Afghan Natural Food

Here at AMF, we don't like to listen to hype. Hype is made by marketeers. The best restaurants we have visited are those spread by word of mouth. The cozy, tucked away treasures are what we seek out. Some are already listed on this blog.

In the case of Afghan Natural Food, located in Hamrun, we got to know of the existence of this place from two foodie friends of ours. Following that, some FB posts continued to spread the word, "Go there, it is authentic and delicious". And so we went.

Friends, the hype is real.

And the food is real too.

This is not the place to take someone to impress, the decor is lacking, practically non-existent but all the emphasis is on the food. At the time of our visits, there was no air conditioning - in Summer there were some strong fans. There is no pretentiousness, no fuss, no "designer chic". The focus is solely on the food. This may put a few of you off of the place, and so we would recommend a take away for those of you who wish to try it. There are long waiting times too, so do not go there if you are in a hurry. This is a slow-food establishment, and there are clearly too many orders for the kitchen to cope with. We have been told by friend to call ahead and pre-order food but we never did this, opting instead for take-aways or facing the long wait as an excuse to catch up with friends.

The focus on food comes through very clearly. We have not tasted anything more authentic in the Afghan/Indian style of food in Malta. The tandoor oven is hand built by the chef, who will always greet patrons with a smile and a quick explanation about the food: they buy the best meats, they put their attention into the food preparation, and the curry and the dishes are made in order to soothe and replenish the body. Hence the name: Afghan Natural Food: it is Afghan, its is Natural in that there are no preservatives and it is fresh, and it is Food, good wholesome food.

The owner informs us that he will now dedicate more effort to the decor. Our advice: as long as it does not detract anything from the food.

We have been on multiple occasion, and have even done a few take aways. It is best to call and order in advance, the kitchen is small and so dishes take long to prepare.

Whatever you order, make sure to accompany it with some of the most garlicky naan bread you have ever tasted (so genuine you can taste every slice of garlic) and the special rice with carrots and sultanas (all rice should be like this, it's that good).

But as we said, this is not a first date sort of place. Nor is it a big place with a large seating capacity. But it is the place for a wholesome meal at very affordable prices.

Recommended: lamb curry, lamb koftas (caution, they're spicy!), the special rice, the garlic naan and the chicken tikka masalaa.

Alas we have no photos of the food, because once the food arrives, it is immediately devoured, forgetting all else. 

Afghan Natural Food
Hamrun main street
T: 77165854 for reservations, pre-orders of food, or take aways


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