Last week I needed a new spot for vegetarian friendly dinner and took the advice of fellow blogger Sangita of VeggieGuide and headed over Helmund (143 First St, Cambridge)
My partner in this adventure of Afghan cuisine was Thorton of the MeetUp Group Onyxbird, a travel group for people of color, so I knew I could count on him to be down for this introduction into this tastebud journey.
We met around 7 p.m. and place wasn’t too packed. There was plenty of parking on the street, although the do provide parking in their lot, you just have to be sure to get the restaurants paper permit in order to not get towed.
The atmosphere gives you a feeling like you’re in someones living, well someones large living room as there are ample tables, but with the fireplace (not on at the time) and the warm cushny feel to everything made you feel right at home.
Our waitress was friendly, though a bit pushy asking us what we wanted as soon as we sat down. Can I have a minute? But she was pleasant enough and was quick to refill and keep the meal moving along.
I went to the restauarant,blind, meaning, I didn’t read the menu beforehand, Thornton decided we were to go all out on this meal with the magic words – my treat 
– so we started off with separate appetizers. I chose the Banjan – pan-fried eggplant seasoned with spices, then baked with fresh tomatoes, served on yogurt garlic mint sauce. And Thornton tried the Kaddo pan-fried then baked baby pumpkin seasoned with sugar and served on yogurt garlic sauce, topped with ground beef sauce.
While we waited we tested the warm bread brought to our table with various sauces of cucumber and yogurt, a pesto type sauce, and a red chutney. I gave them all a try, but stuck with good ol’ butter. The bread had a heavier cornbread type texture, which was familiar, yet unique.
We both thought we were trying something safe, but wow! The flavors melded together for such unique, delicious flavors we had to both stop mid conversation and say – “this is really good!”. We only offered to share only out of courtesy, but ended up eating every bite – without actually sharing.
For our entrees Thorton went for the special, a pan fried fish – and I went for the Khorma Challow, fresh green beans, carrots, cauliflower, turnips and potato sauteed with onions, tomatoes, garlic, ginger and cilantro served with sauteed spinach and challow rice. Again both were stewed in the foregin delicious spices. The portions were large and though I can usually finish a full plate of veggies, the mixure of rice, spinach and stewed veggies, delicious as they were I had to leave some on my plate. Gotta leave room for dessert.
Unfortunately, dessert was a bit lacking as I had the Pudeen, was very similar to flan - I don’t like flan. And Thorton’s, Feereney, cream pudding topped with fresh kiwi, mango, raspberry, blueberry, and strawberry had a bit too much cream.
Despite the dismal dessert, Helmund definitely gave us a unique pleasant experience. So if you’re feeling in the mood for exotic, stop by Helmund. Thank you Sangita for your Fab! recommendation!
BostonFab! Approved
