version you might already know. Afghan samosas tend to be larger, with a thicker, crispier shell and a heartier filling. They're deep-fried to a beautiful golden crunch and packed with savory filling.
Why first-timers love it: If you've had Indian samosas and loved them, the Afghan version takes that love to a new level.
Bigi Awasaana's Samosa is a crowd favorite — crispy, hot, and seriously addictive.
6. Afghan Burger — Where East Meets West
This one is a Bigi Awasaana original in spirit, though the concept is beloved across Afghan-American food culture. Our Afghan Burger is a lavash flatbread wrap filled with kabob meat, fresh vegetables, and fries — combining the best of Afghan grilled meats with a format that's familiar and portable.
It's the perfect gateway dish for someone curious about Afghan food but not quite ready to commit to a full rice plate.
Why first-timers love it: You get the authentic kabob flavor in a format you already know and love.
The Afghan Burger at Bigi Awasaana is one of our top sellers — and a must-try on your first visit.
7. Doogh — The Drink That Completes the Meal
Afghan food is best washed down with Doogh — a tangy, yogurt-based drink that's lightly salted and often flavored with dried mint. It's refreshing, probiotic-rich, and the perfect palate cleanser between bites of charcoal-grilled kabob.
If you've never had it, think of it as a savory lassi. It sounds unusual, but after your first sip alongside a kabob, you'll never want plain water with your meal again.
Why first-timers love it: It's cooling, refreshing, and culturally authentic — the kind of drink that makes you feel like you're actually in Kabul for a moment.
Bigi Awasaana serves Doogh fresh — the perfect pairing with any kabob on our menu.
Ready to Try Afghan Food in Los Angeles?
Bigi Awasaana is a Zabiha Halal Afghan food trailer located at 18411 Victory Blvd, Reseda, CA 91335, open daily from 12:00 PM to 10:30 PM.
Everything on our menu is made with recipes rooted in Kabul and decades of culinary tradition, brought to the San Fernando Valley by our head chef, Chef Mirza. Whether you're Afghan-American looking for a taste of home or a first-timer ready to explore something new, we'd love to feed you.
Visit us on Victory Blvd in Reseda — or order online at bigiawasaana.com.
Bigi Awasaana — Born from the Silk Road. Grilled in Los Angeles.