Hella

Today for lunch I journeyed down to Old City to see what new places I could find. I’d seen several Middle Eastern restaurants along Chestnut so I ventured that way after walking along Market to 2nd. Right past a Belgian place called Eulogy (which looks good as well) is a very authentic and small place called Ariana Restaurant. It specializes in “Fine Afghanistan Cuisine” according to the business card I picked up on the way out.

It wasn’t very busy at the time but after I was seated several other parties came in. The tables are nicely set for a lunch including white linen tablecloths and cloth napkins. The interior is decorated with various items including some traditional clothing and tea kettles (at least I think that’s what they are). Though small, it is comfortable. There is also a really neat table in the front window where patrons remove their shoes and sit cross-legged. That table is less than a foot from the raised floor and pillows are used as seats.

For lunch I ordered the Chicken Kofta with a side of something I forget the name of but it was pumpkins with a bit of ground meat. The lunch is served with a bit of Afghan bread, a side salad, and a generous portion of basmati rice. I also had a cup of hot tea that was refilled.

The flavors here are excellent and the quality and freshness are outstanding. I really liked that my dishes were filled with spice without being spicy (hot). The rice was so great and the flavor of the meat and lentil sauce it was covered in were top notch. This is definitely one of the best meals from this region that I’ve had in Philadelphia. For lunch, it’s also a great value since the dish itself was $6.95 and the side was $2.95. The portions were just right and I finished everything on my plate without leaving hungry. I can’t wait to go back for dinner!

Address: 134 Chestnut Street
Phone: (215) 922-1535

Filed under: Philadelphia