Bahar Purveys Authentic Afghan Cuisine

Bahar means “spring” in Farsi, one of the ancient languages spoken in Afghanistan, and spring, a season synonymous with freshness and renewal, will immediately come to mind when you taste the exotic flavors of Bahar’s Authentic Afghan Cuisine on Queens Boulevard in Elmhurst. Afghan food is perfect for enjoying with friends and family.

At Bahar you’ll be greeted by Sharif Lewal, the owner, who exemplifies the graciousness and hospitality of Afghan people. You’ll be welcomed into the serene dining room, the walls of which are adorned with rich tapestries and stirring photographs, while native music plays quietly. While no alcohol is served, you are welcome to bring your own beer or wine to enjoy with your meal.

Start with appetizers such as bolani gandana, delectable fried turnovers filled with scallions and herbs and a wonderful dipping sauce made of yogurt and fresh mint. Other varieties of turnover are filled with potatoes or pumpkin and mild seasonings ($4). Samosas, also common in Indian cuisine, are triangular pastries filled with ground meat or vegetables and mild spices. Order a salad to cleanse your palate before the main course arrives. We loved the crunchy salad shirazi, made with chopped cucumber, tomatoes, mint, oil and vinegar ($3). A heartier salad of boiled eggs, potato and chicken breast with mayonnaise and peas offers a twist on potato salad and tastes fantastic when spooned onto Bahar’s famous nan bread. The chef boasts that his bread is the best around and given its light, crispy crust and tender, moist inside, I tend to agree.

Bahar Afghan Cuisine 82-19 Queens Blvd. Elmhurst 718-426-5822

Afghan cuisine relies heavily on freshly grilled meat, chicken and seafood and Bahar’s grill renders incredibly tender kebabs. Try grilled chunks of tender filet mignon or lamb that have been marinated in fresh spices then cooked to perfection. Boneless chicken kebabs are also wonderful, especially when dipped into the various sauces on the table, from mild and tangy to hot chili pepper. If you can’t decide, I recommend the combination kebab. A large platter bearing tender chunks of lamb, chicken, beef and thick slabs of flaky white sea bass provides an excellent sampling of the chef’s favorites.

If you prefer, grilled lamb chops, Cornish hens, sea bass, shrimp or oven-baked chicken are available as well. Vegetarians will delight in the many choices available, including cauliflower stewed with tomatoes, onions and spices. Perhaps a stew of eggplant, okra and spinach atop a mound of fluffy, white basmati rice will suit you. Most vegetarian dishes cost between $5 and $7.50. Meat entrees run from $8.50 to $14.50 and come with a generous helping of savory brown basmati rice, dotted with plump raisins and carrots. Crunchy salad and complimentary nan bread is also included in the low price, making Bahar an economical place in which to dine. No wonder so many families and friends come together to enjoy the huge platters of food.

Fruit juices and lassi, a traditional yogurt drink, are prepared sweet or salted to your liking. Afghan tea in green or black varieties is also served ceremoniously in all Afghan homes. Contrast sips of the hot brew, with sweet, homemade milk pudding, sprinkled with pistachio nuts ($2). Bahar also serves baklava, a multi-layered pastry dripping with honey and nuts shared by many cultures in Eastern Asia as well as the Mediterranean. Cool off with homemade ice cream topped with raisins and pistachios.

Bahar Afghan Cuisine is open seven days a week for lunch, dinner and private parties. Each afternoon, the wonderful lunch specials available, all at just $6.99, are listed on a blackboard. Small family gatherings of up to 20 people can be accommodated in the main dining room, while the upstairs party room, with a stage for musicians, will hold up to 120 people.

Bahar is conveniently located near the R, V and G train Grand Avenue stop and there’s plenty of metered parking in front of the restaurant. There are two other locations as well, one on 69th Street in Woodside and another on Coney Island Avenue in Brooklyn. Credit cards are accepted. Free local delivery on orders of $15 or more and off-premises catering are also available.

A brief history of the country explaining how Afghanistan came to be the crossroads between Eastern and Western civilizations can be found in the menu. Visit Bahar Afghan Cuisine to experience the unique flavors of Afghan food and the hospitality of the Afghan people.