AFGHANISTAN may not be a Middle Eastern country, but somehow, its cuisine bears some striking similarities to the region's food culture.
Located in Central Asia, bordering Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan to the north, Iran to the west as well as China and Pakistan to the east and south, Afghanistan is quite far away from the Arab world. But being surrounded by varied cultures and traditions is probably the reason why Afghanistan has a very interesting varied cuisine.
Well, it is highly unlikely for us to travel there at the moment, but if you're curious to sample its dishes there's no need to fly to the country for it.
Just head to Bandar Baru Ampang, and check out the Greater Action Centre, a non-profit social organisation which is 100% volunteer-driven.
Founded by Julie Das, a French-native who has spent more than 20 years in Malaysia, the centre was established in March 2020 to support and empower Afghan refugee women by providing them with life and vocational skills.
According to Julie, GAC core mission is to improve the lives and welfare of 250 refugee families who are forced to flee their homeland, by giving them a chance to build a sustainable decent living, and also supporting the young ones with quality education as well as assisting the women in managing their mental health.
Essentially, by supporting their initiatives, you'll help the community become financially independent - and experience tasting exotic Afghan cuisine prepared by the ladies.
EAT
"So what makes Afghan food unique?" I ask Julie.
Of course, I'm curious. I mean, Afghanistan is a deeply conservative culture that is obviously not well known.
Afghan dishes are really quite diverse, really. It's probably a fusion of many different cultural influences including Indian and Chinese.
Wanting to serve authentic dishes using only premium ingredients, Julie says that they have curated this home-cooked menu based on the ladies' personal recipes, something that they used to make at home for their families.
Kicking off our lunch, the host serves us a few selections of appetisers and one of them is a popular dish that is served only on special occasions, the Mantu.
Believe it or not, it is basically steamed dumplings! A dish that is heavily influenced by the Chinese, the mantu is also one of the dishes that takes the longest to prepare.
The ladies at GAC make the exquisite mantu's skin from scratch daily, and you can choose between vegetarian or meat fillings.
The veggie and pumpkin mantu is priced at RM27 for six pieces, while the chicken mantu and beef mantu are RM30 for six pieces.
Although the mantu has a distinguished spiced taste, dipping sauces will definitely elevate the dishes. And, my favourite is the Afghan Chilli Yogurt Dip - which I dip everything in it!
Other sauces you can try are the homemade chilli sauce, plain yogurt sauce, and also the Afghan authentic dipping which is the homemade lentils dip. All dipping sauce is priced at RM6.50 each.
Rice is considered a staple in every Afghan household, just like us Malaysians. However, specialty rice dishes such as the Qabuli Pulao (RM30) are considered expensive, and a treasured national dish!
The ladies have prepared for us a vegetarian Qabuli Pulao, which is surprisingly light and delicious. Made with basmati rice, other ingredients that give it a sweet flavour are carrots and raisins.
Given how simple the vegetarian Qabuli Pulao is, they serve it with some few recommended side dishes such as Borani Banjan (RM38) which is eggplant cooked in a tomato and herb sauce as well as Qorma-e-Sabji (RM41) which is basically chicken spinach curry.
A meal wouldn't be complete without dessert and here at GAC, the ladies have been learning a number of French desserts, such as Financiers with sweet flavours such as Raspberry or Glazed Lemon Gateau.
They also can make Madeleines which are French-style sponge cakes, as well as French Sable Cookies filled with strawberry jam.
If you love chocolate, they also make chocolate chip cookies, and triple chocolate brownies!
PICK
However, my favourite pick out of all the dishes are the Samosa, a triangle-shaped samosa which is as big as my palm. The filling is purely vegan, but very generously filled.
Another yummy dish is the Bolani which is a flatbread, almost like pizza-ish with vegetable filling.
Both are fantastic when paired with Chilli Yogurt Dip to add some punch!
MOOD
While GAC focuses on providing catering delivery services, the Greater Action Centre also provides spaces where you can experience Afghan Culinary Experience.
The space is open for booking for up to 15 pax, and you can pick either table seating or the authentic Afghan experience seating on floors.
On top of that, they also offer various activities such as French High Tea, Cooking or Baking Classes and more.
You can also mingle with the chefs and bakers to understand their journey of courage as refugees.
The centre also runs a sustainable upcycled sewing project that uses pre-loved donated clothes and materials that are refashioned into handcrafted products such as bags, sport or office accessories and more.
Every product is uniquely designed and made by the refugee tailors. It is sold on site and at a very affordable price.
VERDICT
SERVICE Amazing service by the host, Julie. Setting up a date is quite easy too! However, do bear in mind that you will have to make an order in advance, at least 24 hours before the delivery date and time, while the French baked goods require 48 hours advance order.
Order is confirmed manually through Whatsapp.
I SAY It's quite interesting to try out unique dishes from this part of the world, especially when it is authentic home cooked meals. So, why not!
FAST FACTS
GREATER ACTION CENTRE
NO 1-B, Floor 1, Jalan Wawasan 2/8, Bandar Baru Ampang, 68000 Selangor.
TEL 016 927 2705
EMAIL greateraction@gmail.com
WEBSITE www.greateraction.org
OPENING HOURS Monday to Saturday, 9:30am -5:30pm; Sunday by appointment.
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