The Charlottesville 29

A mother and her teenage daughter are bringing the food they love to Charlottesville. Afghan Corner opened this month, serving takeout out of BEACON Kitchen.

For the menu, it helps to understand that some cultures use Western fast food terms in ways that differ from their meaning elsewhere. Take “sandwich.” As might be true in bakeries in Afghanistan, Afghan Corner’s sandwich is not two slices of bread — but insted baked dough wrapped around a filling of chicken, peppers, and cheese. To some diners, it might resemble a stromboli. Either way, it’s delicious. And, with the sauces drizzled on top, it becomes transcendent. One is a white sauce of yogurt, mayo, garlic, and lemon. The other, a green chutney of mint, cilantro, and chilis.

The generous portion was too big to eat at once, and made for delicious leftovers with Burani Banjan – eggplant in a tomato-based sauce, topped with garlic yogurt sauce.

Sometimes called the Afghan national dish, Qabuli Palaw is fluffy rice folded into and steamed with caramelized carrots and meat — either lamb or beef — that has been braised with onion and spices.

Afghan Corner currently serves food three days a week – Thursday through Saturday. Order on their website, and follow them on Instagram here.