When he arrived in France in 1983, owner Mr. Watanyar, never imagined he would own a restaurant. It was his sister’s idea to start La Table Afghane and the neighbourhood have been enjoying it since it opened just over a year ago.
Beginning with a dogh (€4), the traditional Afghan savoury yoghurt drink with cucumber and mint. It’s excellent: a little like liquid tzatziki. At the back of the room is a buffet with a daily lunch option of four starters, four mains and two desserts (€13.90). The waiter explains every dish and like the students we are, proceed to try every dish. First off pakawras, like potato chips with cumin and vegetarian lentil dumplings. A spiced tomato sauce brings it all together – it’s perfect and seconds are impossible to resist. Then onwards with the sensory voyage with saffron rice, grilled and stewed aubergines, shredded chicken breast and potatoes. It’s like Indian cooking, but sweeter.
For dessert, we gladly make room for firni, a milky rice custard fragrant with cardamom, pistachio and slivered almonds. Saffron tea in hand, this could almost be in Afghanistan. Count on it, we’ll be back to discover the dinner menu – and continue on this magical little journey.
TRANSLATION: MEGAN CARNEGIE