Parwana Afghan Kitchen
Even with a recently enlarged dining space, Parwana is full of large, happily noisy groups. Tots and teens are hoeing in beside grandparents — indeed, Parwana Afghan Kitchen is imbued with the family vibe.
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124b Henley Beach Rd, Torrensville
(08) 8443 9001
Parwana is a real family affair. The younger generation are responsible for the outlets loved by students at Flinders University and city workers in the East End.
But to understand where the warm hospitality and exotic flavours first came from you need to visit the mothership restaurant on Henley Beach Rd.
Even with a recently enlarged dining space and two sittings on a weekend evening, Parwana is full of large, happily noisy groups. Tots and teens are hoeing in beside grandparents — indeed, Parwana Afghan Kitchen is imbued with the family vibe.
Founded in 2009 by Zelmai and Farida Ayubi, Parwana showcases the cuisine of Afghanistan, their first home, from which they fled in 1987.
It’s BYO only, so you can scan the short menu while the busy wait staff (daughters? granddaughters?) bring wine glasses. The menu changes every couple of days.
Mantu dumplings (without meat) are a warm bundle of pastry-wrapped vegies with a piquant tomato sauce and yoghurt, a perfect mouthful.
Staff are happy for us to share three curries on the Sunday night menu: the salaam and korma (eggplant), sabri (spinach) and morgh korma (chicken). The chicken is falling-off-the bone tender and extra naan breads are a great idea to mop up the spicy sauces. If your niece does grab the last bread, the jewelled rice is a worthy substitute, especially with added chutney and yoghurt dip.
From the grilled meat menu, the Du Pyaza is seasoned lamb — nicely spiced pieces with naan and chutney, perhaps a little chewy for grandpa.
Service can be a bit hit and miss, but nobody goes hungry.
On the dessert side, the homemade ice cream and cool sherbets will tempt you back, especially on a summer night.
- Hours: D Tues-Sun
- Bill: E $9-12, M $14-$20 D $8-$12
- Wine: Licensed, BYO only | Corkage $10
- Chef: Farida Ayubi
