Another standout from the Tripadvisor and Foursquare reviews. Lamb simmered with potatoes in yogurt, brightened by pickles. The potato adds body to the stew while the pickles cut the richness of the yogurt and meat. Homemade and deliciously spiced according to reviews.
Tips from diners
The pickles are key — they cut through the richness of the yogurt. Don't skip them or eat them separately.
Lamb stewed until tender with fresh spinach and yogurt. One of the most frequently praised dishes according to reviews. The subtle spicing lets the lamb and yogurt shine. Served with fresh bread. At £11, it's one of the best values in Islington.
Tips from diners
This is the most recommended dish by regulars. Order this first if it's your first visit.
At £11 for a generous portion, this is one of the best-value lamb dishes in Islington. Come hungry.
A classic Afghan comfort dish where chicken is slow-cooked with yogurt until it breaks apart easily. Reviewers describe it as excellent, homemade, and carefully cooked. The sauce is creamy and complex without being heavy. Perfect for mopping up with fresh flatbread. Priced at £11.
Tips from diners
Order extra flatbread to mop up the yogurt sauce — it's essential and the bread is homemade daily.
Share one rice between two people — rice portions are large and expensive. Spend the savings on more stew dishes.
Moong dall (red lentil daal) is described in reviews as fluffy, orange, full of flavour and spices. This is the vegetarian option if you want something lighter than the yogurt-based dishes. Reviewers note it's perfectly cooked and complexly spiced.
Tips from diners
Order this if you want something lighter than the yogurt-heavy stews. It's less rich but equally flavorful.
The vegetarian standout. Baked pumpkin is drizzled with chili oil and topped with cooling yogurt and fresh mint. Reviews call it excellent and perfectly balanced between heat and richness. At £10-11, it's a full dish that can stand alone or be shared.
Tips from diners
This can stand alone as a main or be shared with others. The portion is generous enough for one hungry person.
The chili oil provides heat — if you're sensitive to spice, ask for it on the side so you can control the level.
Afghan Kitchen sits unassumingly between a coffee shop and barber on Islington Green. The two-floor space has simple tables, stools, pot plants — no frills. The menu is just eight dishes: three meat, one fish, four vegetarian. All are slow-cooked stews built around yogurt, herbs, and aromatics. Reviews call it 'one of Islington's best kept secrets' with food cooked with care and love. Cash only.
This place is cash-only — bring notes. Card payments are not accepted.
Afghan Kitchen seats only six people on stools around shared tables. You might end up dining with strangers. Go with that flow — it's part of the charm.
Lunch service is 12-3pm, dinner is 5:30-11pm. Closed Sundays and Mondays. Arrive early for lunch to get a seat.
The homemade flatbread is essential — use it to soak up the yogurt sauces. This is slow, comforting food meant to be savored, not rushed.
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