Diners in Georgetown can now embark on a culinary adventure to the mountainous border regions of Afghanistan. Afghania, a new restaurant from the Masroor family, opened its doors on M Street in early March.
The Masroor family is already well-known for their Afghan restaurants in the DC area. Sofia Masroor and her daughters, Taliha, Iman, and Zainab, run Bistro Aracosia in Palisades, Aracosia McLean, and Afghan Bistro in Springfield. Afghania marks their fourth establishment, and it brings a distinct culinary focus.
While Georgetown may have other Afghan eateries, Afghania sets itself apart by specializing in "Afghan frontier food." This unique cuisine reflects the influences of neighboring regions like Pakistan, Central Asia, Iran, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan.
"Afghanistan's rich history has led to a beautiful diversity of cultures within its borders," explains Masroor. "Afghania offers a taste of this heritage through our menu."
Just like the Masroor family's other restaurants, Afghania caters to vegetarians and vegans with a dedicated selection on the menu. However, the highlight here is the focus on smoked, grilled, and slow-braised meats.
A signature dish is the Shinwari karahi, a hearty stew featuring smoked meats like chicken, lamb shank, or veal shank, simmered in a flavorful masala with tomatoes, chilies, and pickled onions.
Another option steeped in history is Do Piaza, a stew with roots in both Iran and India. Afghania's version offers a choice of smoked meats, slow-cooked with split peas and served over Afghan bread.
"We wanted to introduce diners to Afghan dishes beyond the familiar qabuli pulao, dumplings, and kabobs," says Masroor.
Of course, Afghania does offer its own take on pulao, featuring smoked bone-in lamb or veal shank accompanied by basmati rice cooked with carrots, raisins, and pistachios. For those who crave a familiar Afghan comfort food, the Chapli kabob is available. This classic grilled patty of ground beef, tomatoes, onions, and spices is reminiscent of a hamburger and can be enjoyed with rice or as an "Afghania burger" on a brioche bun with herb chutney.
Afghania offers a cozy and intimate ambiance, similar to the Masroor family's other restaurants. Expect white tablecloths, low lighting, framed portraits showcasing Afghan culture, and a small full bar.
And for those who aren't quite ready to dive into smoked meats, Afghania also features some of the favorite aushak and mantu dumplings from the Aracosia menus.