Kaafila - The Afghan Way. Review on Kaafila, Salt Lake, Kolkata

Well, Google could not provide me with an appropriate meaning of “Kaafila”, Sigh, the times when Google Search fails..Arrgh!! Anyways, “Kaafila” means a group of people, travelers or maybe they refer to nomads. Keep thinking..

An Afghan restaurant  that serves North Indian cuisine, nestled in the city’s most popular Shopping Malls the City Center 1, is a popular dine-in façade for food buffs and families and corporates.

Ambiance

The restaurant offers an interesting ambiance – to reflect on the Afghan tribes, times and tents! Low light, lanterns hanging from the walls, old rifles, wooden floors and smoky smell from the kitchen is a perfect Afghan setting you can expect for. You may like it but there’s no chance of hating it, trust me. Although the space is small, but the tables are well laid out and you can have your own private dining experience if you wish for. Sometimes Afghan hymns and songs ooze the environment making it more conducive with the taste and décor. And I forgot to add, the staff do wear Pathani suits and turbans. ;-) A 4/5 for Ambiance.

Food

You may not get a menu card on your visit! They offer a Tab per table from where you can place your orders directly. Really innovative and interesting idea! If you are uncomfortable, they will hand you over with Menu Cards. One very positive point about their nicely laid out Menu is they offer a short description for each dish/drink. Really intuitive thinking and perfect for first timers.

Refreshments

The restaurant has a nicely laid out bar. You can settle in for Soft Drinks/Hard Drinks or Refreshments as per your choice. Mocktails include quite an exquisite range and you can choose in between them. In my prior visits, I have tried their Marine Delight and Blue Heaven Mocktails. Served in tall glasses topped with Ice Cubes, they are a perfect welcome drink during hot summers. I would rate a 4/5 for Refreshments specially for their wide variety.

Starters

In my prior visits, I have tried a variety of their Starters. They have never failed to amaze me whatsoever. The Kandahari Laham is a signature dish priced at around a whopping 995 per dish is a must try! Mutton Leg marinated with special herbs – a tandoori delicacy of Afghanistan. Other than this the Kakori Kabab, Murg Malai Kabab and Murg Hari Kalmi are good alternatives if you do not want to spend much on starters. For the Vegetarian Platter, Paneer Kalimirch and Veg Seekh Kabab go hand in hand pretty well. A 4/5 for Starters as well.

Main Course

You can settle down for their famous Biryani’s – Murgh Sufyani, Gosht Sikandari or Subz Handi. All Biryani’s are served with Raita. For side dish, the Rogani Gosht or Murg Sufiyani Pasanda does a brilliant job. Soft succulent pieces of mutton that will melt in your mouth served hot – just cannot go any better. They do offer a wide array Vegetarian Side dishes as well but I haven’t tried them as yet. Each dish adds to the plethora of good tastes and there is a unique character to add to it. Overall a 4/5 for Main Course.

Desserts

Very limited option for Desserts. If you want to go the Afghan way, you can try out their signature dish Boulawnee – Thick mix of dry fruits, served with a single scoop of Vanilla Ice Cream. Although it looks small, but looks can be deceptive you know! It is really heavy, trust me! After a few scoops, you might fall short to finish it. Other than this you can try out Firni, Ice-Creams for Desserts as well. A 3/5 for Desserts.

Overall, the Restaurant has maintained its profile, character and most importantly the food which has made me visit this restaurant time and again with family and friends. But I must warn you, prices of items can make you check, double check time and over again. Price is on a higher note for all items! And they offer only A-La-Carte. But if you want good food, who would mind shelling out a few extra bucks?

~Somjeet~