Bamiyan
Price guide: Mid-range
358 3rd Avenue, New York City, New York, 10016
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#26 of 80
expert-rated restaurants in New York City- Recommended for:
- Couples, Culture vultures, Mature travellers, No fuss
Best for Value for money - Expert review of Bamiyan
An Afghan gem in the heart of Curry Hill.
Between Gramercy and Murray Hill lies a neighborhood locals have dubbed Curry Hill for its myriad Indo-Pak eateries. Enter Bamiyan, the lone Afghan restaurant in the area and probably one of the best restaurants on the East Side. Named for the town in Afghanistan at which the Buddhist statues once stood, Bamiyan serves hearty, authentic Afghan fare at affordable prices. Being Afghan, I frequent the restaurant whenever I want a bit of home cooking. It may not be my mother's food, but it's a good substitute.
Food and drink:
The food is authentic Afghan fare. The halal meat is of good quality and portions, even for lunch specials, are large enough to fill you up. The restaurant also serves wine and beer as well as cocktails.
Recommended dishes:
Kachaloo is a great starter. The savory potato turnovers are not greasy and come with a yogurt dipping sauce. The kabab list is varied and extensive (you can even get filet mignon kababs). Chicken curry is a good staple but opt for something a little more daring, such as the Cornish game hen or an Afghan pasta dish such as the Asheh Gooshti (noodles with beef sauce and yogurt). Vegetarians can choose from a long list of items.
Ambience:
The ambience is traditional with rugs and woven tapestries lining the walls as well as famous photos of Afghan refugees.
Service:
Service is very attentive and friendly. It's fairly empty at lunchtime so you have the waitress all to yourself.
Location:
In the Murray Hill/Gramercy area, on busy 3rd Avenue.
Price advice:
Lunch specials are very reasonable. You get homemade Afghan bread, an appetizer and an entree for less than $15. Dinner can get pricey but you don't have to order everything off the menu - even if you are inclined to - as the restaurant doesn't frown on patrons sharing dishes.
Tables to book:
If you're limber and like sitting Indian style, the low cushioned seats at the front of the restaurant offer great views of passers by.
More information on Bamiyan:
- Price guide:
- Type:
- Restaurant
- Food:
- Traditional
- Address:
- 358 3rd Avenue, New York City, New York, 10016
- Telephone:
- 212-481-3232
- Website:
- http://www.bamiyan.com
- Serves:
- Lunch, Dinner
- Opening times:
- Sun-Thu noon-11pm; Fri-Sat noon-midnight.
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Reservations:
- Not necessary
