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    Helmand Palace

    4.3 (950 reviews)
    Closed 5:30 pm - 10:00 PM

    Order Helmand Palace Takeout or Delivery

    Helmand Palace Photos

    HELMAND PALACE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Quiet
    Dogs allowed
    Good for kids
    Good for groups

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    Recommended Reviews - Helmand Palace

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    Veg Special Vegetarian Entrée
    Shivam S.

    I highly recommend the food here! I got the special vegetarian entree, and veg aushak. Portions were large and tasty. Service is quick and the owner is extremely friendly and helpful. One of my new go to spots. Only downside is they don't play music (or weren't when we went) so there were weird silences other than that amazing!

    Koufta Kebab

    This restaurant is THE best place to eat Afghan food. My husband and I visited for our honeymoon. We ordered the Theeka Kebab, Koufta Kebab. The okra that came with the koufta entree was to die for. Savory, tangy, and the beef was perfectly cooked. Lastly the mint tea is delicious and pairs perfectly with the dishes. We are so happy to have visited this restaurant during our stay. 10/10.

    Theeka Kebab
    Reza A.

    The food was excellent. The kebab was well marinated, cooked to perfection, and remained juicy and flavorful throughout. Portion sizes were appropriate, and overall quality was good. I would confidently recommend this restaurant.

    Vegetarian Aushak
    Krupa T.

    The service was good and it was decently busy for a Friday night but the food left me wanting more. The bread and the dips were the standouts. The aushuk was fine and the vegetarian special was disappointing. I have had the pumpkin and eggplant at other afghan restaurants and they hit the spot well. This was missing some of the flavor that I'm used to.

    Three dipping sauces
    Annie W.

    It had been many years since I dined at Helmand Palace and I'm so glad it has survived the construction on Van Ness and the awful pandemic. It's so sad to see that parking is made even more difficult by the removal of all the parking in front of the restaurant and on the block south of it. I think the lack of parking will make it even more difficult to maintain a strong client base. Regardless of the parking situation, I'm glad I had a chance to dine here again. They've moved some tables around within the dining area and the menu has changed a bit, but they still bring out the basket of bread with the three different dipping sauces that are so delicious. I'm not sure what the sauces are, but one is red, the other green, and the last one white. The white one, I assume, is a seasoned yogurt. The red and green sauces have a mild kick to them. All three are delicious! A couple of people ordered the hummus and samosas which they were generous enough to share with the table (each $8.99). They were good, but I'm not sure they were worth the price; the hummus was a good amount, but the two samosas were a bit skimpy for the cost. The only thing about the hummus was that there wasn't enough bread to go with it (there were 5 of us) and they charged for extra bread. I ordered the kadoo and banjan challow (baked baby pumpkin and eggplant with mint yogurt and tomato sauce served with rice). It was supposed to be a vegetarian dish, but I asked for the addition of ground meat sauce, a dish that used to be offered on the menu. The vegetarian version should've been $13.99, but I'm not sure how much it was with the meat sauce added because I didn't see the bill. My dish was wonderful, though a bit on the too sweet side; with a lighter hand on the sugar, this dish would be fantastic! Others in my dining party ordered salmon, kabobs, and lamb dishes. Everyone seemed to be happy with their meals. One big thing that would bring me back to Helmand Palace is the service. It seems to be family run and each person was very attentive and nice. I like how friendly and accomodating each person was. Service is one of the big factors of whether or not I would patronize an establishment again and I would certainly go back to Helmand Palace.

    sans

    My son ordered the Theeka Kabab, which is made with prime rib. He said it was cooked perfectly and had great seasoning and flavor. I thought it was a little overcooked, but I was glad he really enjoyed it. I did notice he added yogurt to almost every bite, so it might have been slightly on the dry side. 4/5 I ordered the Sabzi Challow, and I actually preferred my dish over my son's. The lamb was tender and fell right off the bone. It also came with a side of sautéed eggplant, which I loved. 5/5 We also ordered hummus for the table, and it was delicious. It tasted very fresh and was drizzled with olive oil, which really brought out the flavor. It came with a basket of bread that reminded us of Italian focaccia. The bread was absolutely amazing and so delicious that we asked for a second basket. 5/5 The ambiance was quiet and well kept. The furniture is a bit dated, but that did not bother us. Our waitress was very nice and attentive with refilling our water. However, once I asked for the check, she came by several times to see if we were ready, which felt a little rushed. 4/5 When the bill came, we noticed a small charge for the second basket of bread. It was only $4, and we did not mind paying for it, but it would have been nice if she had mentioned it beforehand. 4/5 Overall, it was a great dining experience. We will definitely be back to support this local restaurant.

    Banjan
    Amy L.

    This is the perfect place to come with a big group of friends so that you can maximize the number of dishes that you try! For starters, we shared a few vegetarian options: samosa, vegetarian mantwo, and banjan. My favorite was the mantwo because the filling in each dumpling was delicious and I loved the yogurt on top. It added a nice tanginess to the dish! For entrees, we shared the qabelee and a kofta kabab. I loved the lamb that was served with the qabelee. It literally fell off the bone! It paired great with the rice that had raisins and carrots. Overall, I'd say the kabab was my favorite dish though. The meat was so flavorful and had a nice grilled taste. It came with some delicious peppers and okra, which I could have eaten a whole bowl of. The rice was also amazing and I somehow liked it even more than the rice that came with the qabelee. I must learn their secrets for making white rice taste to flavorful because the rice that I make at home tastes so bland. The service was great here and the waiter was really patient with us as we chatted a lot before finally ordering! Can't beat the price for the quality of the food either, so I'll definitely be returning!

    Veggie platter
    Amy W.

    An extra star for quality food a a real value. and a true family run restaurant (husband and wife and their 3 kids walking through the dining room on occasion) We shared the nan (not like indian nan, more like a less buttery, and flatter focaccia -- but served with 3 dipping sauces. And an order of somosas (more like a Persian wonton, than an Indian samosa). Quite good! For my main, I ordered the Theeka Kabob - which is prime rib served with rice and lentils (enough for 2 meals really) I was a bit skeptical that it would be good quality meat - but it sure was! It was a Monday night and we were one of 3 tables occupied, I know this is a bit of a SF institution, so hoping it is more packed on other nights.

    Okra vegetable

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    4 months ago

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    4 days ago

    A nice reasonable price place for some tasty hearty Afghan food. The decor is a bit dated, but the service is friendly.

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    7 months ago

    Great home style establishment with good food and great service. Been coming here for years. Good atmosphere as well. Give it a shot.

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    4 months ago

    Amazing food, a top spot across SF. Wonderfully kind and attentive service. Ambiance feels like home (self made rice pudding!)

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    2 months ago

    very good food, very friendly. i just wish he responded to my email. i am a regular customer for years.

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    Page 1 of 24

    Helmand Palace Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Helmand Palace

    Do they serve alcohol?

    Beer and wine.

    Are they open?

    I live directly across the street from Helmand, and today they painted the outside, so it appears it won't be too much longer before they open!!

    Today: 9/9 ..Open Yet?

    Sadly, it looks like the place is still being worked on, far from being open.

    I'd like to order catering but no one picks up when I call -- are they still open?

    They are definitely still closed. The windows are boarded up. They are still working on the place. Their Yelp site needs to be updated.

    Are they open yet?

    Yes! They are open as of December 2019.

    View All 8 Questions

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    Afghan Awasana Kabob

    Afghan Awasana Kabob

    4.8
    (490 reviews)
    28.0 mi
    $$

    First impressions....cozy place outside. with a warm feel inside as we were greeted. When my wife…read moreand I walked in, they were filming. We were greeted with an enthusiastic welcome. When seated after ordering, we were served with the signature Afghan bread with delicious spicy dipping sauce. The owner I presume also introduced us to two lovely dishes. One with potato in a flat bread and the other was a butter nut squash. They were both served with a creamy yogurt. My wife and I ordered the trio Kabob and the eggplant dish. Highly recommended. The meats are so tender! Out of all the Persian places I have experienced the chicken at this establishment is the best! The beef even more! The dessert was heaven... If you want a true Afghan foodie experience, this is the place to go to in the Bay Area! Can't wait to try the other dishes!

    Afghan Cuisine…read more Afghan cuisine is one of the richest and most diverse culinary traditions in the region. It has been influenced by Persian, Turkic, Indian, and Central Asian cultures. The food is generally aromatic, flavorful, and based mainly on rice, meat, bread, and mild spices. 1) Famous Rice Dishes Qabuli Palaw The most famous Afghan dish: * Steamed rice * Lamb or beef * Shredded carrots and raisins * Almonds and mild spices Chalaw Gosht * Plain white rice (chalaw) * Cooked meat (usually lamb or beef) * Served with meat broth or tomato sauce 2) Meat Dishes Kebabs Kebabs are very popular in Afghanistan: * Afghan kofta kebab (minced meat kebab) * Chanjeh kebab (grilled meat chunks) * Chicken kebab They are usually served with rice, bread, and salad. Qorma (Stews) * Meat cooked with vegetables or legumes * Examples include meat qorma or vegetable qorma * Slow-cooked for rich flavor 3) Bread and Simple Dishes Afghan Naan (Tandoor Bread) * Large, round flatbread * Baked in a traditional clay oven (tandoor) * Staple food served with most meals Mantu * Steamed dumplings filled with meat and onion * Topped with yogurt and tomato sauce Aushak * Dough filled with leeks or vegetables * Served with yogurt and meat sauce 4) Soups and Light Meals Shorwa * Meat and vegetable soup * Commonly eaten during winter 5) Desserts and Sweets Halwa * Sweet made from flour, sugar, and oil Sheer Birinj * Rice cooked with milk, sugar, and sometimes cardamom Key Features of Afghan Food * Heavy use of rice and meat * Mild (not very spicy) flavors * Use of spices like cardamom, cumin, and cinnamon * Special dishes are often served during gatherings and celebrations

    Photos
    The window where you order your food and the kitchen in the background.
    The window where you order your food and the kitchen in the background.
    Afghan Awasana Kabob
    Afghan Awasana Kabob

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    Se7enbuds Restaurant

    Se7enbuds Restaurant

    4.7
    (60 reviews)
    0.6 mi

    Like most Yelpers mention, this spacious restaurant has lots of delicious and authentic selections…read morefor Afghan (and Persian!) dishes-- including the classic mantu, kabuli pulao, and more. You can tell everything is cooked with love and fresh ingredients. My best friend and I got the classics-- some mantu, pulao, shirazi salata and torshi. The lamb in the pulao was super juicy and tender, the mantu were supple, and torshi was perfectly pickled. Oh, they also have self-serve tea stations (a choice of green tea or black tea), which is a perfect end to the meal. The restaurant itself is clean and open, and the service is warm and friendly. We, Afghans, are known to be hospitable and welcoming, and this restaurant really embodies that. Anyone who walked through the entrance was deemed family. I seriously miss this place so much and I hope to be back soon!

    If you're in the mood for a quiet halal place, I think this spot on Polk should meet your needs…read more The multi-page menu spans a lot of popular Afghani and Persian choices, especially variations on kabobs, curries, and wraps. They serve unique dishes like Qabeli Palaw (lamb rice with raisins) and Mantu (Afghani steamed dumplings in spicy yogurt sauce). They also recognize the need to serve food outside of their cultural specialties, so you can have a beef burger or a whole fried chicken, either one with fries of course. Believe me, I was tempted by the fried chicken, but it was probably a lot of food ($24) and kinda defeats the purpose of coming here. Know what I mean? Instead, I ordered the $20.99 Combo Tikka Kabob plate (Photo 9). It reminded me of yakitori with skewers of lamb and chicken tikka kabob charred along with a cherry tomato and a padron pepper. It came with basmati rice, one part plain, the other infused in saffron. I would've been satisfied with that, but I also added a $2.99 side of Afghani Naan still warm from the oven (Photo 10). My meal was filling and quite delicious. FOOD - 4 stars...savory tikka kabobs nicely executed AMBIANCE - 3.5 stars...spacious enough and very quiet SERVICE - 4 stars...efficient and quiet TOTAL - 4 stars...if halal is on your mind RELATED - Exploring Nob Hill? Here's my collection of places I've patronized and reviewed: https://bit.ly/2IfTVOB

    Photos
    Photo 6: Interior
    Photo 6: Interior
    Qabili Palaw
    Qabili Palaw
    Inside

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    Inside
    Lavash

    Lavash

    4.2
    (1.8k reviews)
    3.2 mi
    $$$

    Everything we ordered was delicious. Especially loved the…read morekoobideh and Kashk-e Bademjan. I would go here again in a heart beat. The lamb tongue was ok too chewy not worth for the price. Ambiance is cute, we got seated in less than 10 min when we came around 7PM on a Friday.

    Lavash (good food) was what lead me to be in a mood. Great way to support local communities…read morethrough their unique culinary creations, especially during women's history month. I'm sure there are other Persian cafés and restaurants as good as Lavash. I hardly stop to think about what made Lavash interesting. The floral aroma throughout the entire atmosphere, the gentleness of the waiters and hostesses who're well focused on serving others, and their signature paper thin Lavash bread. A clear teapot filled with saffron tea with rock candy on a stick; seen how they dip it in after pouring the tea. Interesting orange color indeed! A plate of zucchini, grape tomatoes, Moroccan mint leaves, and a pair of Bulgarian cheese; complimentary for my first visit here. Persian noodle soup, filled with beans, chickpeas, and lentils; loved the floral notes in every spoonful. Main course, veggie kabob on a bed of basmati rice drenched in saffron and spices, along with some onions and mushrooms, and of course, a large Lavash bread at the bottom to fill the whole plate. The best part is to completely sandwich wrap after I marginalized the contents on the plate. Ahhh! Satisfying to the last bite of herbs and spices. Not filling though, but I had no need for any dessert. Another highly recommended place to eat for locals and tourists alike. I let some of my friends know how much they'll love the best Persian dishes locals raved about. Thumbs up for the people of Lavash!

    Photos
    Lavash
    Lavash Special: Shashlik (two lamb chops), Joojeh (one chicken kebab), Koobideh (one lamb+beef kebab), veggies, rice | $54
    Lavash Special: Shashlik (two lamb chops), Joojeh (one chicken kebab), Koobideh (one lamb+beef kebab), veggies, rice | $54
    Dessert menu: rose water noodle with ice cream

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    Dessert menu: rose water noodle with ice cream
    DeAfghanan Cuisine

    DeAfghanan Cuisine

    4.1
    (1.9k reviews)
    28.2 mi
    $$

    Large portions, good flavor. Can be a little disorganized but very homey style. Even other patrons…read moreare very friendly. Charbroiled meats were fantastic. Must get. Perfect char, juicy meat, and great texture on the patty. I also really enjoyed the potato bolani. Crispy bread and creamy potato. Huge portion. What's not to love! Had free chutney at the table. The slow cooked lamb in the pallow was fall-off-the bone. However, not too much meat. Mantu was a skip for me. Meat inside was delicious and sauces and wrapper worked, but not special compared to other dishes, especially since lentils were a little undercooked. Doogh as a drink isn't up my alley, but paired with the heavy meat dishes well.

    TLDR: Went for a friend's birthday lunch on a Sunday afternoon, and they were able to accommodate…read morefor various sized parties. They were a little disorganized, but the decor and vibes were very homey. Their portions are fairly large, and overall the food was pretty decent, although not all of the dishes were my cup of tea I will say. This was my first time having Afghanan cuisine, so take what I say here in my review with a grain of salt. I rounded up because the food was pretty tasty and filling, but wasn't super impressed by the overall experience. So, to me, flavor and quality of the food is more important than the overall experience with the staff and vibes of the space. I would have given a 3.5/5 if I could. Food: 4/5 A friend mentioned that this is his family's go to spot for some of the most authentic Afghan food, so this is what I am basing the rest of this review on. We ordered Triple Kabob Murgh, Teka and Chaplee Kabob, Quabili Pallow, Mantu, Aushak, Sabzi Challow, Kado Borani, and Doogh. The kabob meats were all seasoned differently and were very tender, but everything else had a very similar palate to each other. Everything was fairly tasty, and the lamb wasn't too gamey, which I appreciated. If you try the Doogh yogurt drink, know that it is sour and an acquired taste, my friends said it wasn't good until they ate some food along side it. Staff/Space: 3.5/5 The staff wasn't the most friendly nor did they really come to check on us. The guy just took the order and brought our order and that was the only real interactions we had with the staff. The space in general was super homey and very much set for cozy family vibes. There is a decent amount of space inside and outside to accommodate for various party sizes. There is only street parking, which is not super convenient.

    Photos
    Outside seating
    Outside seating
    09.10.2023
    09.10.2023
    Afghan bread

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    Afghan bread
    Kabul Afghan Cuisine

    Kabul Afghan Cuisine

    4.1
    (1.4k reviews)
    36.1 mi
    $$$

    Ordered the combo beef and chicken, combo beef and shrimp, and the chef's platter for our…read moreappetizer. Everything was delicious and fulfilling and I was surprised on the size of the skewers and pieces of meat and shrimp. They definitely don't skimp out and give a good amount of protein. I enjoyed dipping my meats in this green sauce that was provided on our table--it added a nice spicy kick to my overall meal. The rice was seasoned well, meat was cooked to a perfect medium and wasn't overcooked, chicken wasn't dry, shrimp was great too, and the bread was nice and soft. As for the appetizer, I'm not sure what everything was, but everything on that plate was so good. I'm not a fan of lamb, but the items on the chef's platter were good and didn't have that lamb aroma and taste--I wouldn't even think it was lamb lol. But the one that stood out to me the most was the eggplant which was prepared well and I enjoyed the meat sauce that was drenched on top. This restaurant had a warm environment--white table, nice candlelit dinner, and fast service. Great for a date night or family dinner.

    The Owner is never there anymore. I wonder why?…read more The food is getting worse. The pallaw/challaw is still SO dry!! The lamb is never cooked as directed. If you ask for MEDIUM RARE, then please serve the meat as ordered!! The shrimp kababs are also served over cooked! Finally, having a giant bowl of after dinner mints just sitting at the front, with no cover is truly disgusting and unsanitary!! I wonder if they have a current Certificate from the Public Health Department...

    Photos
    Chef's platter: the eggplant dish is amazing!
    Chef's platter: the eggplant dish is amazing!
    McCurry's Afghan Girl (from NG) print on wall. A satire? Still don't know how to respect women.
    McCurry's Afghan Girl (from NG) print on wall. A satire? Still don't know how to respect women.
    Kabul Afghan Cuisine

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    Ghazni Afghan Kabobs

    Ghazni Afghan Kabobs

    4.3
    (1.4k reviews)
    20.6 mi
    $$
    Halal
    Catering service

    Food was delicately spiced and delicious. The hosts were kid…read morefriendly (we went with 2 toddlers). They checked on us frequently to ensure we were comfortable and feeling good about dining here. Potato pancake appetizer was mind blowing. Mango ice cream is chef's kiss! Would highly recommend this place.

    Afghan Cuisine…read more Afghan cuisine is one of the richest and most diverse culinary traditions in the region. It has been influenced by Persian, Turkic, Indian, and Central Asian cultures. The food is generally aromatic, flavorful, and based mainly on rice, meat, bread, and mild spices. 1) Famous Rice Dishes Qabuli Palaw The most famous Afghan dish: * Steamed rice * Lamb or beef * Shredded carrots and raisins * Almonds and mild spices Chalaw Gosht * Plain white rice (chalaw) * Cooked meat (usually lamb or beef) * Served with meat broth or tomato sauce 2) Meat Dishes Kebabs Kebabs are very popular in Afghanistan: * Afghan kofta kebab (minced meat kebab) * Chanjeh kebab (grilled meat chunks) * Chicken kebab They are usually served with rice, bread, and salad. Qorma (Stews) * Meat cooked with vegetables or legumes * Examples include meat qorma or vegetable qorma * Slow-cooked for rich flavor 3) Bread and Simple Dishes Afghan Naan (Tandoor Bread) * Large, round flatbread * Baked in a traditional clay oven (tandoor) * Staple food served with most meals Mantu * Steamed dumplings filled with meat and onion * Topped with yogurt and tomato sauce Aushak * Dough filled with leeks or vegetables * Served with yogurt and meat sauce 4) Soups and Light Meals Shorwa * Meat and vegetable soup * Commonly eaten during winter 5) Desserts and Sweets Halwa * Sweet made from flour, sugar, and oil Sheer Birinj * Rice cooked with milk, sugar, and sometimes cardamom Key Features of Afghan Food * Heavy use of rice and meat * Mild (not very spicy) flavors * Use of spices like cardamom, cumin, and cinnamon * Special dishes are often served during gatherings and celebrations

    Photos
    Healthy lunch !
    Healthy lunch !
    Dal Challow (lentils) Absolutely Fantastic!
    Dal Challow (lentils) Absolutely Fantastic!
    Shami kabobs !

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    Shami kabobs !

    Helmand Palace - afghani - Updated June 2026

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