The Helmand

The Helmand Restaurant Review:

Walls the color of summer squash, hand-woven Persian rugs, and a wood-burning oven make this Afghani restaurant in East Cambridge a decorative delight. With a rich history due to its central location on the Silk Road, Afghanistan developed its own type of melting-pot cuisine, informed by an aromatic, exotic haze of spices and influences from all across the Middle East, Asia, and even the Mediterranean. And The Helmand has transplanted it intact. Ravioli with leeks and scallions served atop yogurt mint and crowned with ground beef is a menu favorite, while the chowpan may be the most distinguished dish: a half rack of grilled tender lamb with sautéed eggplant and pallow rice. The wine list has grown over the years to incorporate selections from New Zealand Sauvignon Blancs to South African Pinotages. We like to end a meal with a dish of creamy caramel pudeen (think flan) paired with a cup of high-octane Turkish coffee.