The Ghan at Ampang: Snapshot

Bringing the culinary heritage of Kabul to KL, The Ghan is billed as Malaysia’s first full-fledged Afghan restaurant, helmed mainly by a team of Afghans who’ve come to Malaysia in recent years.

Start with the Kabuli Palaw (RM21), considered Afghanistan’s national dish, comprising a very hearty pilaf of firm, flavoursome rice with tender marinated lamb, sweet raisins and fresh carrots. A should-have for anyone who adores rice-with-spice recipes.

Even for the overwhelming majority of us who’ve never traveled to Afghanistan, there’s a feeling of authenticity to The Ghan’s fare. Adventurous patrons seeking something different can check out the Kala Pacha (RM30; a rich, savoury broth of sheep head and leg parts – this is an acquired taste) and the Dopiaza (RM25; chunks of lamb shoulder with onions and coriander).

For a safer choice that even squeamish customers won’t mind, order the vegetarian-friendly Ashak, regarded as the Afghan ravioli, comprising scallion dumplings with the tang of a yogurt-based sauce (RM18). All in all, the flavours and textures here evoke the nurturing, nourishing sense of home cooking.

You’ll also find a few temptations from Afghanistan’s neighbour, Iran. Try the Qormeh Sabzi, a popular Iranian herb stew (RM13), and Mirza Ghasemi, a creamy smoked eggplant dip with egg (RM15) – soft, minimal-chewing-needed comfort food.

Location & Details

Address: B14-1, Batu 4.5, Jalan Ampang Utama 2/2, Ampang, 68000 Kuala Lumpur
Hours: Open Mon-Thurs, 9am-11pm; Fri-Sun, 9am-1am
Tel: +603-4265-7467
Find: View directory for The Ghan here.