The Helmand - a bold Afghani experience
Few diners at The Helmand have ever visited the Afghani River before, but almost all would vote The Helmand one of Baltimore’s best restaurants, hands down. Located in the hip Mt. Vernon section of Baltimore, there’s always a need for a reservation or else a long wait time for a table, since its clientele will sit around leisurely, eating several rounds of appetizers and entrees picking up a demi-tasse of Turkish coffee to complete the meal.
The selection of unique, fragrant flavors seem to float right out of the menu, perhaps from the neighboring table, from the exceedingly popular Kaddo Borawni – a sweetened pumpkin appetizer topped with garlicky yogurt, or the ravioli leeks with a meat sauce (also available in entrée form). Lamb, beef, chicken and seafood are seasoned with ingredients stem from Afghanistan, India, Iran and Greece and are incorporated into a “bold and delicate” cultural experience unlike any other found in Baltimore. Chicken kebabs, char-broiled lamb served on “pallow” or seasoned Afghani rice with carrots and raisins, and seabass are some of the entrée selections. A generous vegetarian menu is also available, with spinach, eggplant and other offerings for an elegant dinner. Naan, or Afghani bread, is served with all dishes as well.
For dessert, there’s your regular chocolate cake, but there’s also custard with fresh fruit, ice cream with dates and saffron, dried fruits, and other unique treats to finish off the meal. Dessert drinks, Turkish coffee made on-site and tea are also available to round out the experience.
The romantically lit, white-tablecloth restaurant has two rooms and a small bar in back, serving a regular list of red and white wines, plus other cocktails and drinks. The walls are decorated with Middle Eastern and Asian tapestries, clothes, pottery and murals to emphasize its cultural heritage, and its staff are long-serving members of the family and friends. The restaurant, which recently celebrated its 20th anniversary, is owned by one of Afghanistan’s most prominent families and named for the river as well as the owner’s first-born son.
Posted by Rin-rin Yu
