Nestled in the heart of historic Old City lies an authentic Afghan restaurant that will satisfy your taste buds and your curiosity for delectable ethnic cuisine.
This cozy family-owned BYO offers a quiet atmosphere perfect for couples and small groups. On Friday and Saturday nights, however, the restaurant fills up quickly, so be sure to call in advance for a reservation. Remember to ask for the elevated floor seating at the front of the restaurant. This will add to the authenticity of your dining experience, as you will be asked to remove your shoes before settling down to an elaborate table adorned with gold urns and vessels.
The walls are sparsely covered with tapestries, oriental rugs, Afghani clothing and photographs of the land and people of Afghanistan. Soft Afghani music provides a backdrop for intimate conversation. The service is friendly and attentive but relaxed. Do not come to Ariana for a quick bite; plan to stay for a leisurely dinner. Owner Kadir Suldini and his gracious family will help you pick from their extensive menu. Don't be shy.
Start with a couple of appetizers. At an affordable $2.75 per order, these are a must. Try the vegetarian Sambosas: lightly fried pastries filled with chickpeas, potatoes and spices served with a flavorful Afghani cilantro sauce. The Aashak appetizer is also recommended -- a steamed scallion-filled dumpling topped with spicy yogurt and a meat sauce.
For your entr‚e, try one of the many kabobs. Grilled lamb, chicken, fish or beef on a skewer with grilled vegetables are served atop exquisite cinnamon-spiced basmati rice. The lamb is moist, tender and flavorful. The Norange is also recommended. Basmati rice is packed with orange rinds and a choice of marinated chicken or lamb. The resulting taste is the perfect combination of sweet and tart. Entr‚es range in price from $9 to $13 and include a fresh garden salad and Afghani bread. After your meal, enjoy a cup of hot black tea or coffee.
Ariana is a true success. Romantic and comfortable with a delectable menu, it is a beautiful restaurant with an inviting atmosphere that is a refreshing change from the somewhat pretentious Old City restaurants. If you enjoy exploring Philadelphia's wide array of ethnic cuisine, Ariana should be your next stop. Pick up a bottle of Red, and let Kabir and his family take you on a culinary journey through the streets of old Kabul.
