Kishmish, which means raisin in Persian and Dari, is a boutique Afghan restaurant unlike any other in Dubai today (other than my favourite Wakha in al-Barsha). Located in the upmarket Dar Wasl mini-Mall on al-Wasl Road, Kishmish is all about presenting Afghan cuisine in a modern, trendy way and as such, its interior is more Tom&Serg than Afghan Khorasan Kabab. Full marks to them for décor and ambience.
The Kishmish menu is a refreshing move away from the (heavily influenced) curries and karahis of Pakistan and India. It instead embraces authentic, whole spice infused Afghan meat and rice dishes as well as Persian influenced dishes such as Aash, Bamiya Stew, Cucumber Yoghurt and, in the drinks section, Doogh and that timeless Persian summer classic, Sharbat-e Sekanjabin (Persian: سکنجبین) – called an Afghan Mojito at Kishmish. We tried both the drinks and they were really good, very authentic. I found their kababs disappointing, however, particularly the Chapli Kabab. I wouldn’t order them again, promising myself instead to try their Kitchree, Mantu dumplings and Kabuli Palou.
Service is professional and…let’s leave it there. Whilst I will probably not go back to Kishmish, I am happy to recommend it to those seeking to experiment with the fabulous cuisine of Afghanistan. Kishmish is clean, it’s trendy, it’s cool…and you know what? the food isn’t too bad either. It’s a great place to start. But it’s where I recommend you go after Kishmish which will really set you on your way to Afghan cuisine. For now though, try Kishmish, it really is well worth a visit.
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Xerxes physically visits each and every venue he reviews and pays full price for whatever he eats and drinks. Xerxes accepts no money, gifts or free meals in return for reviews. What you have read was not influenced in any way by the venue.
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