Image: Hearty veggies.
Last Updated: March 2025
Overview:
The team behind Aracosia in Virginia and Bistro Aracosia in the Palisades have added a two-story shoebox of a spot on M Street in Georgetown. The reputation of the Aracosia places is well-earned, and the magic carries over to Afghania.
The stewed meats and vegetables, mostly in slightly-spiced tomato-based sauces, are the heart of the menu. But the menu is long with lots to explore, so we have only scratched the surface. When building the menu they intentionally chose to draw on what they call “frontier food” from the larger central Asian region, for example do piaza, a stewed dish from Iran and India mixing in root vegetables and split peas with Afghan bread. Tom in the Post puts in a plug for shinwari karahi, that is braised meat on a ”canvas of toasted flatbread” with Thai chiles, fresh ginger and garam masala to add spicy punch.
Despite the meat-heavy menu, the bountiful vegetable flight is a great option for vegetarians. The dumplings are loose in construction and light in dough, but beware even the pumpkin ones are sprinkled with ground beef.
A surprisingly deep wine list with most options under $100. There is a small bar in the back of the first floor, with some cocktail options. Tables downstairs are packed in tight, but the upstairs has a little more room to spread out and accommodate larger groups.
One of the cruel ironies of recent history is that conflict and repression creates refugees, but those refugees have added to the greater D.C. community in countless ways. From our narrow perspective on this site, this is especially true for the food world where Ethiopians, Salvadorans, Vietnamese and Afghans, among others, have not only found a niche to feed their communities but shared their gifts with the rest of us. Feasting on the heart-warming plates in the depths of winter and sharing a laugh with an nearby table of strangers reminded us just how lucky we are for such moments.
Other Guidance: The stairs and tight space may make it a challenge for some to get around.
Summary:
Cuisine: Afghan
Neighborhood: Georgetown
Address: 2811 M St NW, Washington, DC 20007
Website: https://www.afghaniadc.com/
Reservations: Opentable
Other Critics/Voices:
Washington Post: Made a Top Five places Tom is enjoying in April 2024.
Washingtonian: Preview.
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