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Afghan Bistro

With family members moving to Springfield, it has been a struggle to find good places to eat so far afield.  After flirting with some chain restaurants near the mall, we tried a Pakistani restaurant (there are many, many Pakistani restaurants there), but it fell flat.  Finally, someone suggested this amazing place.  It's a little hole-in-the-wall in a strip mall.  With oilcloth table coverings, the vibe seems questionable.  For about a minute.  Then you are warmly greeted and given menus with a plethora of choices.  My party ordered a great number of items and every dish rose above expectations.  The staff are eager to please and checked in to make sure everything was okay, from food to drink needs.  When a member of my party dropped a piece of silverware on the floor one of the waiters swooped in with a replacement before we could even ask.  

But onto the food.  We ordered the Potato and Leek turnovers, the Aushak (leek and scallion turnovers) and the Pumpkin dumplings, along with a side of yogurt/cucumber and dill.  They delighted.  Crunchy, smooth, subtle flavorings danced across our tongues along with fresh, warm bread and four terrific dipping sauces, one sweet and fruity, one tangy and fresh, two at various levels of heat.  For our meal I ordered the Sabzi, an awesome mix of dark greens sauteed with seasonings and served with fluffy, saffron infused rice.  One companion got the Baadenjaan Chalou, an eggplant dish, and the other got the Qabuli Palou, the lamb dish.  Raves continued and we slowed down to savor the various items, each bite being just a little different than the last.  No one was able to finish the large platters and we all agreed that a return to this place is a must.  Not only are vegetarian options plentiful but they are well-marked throughout the menu.  And, I have to say, this Afghan food is many steps above that of the restaurant near my home and the one in Adams Morgan I tried out over the summer (finally, a reason to haul out to the ex-urbs).  Prices are reasonable with one caveat -- the little place is so popular that reservations are recommended for dinner.  My biggest thumbs-up in a long while.

Casual Afghan Eatery
8081-D Alban Road, Springfield 
https://www.afghanbistro.com/ 

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