Types of Food in Afghanistan

Afghanistan is a large landlocked country that borders Iran, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Usbekistan, and Turkemistan. Its climate is harsh with extremely cold winters and hot summers. Being semiarid steppe in classification, the food compensates for this. The terrain is rugged with mountains along the Pakistan border and desert regions throughout the rest of the country. Afgainsan's agricultural land is very poor and much of it's food is imported with the exception of livestock. Many of the foods are loaded in fat, in order for people to travel long distances. One of the main foods in Afghanistan is Chakah, which is strained yougurt. It is a food high in fat concentration and typically contains eggplant. Nearby cultures also influence Afghanistan food. "It is situated at the meeting place of four major cultural areas: the Middle East, Central Asia, the Indian Subcontinent, and the far East"(Saberi). These influence the food with certain spices and cooking styles but only to a certain degree. Mongolia, India, and Persia all influence Afghan food tremendously.

There are many different afghan dighes and the ways to prepare them are endless. Despite this, there are four common dishes that are almost found in evory household daily.

1. The first is Chakah, the yoghurt that is strained and served with eggplant. This is a fatty dish and one of the most common.


2. Sowra, is a type of soup made from lamb meat and potatoes.In the base of the bowl sits a piece of bread, under the soup. The most common types of breads baked in Afghanistan are Naun and Lawash, and are of the flatbread varienty.


3. Subzi is a type of spinach grown nearby and is prominent in most dishes.


4. Rice is used alot in afghan dishes and is topped with Korma.

Josh