Short Reviews: Helmand

For a long time, San Franciscos Afghani restaurant was owned "anonymously" by Mahmoud Karzai; now his brother, Hamid Karzai, is the head of Afghan government and this place isn't so invisible. Even when it was relatively unknown, Helmand made this somewhat seedy section of Broadway worth visiting. Afghani food is related to Moguli and Persian food, but is a bit less spicy than Indian, and a bit less exotic than Persian (no pomegranates, as far as I know). The lamb dishes here are fantastic and you will have your choice of interesting differently spiced yogurt sauces and great flat breads. The service is helpful and friendly. The prices are so reasonable you will think you are eating in a Persian bazaar, but the food is so good, you will be certain that the chef is descended from Alexander the Great's chef. Recommended.