Afghan restaurants open in London and the United States

New Afghan restaurants have opened in London and the United States, offering traditional cuisine and cultural connection for the diaspora.

In East London, Azra has opened in a converted railway arch near Leyton Midland station. Founded by Waheed Kazemi, the family-run venue is named after the Hazara ethnic group. The restaurant aims to highlight the progressive nature of the Hazara community and preserve Afghan traditions through food. The menu features signature dishes such as kabuli pulao, bolani, yakhni, and mantu. The establishment is operated by the Kazemi family, including head chef Sakeenah.

In the United States, Amu Kitchen has opened on Langston Blvd, serving Western Afghan cuisine with Mediterranean influences. Co-owned by Najibullah Rezaee and his wife, who immigrated from Afghanistan in 2023, the restaurant specializes in char-grilled kabobs, karahi, and fresh baked goods like baklava and citrus cakes. To create a social atmosphere, the restaurant provides board games for families and customers to play while waiting for their meals.