Taftoon is a restaurant located in the heart of Mumbai, India, and one of the sole places dedicated to reviving the magic of the Grand Trunk Road. From 21st March, 2025, Taftoon is all set to transport diners to the bustling streets of Kabul with ‘Kabuli’—an exclusive food festival celebrating Afghanistan’s Golden Era.
With a menu curated by expert Ustaads, the festival will highlight the deep cultural influences that shaped Afghan cuisine, bringing the flavors of Persia, India, and Central Asia to life.
A Taste of Golden Kabul
Kabul in the 1960s was a vibrant cultural hub, often referred to as the Paris of Central Asia. It was a city where poets exchanged verses in tea houses, markets overflowed with exotic spices and silks, and the streets were alive with the aroma of slow-cooked delicacies. Inspired by this rich history, Taftoon’s ‘Kabuli’ festival recreates the soulful flavors of that era through a thoughtfully designed menu.
Guests can begin their journey with Maushawa, a comforting lentil and yogurt soup that was traditionally served to weary travelers, or savor the crisp, pan-fried Boulanee, stuffed with spiced potatoes or minced meat—bringing back memories of Kabul’s lively street stalls.
For dumpling lovers, the festival features Afghani Mantu, delicate steamed dumplings influenced by Mongol traditions, topped with garlic yogurt and a rich tomato sauce. The bold flavors continue with Qorma-E-Olu Bokhara, a slow-cooked lamb dish with plums, paying homage to the Persian influences of Balkh. Taftoon’s creative take on Afghan classics includes Dahi Kofte, a twist on the traditional Kofte Chalou, where soft yogurt dumplings are served in a spiced tomato curry.
A Feast of Regional Afghan Delicacies
Beyond these signature dishes, the ‘Kabuli’ menu offers a deep dive into Afghanistan’s diverse culinary regions:
- Shinwari Murgh Kebab: Flame-grilled chicken, seasoned simply to highlight its natural flavors, a testament to the expertise of the Shinwari tribesmen.
- Borani Banjan: A Persian-inspired Afghan classic featuring silky fried eggplant topped with yogurt and spiced tomato sauce.
- Qabli Pulao: Afghanistan’s national dish, featuring fragrant rice, lamb shank, carrots, raisins, and almonds, once reserved for royal feasts.
- Qorma-E-Murgh: A slow-cooked chicken qorma infused with Afghan spices and char masala, a delicacy once enjoyed by Kabul’s elite.
To complete the experience, guests can sip on Saffron-E-Narangi, a luxurious Afghan-style tea infused with saffron and orange, evoking the warmth of traditional Afghan hospitality.
“Our goal at Taftoon has always been to revive and celebrate forgotten regional flavors. ‘Kabuli’ is a tribute to Afghanistan’s rich culinary past, a time when food was more than just a meal—it was a reflection of history, culture, and hospitality,” says Pankaj Gupta, Founder of Taftoon. “Through this festival, we want our guests to experience the depth and warmth of Afghan cuisine.”
More than just a dining experience, ‘Kabuli’ is a nostalgic journey back in time, celebrating the grandeur of Kabul’s past and the rich traditions of Afghan hospitality. Visit Taftoon today to experience this limited-time festival to experience Afghan hospitality and food at its finest.
