Parwana Afghan Restaurant is tucked away in a little unassuming set of buildings on Henley Beach Road...blink and you will miss it...I did! The restaurant is small, with the walls adorned with family photos (and therefore I assume its is a family run and owned business). Whilst not much to look at, the atmosphere is warm, friendly and cosy - a great place for family and friends to catch up, have a laugh and enjoy the good food.
A few things to know about Parwana:
1 - Cash only
2 - No alcohol is served on-site. However, guests are free to bring in their own alcohol (with a corkage fee, approximately $10 per bottle)
I would have to say that this is my first 'middle eastern' dining experience apart from the standard kebabs etc, so I am not overly familiar with middle eastern flavours but will do my best!
Banjan Borani - Eggplant in tomato sauce, with garlic yoghurt dressing and mint - $14 |
Mantu - Steamed dumplings stuffed with carrot and sauteed onion with a tomato lamb sauce garnished with paprika and mint - $20 |
Chopan Kebab - Grilled marinated lamb kebab with naan, salata and parwana chutney - $25 |
Ashak - Fried dumplings stuffed with chives on a garlic yoghurt base with tomato lamb sauce, paprika and mint - $20 |
Morgh Kebab - Grilled marinated chicken kebab served with naan, salata and parwana chutney - $23 |
Morgh palaw - Basmati rice baked in chicken broth, cranberries and served with chicken pieces - $20 |
Trio of icecreams: Pesta shiryakh (rose and pistachio icecream), Zanjafil shiryakh (ginger and walnut icecream) and Pistachio and Walnut - no price as shared. Usually, $8 per serving |
Upon completion of the meal, we thought that we would give the dessert ago. Not knowing what to order the waiter suggested a trio of icecreams. The Pesta had subtle flavours with pistachio pieces through the icecream adding crunch to the dish. The ginger in my opinion was the least favourite of the trio. The ginger taste was very strong but if you like ginger this may appeal to you. Still a great way to finish the meal in the warm weather.
Overall, the dining experience was great, sentiments that were shared with my friends. Corkage along with a total of eight dishes amounted to $170 between five people. A very cheap and filling meal. For those of you who have not experienced middle-eastern food, and may be worried about the spice factor (think Indian), give Parwana a go. It's a safe alternative which may be an in-road into middle-eastern cuisine.
Ambiance: 4.5/5 - whilst not much to look at, we really enjoyed the atmosphere and family vibe
Service: 3.5/5 - good service, very attentive
Food: 8/10 - few points off for the icecream and lamb
Mirko gives Parwana Afghan Restaurant 16/20 chops on The Chopping Board.

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