Balkh Restaurant

You'll walk into Balkh and immediately clock the warmth. It's the kind of place where the staff genuinely want you there, where they'll guide you through the menu like mates rather than just wait staff. The kitchen takes Afghan food seriously—we're talking hand-rolled dumplings, slow-cooked stews that've been bubbling away for hours, and kebabs with that proper charred crust that tells you they're grilled right. Order the ashak (those leek-filled dumplings) and the lamb chops, then sit back and let the flavours do the talking. Kenton Road's got decent spots, but this one's doing something different.