Parwana Afghan Kitchen
This mid-sized, family-run restaurant on the outskirts of Adelaide’s Central Business District is a great intro to Afghan food. Parwana is packed at dinner on weekends, and without a booking, people usually are turned away at the door. Pekowrah, a traditional Afghanistan spiced vegetable fritter served with chutney, is a great starter. The mantu, a steamed dumpling stuffed with carrot and sautéed onion, is divine. Popular mains include palaw, a long-grain rice dish with caramelized carrots, sultana grapes, slivered almonds and pistachios; and their signature dish, eggplant slices simmered in fresh tomato sauce, topped with garlic yogurt dressing and garnished with paprika and mint. Intriguing homemade ice creams include saffron, ginger and walnut, and rose and pistachio. The colorful, tasty food is best enjoyed in larger groups so everyone can sample a bit of everything.