Reviews of The Helmand. (Restaurant) in Baltimore (Maryland).

The Helmand

844 Reviews

383 Comments

Restaurant

Afghan restaurant

806 N Charles St, Baltimore, MD 21201, United States

Description

Information of The Helmand, Restaurant in Baltimore (Maryland)

Discover the opening times, the location, contact, popular times, photos and real reviews by internet users.

This place has a very good rate, they treat their customers well and you’ll feel welcome, super recommended

Map

Open hours of The Helmand

Popular times

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Reviews of The Helmand

Emma Rose Wooten

Absolutely MUST try!! I am a total foodie yet rarely leave reviews – but this was one the best meals I’ve ever had in my life. Everything was so perfectly spiced/salted. We started with the pumpkin appetizer, which was delicious and similar to butternut squash. The flatbread was awesome (and made in-house, in a wood-fired oven!). I can’t remember the names of the entrees – one was a salad with the most tender, flavorful steak, and the other was a chicken dish special. The service was also excellent! We’ll definitely be back when in the area.

Emi Rouss

By far my favorite restaurant in Baltimore. Been coming back at least once a month and every time the food/service are wonderful and delicious. Never disappointed by their menu and consistent food. I always recommend this restaurant to anyone who’s new to Baltimore for authentic food choices.

Hannah Hickman

The food was absolutely fantastic. The lamb was beyond tender and the beef just melted in my mouth. It was a great place for a nice quiet dinner and to enjoy some delicious and hearty Afghani food.

Sam Kamran

Incredible catering and food. Staff was incredibly polite and responsive. The food was very timely and we were checked up on frequently and very tastefully. Speaking of the food, it was very authentic (I’m Afghan!) and also extremely delicious for every plate we ordered. Try the ice cream by the way! Ambience is excellent for anyone looking for a place that’s vibrant yet intimate. Was very nice to be reminded of home and absolutely recommending to any fellow students or alumni in the Hopkins area!

Mariel Acosta

I've only eaten here once during a graduation dinner and it was insane. The food was AMAZING and so flavorful, the atmosphere was very welcoming, and the staff was so helpful and nice. I can't remember what I ordered, but this was nearly a decade ago and I can still think of how good the food tasted. If you want a fancy dinner or you need to impress a date or something, for the love of god eat here.

Mia Bertolami

The Helmand has a very welcoming, warm vibe. The food was so incredible. Probably some of the best, most flavorful food I’ve had in a long time. The portion sizes were big and the prices are more than fair. Went there for dinner with my partner for our anniversary and we both loved it. The staff were so friendly and attentive as well. Will definitely be back.

Nurul Prakoso

I like the place, soeviakly close to mt vernon and historic site building. We ordered lamb kabaab and rice kebololi both delicious. For lamb soup taste like goulash soup but more light, very nice.

T Sheree

1st experience eating at a Middle Eastern restaurant. Good experience. Staff was helpful. Thanks Modesto! Lovely table settings. Clean restroom. Drinks can be stronger. We're adults. 🙂Lamb was juicy & tender. Did not like the green cilantro sauce, it's an overpowering cilantro taste. Bread & ravioli appetizer was tasty. Rice & roasted veggies good. Pumpkin appetizers with yogurt reminds me of butternut squash😛. Spinach is also good.

11loigi

Might seem a little pricey and certainly quite noisy (it's always full of people!) But this place is the place for Afghan food in Baltimore. Warm atmosphere, great food, nice and helpful waiters. Worth going for any occasion!

John Gierke

Impressive food. Exceptional wine list. Reasonably priced for a city restaurant. Service was exceptional. Our large group (10) had a great time and although we were not in a hurry, we were served fast and with great care.

J T

Delicious! Highly recommend the vegetarian plate so you can try all of the delicious dishes! Also, the pumpkin appetizer is a must. Great ambiance and very attentive serving staff-it was all a team effort. Thanks for a great first experience.

Sarah Long

One of our top date night out choices and where we often take guests from out of town that have never tried Afghan food. The food is delicious. Starting with the pumpkin appetizer is a must. I am not normally a lamb person, but theirs is too good to pass up.

Kimberly Mays

I love this place. The vegetarian platter was so good. The ice cream is also must!

Tamie Martin

The food here is amazing! Great vegetarian options, long wine list, and the service was excellent. I felt badly because I was the only person at our table of 8 who didn't finish everything on their plate. I had too much Naan before the entree, but I regret nothing!

Laura Clark (Dragoness)

Just wow. Positively transcendent food, really nice, friendly wait staff and I loved looking at the textiles and other decor. Afghan food is a favorite and this was the most mouth wateringly perfect lamb I have ever tasted. We arrived and had not known there was a restaurant week menu, much to our delight! Appetizers: The baby pumpkin with a yogurt sauce. (Kaddo Borwani) was absolutely wonderful, and the Bowlani, a delicious pastry with leek and spiced potato with a garlic mint sauce that was amazing! My main course was a lamb chop, beef kabob, and chicken kabob with pallow (rice) a chopped Afghan salad and Nan. All delicious, the lamb was perfectly cooked, juicy and flavorful, seriously best lamb ever. The beef kabob was my second favorite, juicy and delicious and the green sauce that came with the meal amped up it's flavor perfectly. The chicken was good, and the slightly spicy red sauce really paired well with it. I got to have a bite of the Zardula Challow from my dining partner (Lamb with apricot, tomato, spicy chilli pepper, spicy turnip and challow) and it was really delicious, so many flavors. Dessert was a decadent Goat cheese cake that had this slightly sour drizzle that really set off the cheesecake. Finished the meal with little Turkish coffees too, Delightful!

Josephine Chow

Generous portion size, great selection of wine as well! Excellent service. But might be a bit too heavy / greasy for my taste.

alex e.

This was my second visit to the Helmand. Both experiences were delightful. I dream about the pumpkin appetizer and their savory spinach. Everything here is quality.

Vickie Knowles

We ate New Year's Eve dinner there almost 30 years ago and again this evening....still delicious after all these years. It is still classy and charming inside. The food is still yummy. This is a great place to go for dinner. Make sure to get the pumpkin app!

Bill Purcell

This Baltimore Afghan restaurant was a joy to go to when I was visiting from out of town. A waiter immediately noticed that my table rocked a little and before I even noticed it he had fixed it. Service was excellent with multiple wait staff asking if I was pleased. My food was excellent and an enjoyable plunge into Afghan cuisine. Ambience was interesting with carpets adorning the floors and some walls. I would certainly return.

CC

The food is always amazing and I’m not sure how they can afford to deliver so much delicious food at such a low price. Take my family and friends here often and would highly recommend!

Lakshmi Prabhakaran

We have always been ardent fans of Afgani cuisine. We were served by Mr. Sadiq. He was very friendly and polite. The food was delicious. The restaurant was crowded but there was no discomfort; the servers did an awesome job, duly attending everybody. There was no rush. The whole atmosphere was very welcoming.

Rebecca Henson

On a recommendation from a local, my partner and I made reservations at The Helmand, located in Mt. Vernon, near downtown Baltimore. The restaurant boasts authentic Afghani cuisine, and has been open for 25 years. We were lucky to find street parking steps away from the front door on such a cold night. Short of having us sit on the floor, the restaurant had an authentic Middle-Eastern feel. Two dining areas were set with white table linens and cloth napkins. Although the tables seemed too wide for intimate conversation, the staff was amenable to a seating adjustment. The star of the show was the food. We started with the kaddo borawani, an appetizer of pan-fried baby pumpkin seasoned with sugar and yogurt garlic sauce. This dish was surprisingly tasty, and not too sweet. We complemented this with a Spanish red wine and a large order of Naan. The small order of Naan would have sufficed for two. If you are familiar with traditional Indian naan, heads up. This naan is heartier, slightly thicker, and seasoned perfectly. The wine list included mostly California, French, Italian and Spanish wines. Many options were by the bottle only, but there were plenty of choices by the glass as well. We shared a main dish, the zardalu challow. Tender pieces of lamb seasoned with apricot, tomatoes, garlic, turmeric, and chili peppers were served with sweet, spicy turnips and challow (specially prepared long-grain rice). An interesting sauce of cilantro and lime was brought to add to the challow. The sweet and spicy flavors of this dish were intense, and paired well with the Spanish wine. I’m not used to eating food with so much flavor; this is where The Helmand shines. After finishing the entre, we ordered two desserts and coffee; we were pleased to discover The Helmand serves authentic Turkish coffee. The feereny was a light custard topped with fresh fruit. It was overshadowed by the Afghani ice cream, however. Listed on the menu as “special ice cream,” the cardamom-infused vanilla ice cream is served on top of dates, figs, and mangoes. Definitely our favorite. Service at The Helmand was timely, but curt. There was no engagement with the wait-staff; they did their job efficiently, and did not interrupt our meal or conversation. This felt like their style. Main dishes range from $14 to $20, with a few choices above that range (rack of lamb, for example). The prices felt reasonable for quality food, authentic atmosphere, and prompt service. With tip expect to pay about $50 per person, which would include one appetizer, naan, two glasses wine, two entrees, two coffees, and two desserts. We recommend The Helmand for date-night, special occasions, or just because you haven’t tried Afghani food yet.

Matthew Danowski

One of the true institutions of Baltimore, the Helmand continues to serve up delicious and relatively unknown afghan cuisine in a laid back, but elegant environment. The servers are well versed in the different menu options, and are helpful in navigating through the offerings. Recommend getting appetizers involving pumpkin to share, and differing entrees for all guests. This is a great place to take someone from out of town, or a new date. Prices are a steal compared to what you are getting. Highly recommended

agnesusoro

I came here for the first time on a work-related dinner. I had always heard about the famous Helmand restaurant, so I was very excited to finally enjoy the cuisine. I have to say I was not disappointed. I do not recall the appetizers that we had, but many options were delicious. For my main meal, I had the kabuki pallow, which was amazing! I love the rice mixed with raisins and carrots, and the lamb was very tender and delicious. The bread that comes with the meal was not my favorite, but the main dish more than made up for it. I would recommend this restaurant for sure.

Victor Wang

Good food that fell just a little short of being perfect. I had the pumpkin appetizer "Kaddo Borwani" which was very unique. The pumpkin was quite sweet but not overdone and we'll cooked. Soft but not mushy. The garlic yogurt sauce on top is subtle but an interesting savory component that you might not expect from pumpkin. I got the lamb lawand for an appetizer and this was definitely the highlight of the night with four components plated separately. The rice was well seasoned and quite delicious but there were some crunchy overcooked bits that I could have done without. The lime mint sauce was fantastic and amazing. The lamb stew with mushrooms was quite nice. The spinach side "sabzy" was well cooked but the flavor profile wasn't quite what I liked so used the lamb sauce to complement it. The special ice cream dessert with cardamom and dates, mangoes was not as impressive as some reviewers pointed out and I would personally skip that. Finally the staff were extremely busy but the water refills were extremely prompt and dirty dishes did not sit around on the table for long. Ordering however was quite delayed and could have been more prompt. Overall decor is nice albeit extremely dim.

Duha Zaffar

Ambience was fab and so was the food. Chicken and lamb are halal, not beef. Very courteous staff !

Alain Bouchard

It was the first time that I tried Afghan cuisine at the Helmand. I must say, i loved that flavour and spices kabuli pallow.

batoul alsabagh

Had dinner with a group of friends, first time to try afghani food and it’s worth trying ❤️ the Afghan ice cream the best thing I tried. It has dates and fresh mangoes 🧡 …

Hannah Lonsdale

Soooo good, one of my Baltimore favourites. I'm not a vegetarian but I love the vegetarian platter entree special- so many delicious flavours. Also the pumpkin app looks simple but tastes fabulous 🤤 …

Rahmat Kamran

Had Dinner with my son and nephews at Helmand last Tuesday evening . They have the best selection of Afghan food, I loved the Mantu , the sauce was very delicious. Other dishes I would recommend is the lamb chop For desert the special ice cream is very good . When ever am in Baltimore I don't miss the dinner at Helmand

Jyoti Menon

Great Afghani food. We got to eat outside. We shared two appetizers and each got a main course (4 ppl). Would go back.

Desiree Halpern

Excellent service and menu. Caters well to vegetarians. Food comes out super fast and is so fresh.

Brian Bessire

Absolutely divine. Comforting ambiance, creative-yet-authentic dishes, masterfully cooked and spiced, and stellar service. Just perfect.

Angie deBorja

Amazing food. Full of spices and flavors. Really fast service considering how busy and packed the restaurant was. Very professional service in this busy restaurant yet they were still friendly and patient. Dining room is loud but well worth the delicious food. Parking can be a bit challenging.

Fayrouz Ashour

Great food ad usual. Outdoor seating available. Beautiful decor too!

Brian B

Polite staff, but not too conversational. The food was good too, just good. Its nice to experience different food. My date and I both got lamb which was...good, not great. Tip: Don't spend $6 on the ravioli appetizer, they give you one ravioli.

Nicole Slesinger

Excellent. I was very excited to try afghan food for the first time. I got the chopendez and the steak was so tender and full of flavor. Everything looked great. The service was a little too quick, but if you’re looking to eat somewhere very quickly, this would be a good option.

Madeline Weisman

The Helmand is one of the nicest and most delicious restaurants I have ever been to in Baltimore. The staff is all wonderful, checking in on you respectfully and making sure you are enjoying your meal. Everything came out in perfect timing and I could not be more happy with the dishes I tried. I went for Restaurant Week and they had three different choices of an appetizer of your choice, a certain entree, and three dessert options. I will most definitely be going again without a doubt in my mind that I will again have an amazing experience.

Sarah Wong

Favorite place for date night! Masks required, temperature check at the door , and very clean and spaced out. Will definitely be coming back - love Aushak! Highly recommend ♡♡

Linton Badroe

Excellent Food and Superior Service. A large group of friends were grateful to be seated that late in the evening; I wish to thank the Helmand Team for their excellent and gracious service. It was way past closing, but we were having so much fun we did not realize we were the only remaining customers and, all other tables had already been cleared for some time. Here, then, we created very joyous memories! Thank you so much!!!

Pv1

The food is absolutely great. Nice staff, lovely decoration, and vegan-friendly. Highly recommended!

Kamal Hamed

Delicious food (tender with right mix of spices) and excellent service (Momo)!

Salina Khan

My family and I came here today. We had a great host, this guy with blonde curly hair who was very helpful and kind. And the food was delicious. The manager had very good observation skills and was very helpful to everyone in the restaurant and noticed when I was looking for the bathroom when so many people and things were going on. The owner was in the front when we came in, helpful as well. Thank you for the great food and service

Charlotte

Wonderful food!!

Stephanie Hare

Everything you get from this place is stellar! I will venture to say this is my favorite restaurant in Baltimore. A couple of months ago, I attended here for the first time and fell in love. I got the aushak and those raviolis were divine with the sauce. Yesterday, I did 3-courses for restaurant week and my entree with tender lamb and apricots had sweetness and spice having the happiest battle in my mouth. Do yourself a favor...book a table on Resy immediately. It should also be said that the service was impeccable both times I went.

Ellie Knott

Delicious food with intense & balanced flavors. Service was fast and good.

Tee Naa

Delicious Chicken Kabob. Excellent customer service.

jennifer quinones

Amazing food!!!! So different and so flavorful. The service was top notch. They were very attentive and helpful when asked questions. We got the top 2 lamb dishes. Omg some of the best food I’ve ever had. Do yourselves the favor and try it out. It is a nicer restaurant so I wouldn’t go in workout clothes.

Robert DiPietro

The veggie platter with pallow is the best vegetarian dish I've ever had. The combination of spices is amazing.

Stefanie Krug

Dinner at the Helmand is always a treat. The pumpkin appetizer is to die for! Large portions, well seasoned and exceptionally fast tonight. We had Kaddo and Banjan Borwani, Dolma Murch and the lamb Lawand. The spinach has a kick to it.

Ann Grealish-Rust

I dined solo tonight at The Helmand. The staff was helpful and friendly. The food was delicious and reasonably priced.

Robert Park Watson

The Helmand is an excellent restaurant. The food is always delicious and the service is outstanding. A special thanks for accommodating my group when we did not have dinner reservations.

miguel diaz

Great area and even better food. The service was great too. I highly recommend trying one of their cardamom infused ice creams for dessert.

Norah Buikstra

My favorite restaurant in the world! I fell in love with the food at The Helmand in Wrigleyville (Chicago) many years ago. Any time I’m in DC I make a trip to Baltimore to eat at The Helmand. It’s the BEST food and has a very nice vibe! The pumpkin appetizer is amazing!

Amirsaba Motamedi

Pretty good! Food was good, service was friendly and attentive , and the interior was nice enough for a date night or a family gathering. They have a menu for typical Afghan food, and another with not so common dishes like apricot stew. Liked everything we ordered. It gets very busy sometimes, so you’d be safe to make reservations for weekends specially.

Liz A

The food here is delicious. I've tried several different lamb dishes as well as the desserts, which were all very good. You get a really nice portion size for the price. Carryout orders only take about ten minutes which is really convenient so you don't have to wait long!

Kristi Beers

A friend and I visited on a Friday we were warmly welcomed and seated promptly. Drinks and food came out quickly and tasted wonderful as always. Drinks were always filled and the wine was excellent. It was my friends first time visit and she was very surprised/happy at there large and delicious vegetarian options. Great option for a meal before a show at the Meyerhoff.

Siddharth Srivatsa

Fantastic food! Lots of vegetarian options, the naan tasted great, the rice was a tad bit too dry. The Mantwo was fantastic. The mint chutney on the side of the rice portion was an absolute delight! Will definitely go back to try more.

Emma Irwin

Possibly the best meal I’ve ever had. Ordered the pumpkin app and the vegetable mantwo for dinner and it was delicious. Friendly and quaint setting for food you won’t find anywhere else.

Nathaniel Freeman

So firstly I did enjoy the meal but felt very cramped given we were a group booked in advance but felt like a walk up given how they configured the table. The food was good, big portions. Very warm inside with the heaters, perhaps knock it down a notch or two :) I'd happily go again but it wouldn't be the first place I suggest to go, good restaurant but it's got so much competition hence the 4 star.

Ky Wildermuth

Beautiful atmosphere and very high quality food. The lime cilantro sauce (I think that is what is in it?) is incredible and the pumpkin appatizer with the garlic yogurt is also phenomenal. From my two visits service is hit or miss but definitely not bad regardless. Could use some nice ambiance music. Overall a great dinner and I certainly will return again.

Josefina Frazier

What an incredible meal! 12 of us came into the restaurant when it was nearly empty, but within minutes it was filling up. Service handled the flood of people perfectly. The food was awesome. Many of my group had never had Afghan before, didn't know what to expect. The pumpkin, the aushak (leek ravioli in meat sauce), even the rice on the side with its hint of cinnamon held everyone in sway. There is simply no way to get a bad meal here. I come from Portland, Oregon, foodie central, and this place would hold its own in our town.

Nikita Bayliffe

On a recent business trip we enjoyed a weeknight dinner. As the place filled up it did get a bit warm due to unseasonably warm temps; they propped the door to capture a bit of breeze which is not likely the norm for February! Our server gave excellent recommendations - the pumpkin appetizer did live up to the high expectations, and we enjoyed the rich, flavorful options (both meat and vegetarian choices). It did get rather loud as the room filled, but the service was attentive and food was top notch!

John Schuch II

One of my favorite restaurants in the country! Never a bad meal! The baby pumpkin is to die for!

Kristen Johnson

The staff is incredible, warm sincere, and truly interested in providing you with not only a great meal, but a great experience. Ok now let’s talk about the food. The lamb is the best I’ve had anywhere, the bread is simple, delicious and made daily. The pumpkin dish is not to be missed and the pomegranate dressing on the salad is a happy surprise in your mouth. I love this restaurant!!

James Creque

Not to be missed. Every bite was a delight, and they treated me like family. Such a grateful experience.

Heather Hunt

This place is by far my favorite restaurant in Mt Vernon and all of Baltimore! The food is absolutely delicious, and I’ve been there numerous times so it’s consistent. Pricing is decent, staff is attentive and timely, setting is nice. Like I’ve said, the food is amazing. Flavorful, not too heavy, and the balance of the different flavors is perfect. I highly recommend you check it out!

Felipe Gonzalez

Some of the best, if not the best Afghani food in the area. Plenty of options for both meat eaters and vegetarians alike. Nice date spot, or a nice place to celebrate a special occasion. I've had lamb dishes there throughout the years, and I've thoroughly enjoyed them every time. Definitely a place to share something new with your dining companions. It gets rather busy, so reservations are definitely recommended.

Kaitlyn Moore

Incredible food. Went there for friend's rehearsal dinner, and they kept bringing out more and more food. The chicken was impeccably grilled and juicy on a green salad which I would have for lunch anytime! The pumpkin appetizer was unique and delicious, but my favorite were the lamb, and the chicken in some sort of yogurt sauce. Incredible food, service, and atmosphere -- highly recommend.

Helen Giles

I LOVE this restaurant!!! Such good food and the staff is very friendly and willing and able to answer any questions you might have about the food and what it is. The atmosphere is really pleasant and the wines are also delicious! Also good if you are a vegetarian as they have a very extensive vegetarian menu, which I always appreciate! Definitely get the pumpkin appetizer! It's amazing!

G Hartman

Loved the food. I don't know a lot about Afghanistan cuisine but I know when food is superb. Traditional dishes were served in savory sauces, seasoned perfectly. Plenty of vegetarian options and a good wine list. Bonus is that it's not too pricey at all. It was packed when I went on a Monday night and every time I pass The Helmand on my way home it's always busy.

Diana Wright

As great as it always was, we loved returning to the Helmand! Totally authentic Afghani cuisine with superior service... socially distant tables are a plus with some outdoor seating. The cardamon ice cream is too die for.. homemade and uniquely flavored!

Diego Sanders

I felt so sophisticated with my parents. Twice and my father had ordered because he was the only one familiar with the cuisine. The next time we dined here a down to earth tech savvy menu via tablet replaced the traditional menu It didn't feel icy or robot like st all. People were very friendly,other patrons, and the workers disappeared in the background available anytime.

John Ryan

Incredible food, great service and decor, best value

Florence Thompson

Everything was delicious, great wine selection, full house for dinner on Saturday night. Great ambience. Gem in the heart of mt. Vernon.

Lyndon Thompson

Loved this restaurant, the staff and the service! food was delicious and like very few things I've tried before. Very lucky to be able to try such tasty foods from Afghan culture here in Baltimore! I loved the Dwopiaza and my wife enjoyed the Mantwo!

Claude C.

The food here is amazing, the atmosphere is warm and refined, and the service is fantastic. This is really good for a date night or for someone you want to impress (parents, visitors from out of town, etc.) It can get busy during peak times so maybe not the best place to talk business, but during lunch or earlier times it would work well. The food is family style - one dish usually satisfies me and my fiancee, and is around $18. Try the pumpkin appetizer!

John Falzon

The food and drinks at The Helmand are exceptional. The service is very good. It can get crowded up front and back at the bar whole you are waiting for your table. The tables are a little tight. Overall highly recommended. A must-visit in Baltimore.

Kimberly C

This place is so special and unique. The food is so delicious. I loved that it was not just something I can get just anywhere. Their pumpkin appetizer is a must have. The food was so good I dream of going back. I love the decor also as it made me feel like it was a little slice of Afghanistan and their rich culture. Their were intricate dresses and old photographs. A must try in Baltimore.

Liz

The food here is delicious! I've been here 2 seperate times and ordered different lamb dishes each time. All of it has been well-priced for the quality of the food. Due to COVID I've ordered carryout. They are really prompt in preperation. I only had to wait 10 minutes for my order. I Can't wait to come again!

Sam Nicolary

Great food and the folks were exceptionally good at handling our large party. The bartender was really competent and drinks good. We did the family style and after the fourth course we were all sides and every fish was unique and delicious.

Nora Klee

A favorite for years. Love the cozy atmosphere, attentive service, and delicious food. The pumpkin appetizer is a must.

Jean Robinson

I have been coming to the Helmand now since right after it opened in Baltimore . The menu , the staff , the food was exciting , unique something unknown to me at the time . What is truly AMAZING about this wonderful place is that it has never wavered in there service , their quality of food , even their location has not moved . Every time I visit now I am often taken by the fact that so many others restaurants in the area have changed hands , or just disappeared . But this lovely , subtle understated , family and friends owned and run establishment has remained committed to wonderful and unique food , 5 star service ( really ) and a true warmth of spirit that is impossible to describe to someone who has never experienced it .

Tempus Fugit

The main dining area is tight for diners and the servers; however, they all work in concert to ensure everyone is taken care of to enjoy their meal. The owner welcomed us at the door for my reservation and the hostess greeted and welcomed me as a first time guest. The food was tasty and the service was awesome - I'll definitely return back!

Zach T

Amazing restaurant that has maintained its high quality for decades

Tunc Kayikcioglu

Delicious food but poor service I ordered a mantwo, which was quite nice, and my companions who tried various kabobs also appeared to be pleased by their entrees. The restaurant seems to be frequented by quite a few customers, however, the servers do not seem to be very motivated to serve. Every customer that I observed spent around 10-20 minutes to be seated around the entrance. Tables are neither occupied nor reserved, customers just had to wait till the servers could arrange the situation and greet them. I also felt a bit rushed to 'order, eat and go' as soon as possible. I think this renders the overall experience a dinner at an overpriced fast-food restaurant with exotic food.

Ken Bellows

Absolutely delicious food, friendly staff, highly recommended. If you have maybe 4 or more people and you're not to familiar with Afghan food, try the family style dinner; it's a flat rate per person and they'll bring out samplings of a bunch of different dishes to give you a taste of everything. Wonderful introduction to the cuisine and their restaurant.

Samar Rahim

This restaurant was a really fun place to visit with my boyfriend. The staff was absolutely amazing, the food was great, and the whole atmosphere was just really beautiful. There was a light music playing which was a good addition to the indoor dining table. I absolutely recommend the Afgani pulao. the Lamb is so freaking tender and OMG!!!!!!! Coming here again!

Kartik Parekh

Staff is very friendly. The food is good. It's almost like Indian food, but a little different. I had the stuffed peppers. Can't remember the Afghan name. My company had veggie platter and that was nice. We had the special Afghan ice cream and that was fantastic.

Craig Plazure

They've been in business for 30 years! We followed other reviews and started with the pumpkin appetizer - delicious. Naan and the chicken with split peas followed. Affordably priced, the white Bordeaux by the glass was a surprise. Excellent service but agree that it can get loud.

James Woizesko

This place is great. The wonderful flavors present in the food are an experience in and of themselves. I highly recommend this place for the adventurous foodie or even when you just need a change of pace or flavors. You will not regret it. Good value for the amount of food you receive. Delicous desserts and coffee. I will be back!

Ben Shey

The food is fantastic here. It was my first time trying Afghani food, although I love Indian and Mediterranean cuisine. Environment is intimate and wonderful for small and large parties alike. Be prepared to use your phone flashlight to read the menu though. Its very dimly lit.

Kate de Leon

My favorite restaurant in Baltimore. I’ve always had excellent meals and consistently stellar service. Exotic, flavorful, but not spicy hot. Fine dining that’s not overdone. A perfect place for a date or a group of friends.

Nicci Eisenhauer

This Baltimore favorite features Afghan cuisine in an upscale yet casual setting. The food is spectacular and the service impeccable. The owner is very engaged in his hospitality and he is ever-present making sure guests are enjoying themselves. The decor includes artworks from the region and a beautiful traditional costume. Prices are very, very fair for a restaurant of this calibre. Entrees running in the $17-$18 range and capping out in the mid-$20 for steak entree (that's just delectable.) One of our diners has a sensitivity to onions and garlic and the owner and chef did blackflips to accommodate her. Truly wonderful restaurant.

Chris Richards

Had a great experience here. Even though it was packed on a Saturday night, we were able to grab 4 seats at the bar and order from the same menu as the rest of the restaurant. The pumpkin appetizer is a must order, and the chicken kabob had a perfect grilled and smokey flavor.

Jonathan Stuart Cerullo

Wonderful meal, the martinis were excellent! Lots of vegetarian dishes, well prepared lamb and beef dishes derive cordial and they practiced COVID-19 protocols the minute you step in the door.

Jeff Scott

Service was great and very attentive. We went on a fairly busy Friday night; made reservations so didn't have to wait long. The food was just okay. The lamb was incredibly tough and the naan almost completely flavorless. The appetizers were the high point of the meal.

Adam Gagne

Great food, excellent service. Apparently they just celebrated their 30th year in business, congrats! The lamb I had from the specials menu was very good. Good beer and wine options. Full bar.

Phillip Harris

Overall excellent experience. The food was great, there were plenty of vegetarian options, all with amazing but not overpowering flavors. The restaurant was packed, and the tables very closer together than what I'm normally used to, but it was well worth it. Make sure to have a reservation though.

Ryan Ferro

Fantastic / authentic food that is different. I enjoy Persian / Turkish and Indian food and think that this is different (Afgan) but in the same ballpark. The right atmosphere for a nice night out on a date or with a small group of friends. I went pre-COVID so it has been a while but loved it.

Hayley Libowitz

The service there is lovely we had a waitress that was very considerate and she worked with us and was patient and helpful. The food is absolutely amazing especially the pumpkin! It's a little pricey and the space is a little cramped, you definitely need to call ahead and reserve but it's worth it. Would recommend!

Jeffrey Paul

My wife and I had reservations at a different, newer, trendy, popular place that fell through because their host staff was... inhospitable. The Helmand was a last minute replacement and we were both blown away by their friendly, knowledgeable staff and even more so by the amazing food. The dishes we had were all fantastic, but the one that stuck out the most was a roast pumpkin with a garlic yogurt sauce appetizer that we both could have easily had a quadruple order of each for appetizer, entree, and dessert. Its THAT good! Their wine selection is decent, the location is good with ample parking in a lot just down the block. The only caveat is that the seating is close together so don't go thinking you'll get a quiet spot with your date. Expect to talk with other guests and ogle each others meals.

Seth Chart

I have been to the Helmand three times and had three wonderful meals. The service is fast and friendly. The food is delicious. The flavors are surprising and delightful. I cannot recommend this restaurant highly enough. The only dish that I have ordered multiple times is the Kaddo Borwani, which is an excellent pumpkin based appetizer. My wife is a vegetarian and has enjoyed the wide variety of options available on the menu.

Justin Johnson

Amazing food and excellent staff. Please consider patronizing them as they may close due to covid-19, it would be sad to see a mainstay in the neighborhood shutter because of blasted COVID. If you haven't eaten here do yourself a favor and give it a try! I'm sure you'll be impressed.

Josh Poland

I came here for a weekend dinner with a party of two. Service was great. Ambiance is quite nice, although it does get very busy, crowded, and noisy. I was happy with my food, but it didn't blow me away. I had a little bit of buyers remorse after seeing some of the dishes others ordered. I would come here again to explore more of the menu.

Sybilla Bakzaza

Simply the Best Baltimore restaurant. The food is phenomenal, excellent preparation and a pristine environment. The only drawback is no espresso machine and single bathrooms. The wait staff is attentive and courteous. The ownership is an All-Star team.

Aaron Kara

Consistently one of the best restaurants in the Baltimore/DC area. Been dozens of times over the years and have tried almost everything on the menu. Not a single dish I wouldn't get again. Classics include the baby pumpkin appetizer and beef tenderloin dinner. Chicken lawland is excellent as well. One of a kind experience that cannot be found anywhere else. Must try!

Alicia

It was simply great. I had a three course meal with wine and Turkish coffee. The service was good and we were seated quickly. The food was succulent and aromatic. The staff were friendly. I would go again anyday.

Renae Hunter

The food here is completely incredible! The service was amazingly fast and very friendly! I was pleased with the reasonable pricing and the variety of the menu. I wanted to try it all! I would highly recommend the Aushak entree! Can’t wait to go back.

Sophia Azizi

Appetizers were mediocre. Also they charge you for bread??! If you're looking for the salad/white sauce experience this is not for you. They're definitely trying to go for something fancier. Also, don't get the mantu. It's mostly onions and potatoes with a tiny amount of meat. Almost everyone I know makes it better. However, the chicken kabob was amazing. Super juicy, fresh, tender, not dry at all. It might be one of the best chicken kabob dishes I've ever had. The lamb seekh kabob isn't halal so I couldn't try it.

Dominique Cadet

Very delicious food, friendly and attentive staff and nice ombiance. My first time there with a group of friends; had the family style four course meal and got to sample the whole menu. I will definitely be back.

Kristen Keefer

Equisite cuisine sophisticatedly combining delightful textures and flavors. An elegant atmosphere with Afghan decor and top-notch service. One of the loveliest dining experiences I've had in my lifetime!

Richard Goggin

One of my favorites. The Helmand has been a consistently wonderful restaurant for years now. And it was, again, my last visit. The Afghan cuisine is a great split from usual fare - and always prepared/cooked well. My previous visit was an Artscape (Bmore's yearly "arts" fest) night (and rain to boot, driving a number of people without reservations), so a little more crowded, a little more noisy, slightly less attentive service (forgiven). Reservations advised. For the dollar, you cannot beat this place.

Perrin Shapiro

One of the best restaurants in Baltimore. Everything they make is just right. Very attentive owner and employees. Cozy atmosphere. (Based on the many times I've gone and also reading the reviews...they seem to take reviews very seriously, so I just want to say: keep doing what you're doing and stay true to the amazing place you have built!)

Ronald Fayer

The food was okay and the service was fast. We came for a birthday celebration but since the last time we were here the tables seemed smaller and crowded closer together. The dinner plates and serving dishes had to be constantly shifted to access the water glasses. The noise level was so high it was difficult to have a conversation at our table and we left immediately after the meal, skipping dessert. The lights were so dim that we and people at other tables were using their cell phones to read the menu. The cell phone at the table next to use was shining directly in our guest face while the person holding the phone was oblivious for nearly 5 minutes.

B

Great lamb, great cocktails. Don't understand reviews that complain about the service. The people are nice and we've never had a problem. Minus one star for acoustics which bring out my inner grumpy grandpa, bc when really crowded it can be nearly impossible to hear your dining companions. Food makes up for it though

Diana OB

Great food, very flavorful, we came in without reservations, waited less then 10 min to get sitted. Staff is very friendly, portions are big, I could not finish it all. For desert we split icecream. It was delicious as well.

Anthony Teelucksingh

Afghan food is in the same family as Indian/Persian food. This restaurant has been around for the better part of nearly 30 years. Delicious food, and always a great time. Very busy on weekends with a packed house.

Falyn Weiss

Great food, not overly formal. Waiters are very nice and knowledgeable. Wine is cheap. This is one of those places that you go back to again and again. Food is very comforting. It does get busy on weekend nights.

Nick Clyde

The Helmand is a rare treat. Not many people have had Afghani food, and this is authentic as it gets in Baltimore. Be prepared to experience all kinds of wonderful flavors you've never tasted before. The food is delicious - and there are vegetarian options too! The decor and environment are fantastic, and the service is very attentive and fast. Best of all, you can have a dinner for two for under $30 - with leftovers to boot! Definitely try this at least once, and you'll be coming back again and again.

Brenna Beck

I love The Helmand and have been a regular visitor (several times/yr) for the last eight years. Over the last eighteen months, there has been a decided negative shift in the service - several times we've waited over half an hour before having a server even ask if we'd like wine, and this winter our server spilled an entire glass of beer in my lap; to top it off, she followed me into the bathroom and offered to rinse me with club soda -- I was already wet enough! The food is delicious and it's a special place to go with family, a large group of friends, or with my partner when we're headed out somewhere fine, but I've been a bit disappointed in the service lately. Hopefully that settles down and things are back to being prompt, clean and pleasant at the table.

Julia Schneider

Afghan restaurant near Johns Hopkins. tasty, unusual food, nice atmosphere, modest prices. Very popular with the locals. A little bit further away from Inner Harbor but worth a visit. Just before heading that way I had reserved online a table: smart move. It was Friday night and the place was packed - it did not help that there was a large meeting at the Baltimore Convention Center. I had arrived a few minute early and was told to wait at the bar 10 minutes. I was skeptical seen the crowd. Wrong, I was seated before the time promised. I asked advice for a typical Afghani dish and got the Zardalu Challow, lamb cubes in a sweet and hot sauce/paste, over rice.

Brad Hutcheson

As anyone who has done their research knows, the pumpkin appetizer is great. Though I would say it is definitely sweet enough to be a dessert. The food was absolutely excellent, though for the leek ravioli, I would recommend trying a vegetarian (sans beef) permutation. The "Afghan" ice cream was out of this world. Service was EXTREMELY prompt, to the point of being faintly disconcerting. Seriously... we were not pushed per se, but food arrived so quickly that it must have been prepared earlier, and staff cleared plates with almost psychic facility. All in all an excellent meal, for a reasonable price, in appealing surroundings, executed in a (very) short period of time.

Ric Rini

Our first experience with Afghan genre of food and it was fantastic overall experience. We started with an appetizer of pan fried eggplant with a savory succulent white sauce that was delicious and superbly complimented the eggplant. I ordered the Kubani pallow (sp?), a rice dish with raisins and lamb meat. The lamb was tender, juicy and very flavorful. The marinate they used on the meat was delicious. I also ordered a side of the pumpkin, which I highly recommend, it was also served with the white sauce. The service was friendly, helpful, courteous but faded toward the end as we waited an extremely long time for our dessert menus and then to be waited on. I'll say it was an anomaly but detracted from the overall experience. The food here is amazing and i would make this a regular stop of I lived here.

Ryan Weltzer

I love this restaurant. The service is impeccable. The menu is updated regularly. I've eaten there about five times, ordering something different every time, and was always impressed by the quality of the food. The prices are great for a restaurant of this caliber.

James Helms

This was my first experience with Afghani food and it was fantastic! Our server was very energetic and friendly and the food is awesome. If you've never had if I would say shares characteristics of Indian and Ethiopian food.

Annie

I ordered pickup. The food was ready very quickly and was so delicious! I've also eaten in the restaurant several times and have always had a great meal with excellent service.

Alec Loudenback

We shared a lamb dish and a vegetarian platter. The food was delicious, a nice mix of savory and exotic flavors. The special ice cream, with dates and other fruits, was superb and you should definitely share that at the end of your meal.

Christine Todd

A little bit further away from Inner Harbor but worth a visit. Just before heading that way I had reserved online a table: smart move. It was Friday night and the place was packed - it did not help that there was a large meeting at the Baltimore Convention Center. I had arrived a few minute early and was told to wait at the bar 10 minutes. I was skeptical seen the crowd. Wrong, I was seated before the time promised. I asked advice for a typical Afghani dish and got the Zardalu Challow, lamb cubes in a sweet and hot sauce/paste, over rice. The lamb was tender and the combination delicious. Less so the Feereny dessert: an Afghani flan covered in fruit. The service was friendly and fast but not hurried and I left in less than 45 minutes from when I entered the restaurant. Kudos to the management/owner for their efficiency.

jessica tretina

Quick service, delicious food! Our first visit to the helmand was great, we were able to try several things we had never heard of since i had never had afghani food before, and i was happy with everything we tried. I had passed by the restaurant countless times for years and finally decided to have a meal there, and now wish i had gone sooner. They only lost a star for me because the servers did not speak up when delivering each dish and then disappeared, so we kind of had to figure out by deduction whose was whose, and the table rocked a little which quickly became annoying. I would definitely go back!

Jonathan Keen

The cuisine was distinctly Afghan, but the flavors seemed muted and directed towards an American palate. Steer away from the Naan, as it was quite tough. The service was very good and so were the portions, but I was expecting a different experience in regards to the flavors in the food.

Alvaro Cobo Santillan

By far, my favorite restaurant in Baltimore... Food is fantastic... Is just marvellous... Fruity lamb stews, sweetish chicken with some magic masala... I do love this place... The prices are more than fair for the quality of food and service you receive, and portions are more than enough for the average person...

Sarah Bradley

A large group of students and professors went in last night. We made a reservation for 9, then changed it to 11 people. The message never got passed to the servers on the floor so our table was too small, but they fixed it immediately to accommodate all 12 people that ended up showing up. We had a few different people taking care of us, but our main server was so funny and kind. He made recommendations about sauces and wines, encouraging us to try some of the cilantro sauce "on everything! It goes on everything!" He was right. It is good on everything and anything. I got a soup with black eye peas, chick peas, mung beans, and some beef. The flavor was incredible with a really great level of spice. Enough that made it "spicy" but did not make my mouth burn and was perfectly balanced by the yogurt sauce on top. Honestly, a bowl of this with the naan bread would have been enough for a whole meal, for me. But not knowing that, I also ordered a mushroom dish as an entree. I'm glad I did because it had a very similar spice combination as the soup. I loved it! I could only finish about a quarter of it, but it was excellent. I wish I could have tried the dessert. We'll probably be back for the hazelnut cake! I definitely recommend trying this place. It was a wonderful time from start to finish.

Amanda Shaffer

The Helmand is one Baltimore establishment that you do not want to miss. My then boyfriend, now husband and I first went here for Valentine's Day a couple of years ago and the only reservation I could get was at 9PM that night. We had no idea what to expect, and were absolutely blown away. Incredible atmosphere, food, and service. Even though it was busy everything came out timely and delicious. We have since gone one other time and unfortunately now live in another state but when we're in Baltimore The Helmand is a MUST. Admittedly I dream about it while eating other food because dining there is heavenly. The pumpkin with yogurt sauce appetizer is mind blowing. And don't skip on dessert and go for the cardamom ice cream with dates, apricots, and the likes.

Vivian Chan

Went here with family on a recommendation from my physics GSI from college who had gone to MIT--very tasty! The environment feels a little buttoned up when you first walk in, but they are not strict about enforcing dress codes. Portions are generous and the food very flavorful. Very veg friendly if you have a mixed group. We went with one of the lamb shank dishes, a fish special and the veggie combo platter, all of which were fantastic. Great dessert (get the rice pudding!), too. Only qualm from being a spoiled California girl is the wine and beer list were a little sparse and not unique to the region or cuisine.

Christopher Slemmer

The food was fantastic and the staff even more so when for our anniversary dinner was not disappointed at all will definitely be back soon

B D

everything is incredible. the best meal in Baltimore. definitely recommend mixing and sharing so you can taste everything.

Steven Lunsford

The food at The Helmand was delicious and was only matched by the service that was provided by the waitstaff. The dishes were reasonably priced (most things were in the high $10s-low $20 range), but we were made to feel like we were dining at a much more expensive establishment.

Denise Aldilaimi

We didn't have a reservation but we were seated and served quickly. The food was awesome and the service superb! I haven't been here for over 10 years. It was aw wonderful tonight as I remembered it!

Robert Derr

First time trying Afghani food, and we were not disappointed! I'd consider this reading a 4.5 rather than a solid 4. The only detractors were that the server that we had was a little too 'strictly business' - nothing to bring you in and make you feel welcome, etc. Aside from that, I didn't enjoy the hazelnut cake very much. That said, the appetizers and entrees were all incredible, and would bring me back without a doubt. The Kaddo Borwani(pumpkin) appetizer was great, but even better in my opinion, was the Banjan Lagharak(stewed eggplant). My entree was Lamb Lawanda, and was very good; very tender, super flavorful.

Damian Grant

Good food but maybe not what I would expect for the price. The restaurant space is a little cramped but it's almost always busy, so maybe that's just my perception. Lot's of good vegetarian options (I'm not a vegetarian so I can't comment of the quality), and the staff is attentive. A good experience overall, but the cramped dining room was a challenge for me.

Kevin Pineault

Food is prepared beforehand and doesn't seem to be made to order. The salmon dish came out cold and includes reheated frozen vegetables. The service was good, but I was pretty disappointed with the food quality after what I've heard.

Richard McFall

The Helmand has been an outstanding restaurant in the Mount Vernon neighborhood for several decades. Superior Afghanistan food excellent ( and reasonable Wine by the bottle), great service, beautiful dining experience. Come & treat yourself at one of the best restaurants in Baltimore

leoz maxwell jilliumz

Great service, everything there was soo delicious. The cilantro sauce goes good on everything. I got the summer special #3 and be prepared for outstanding flavor ontop of good portion size. Nice atmosphere..mm mm mmmmm. That pumpkin app is delicious.

Marisa Astiz

Amazing! We ordered the mantwo and one of the eggplant appetizers. Got a lamb entree and the grilled beef one. Very impressed. All the food was delicious!!

Борис Азовче́нко

Unlike anything I had before. Service was excellent and staff was very friendly, and food was unbelievable. I rarely eat Afghan food, and when I do, it never disappoints. I had Seekh kebab here, definitely try it.

Charles C

One of my favorite Baltimore restaurant. The pumpkin appraiser knocks your socks off! Can’t go wrong w the fresh bread and lamb dishes. Not a big fan of their desserts.

Jake Saltzberg

Exquisite. Fantastic food, reasonable prices, and great service. Flavors were truly special.

Ellen Kaye

The Helmand is one of our favorite places. We drive an hour to eat here for special occasions or when we're nearby. Every dish is extraordinary, even the bread! Don't miss the appetizers or the desserts for the complete experience.

Tom Wilson

The Helmand serves amazing food in an elegant setting. It's a great date location and convenient to many activities in the Mt. Vernon neighborhood. I would describe Afghan food as possessing similar flavors and ingredients to both Indian and Mediterranean food.

Laura Dulany

Foodies will not be disappointed at the Helmand, however the service was so fast it was too fast! They obviously operate on a turn-over business model, because our plates were whisked away seconds after finishing the last bite. Entres and dessert were served within minutes of ordering. There was no time to relax. In and out in an hour flat with 3 people. That is just too fast when you pay $100 for an evening. It actually caused me to be tense. But the food was out of this world. What a shame they wanted us out the door!

Ron Lusk

A friend hosted a celebration dinner, and we ate family-style, a raft of appetizers followed by plates of (what must be) the best of the house. It may be among the best "Middle Eastern" food I have ever had. Lamb with cinnamon carrots over rice; chicken kebab with a salad; salmon with spinach and pilau; spicy meatballs; a stewed chicken with vegetables. All were excellent, some were eye-opening wonders. ("I've entered Paradise!" said my wife on tasting the chicken kebab.) The appetizers were great, too, but there's no way I could identify or list them. Go. Be fed and amazed.

Mariam Eltoweissy

The food is fantastic. It's really hard to go wrong. We had the Kabuli Pallow, Mantwo, and Dwopiaza. All were excellent but the Kabuli Pallow was my favorite. We also had the pumpkin appetizer with garlic yogurt sauce called Kaddo Birwani in an unexpected matrimony of flavors. Needless to say, that appetizer was gone real fast. The only thing I would say is if you go with a group make sure you're clear with orders and who ordered what because we were a group of 8 and had a couple meal mix-ups and extra wait time.

Claire Morgans

Great service, lovely setting, well priced. Had the lamb and beef meat balls which were cooked to perfection - though the sauce was a v v v tad sweet for my liking. A sound dinner destination.

Yusi

Nice place and kinda a bit deal here.

Pello Uranga

Impressive. First time in an Afgan restaurant, and I loved it. We chose the tasting menu and tried so many delicious dishes... Will be back soon! Thank you for the dinner and the nice service!!

Srikanth GVS

We ordered 4 different veg entrees, and all were good. The server was very helpful and gave nice suggestions. The service was quick and good. I would recommend the veg platter.

Aymck

Food was delicious staff was excellent!!!

Ethan De Cohen

THE BEST FOOD EVER!!!! Try anything that has the Lamb. and the Valpolicella Wine ... OH, My Lord. That might be SMOOTHEST wine You will have tasted in a Long Time to be perfectly Honest. The Rack of Lamb Ribs are TO-DIE-FOR .. Sweet Jesus In heaven...... GO TO THIS PLACE Now!

Raja Usman

Food was OK but very poor service.. menu is very limited..only 6 main course entrees with a few appetizer options. Doesn't really feel like a afghan place, more like a western cuisine.

shirley bahr

The waitress was so nice. She took the time to explain everything to us. The food was really delicious. So happy I went. Will definitely go back again.

Dan Howard

normally not a big Afghan food fan. Some items were too spicy, but overall the flavor was amazing. The bread is great, too.

Raj Joshi

Incredible experience. Everything was great. From Aushak to zardalu challow to the environment inside the restaurant, it was all amazing. It was the first time for me and kids eating Afghan food. We walked away wanting to come back. Do try Kaddo barawni as it is one of only sweet appetizer I have ever liked.

Vivek Nagal

I have tried this place twice now, once at the restaurant and delivery for the second time. The preparations are unique and amazing. The food bears a great deal of resemblance with Indian/Pakistani cuisine.

Reza Behrouzi

Really excellent food, helpful and friendly staff, EXCELLENT Turkish coffee made not far from your table. All in all a great place. I just wish they had more Halal options. A true Baltimore gem!

E “Epiphane” Thomas-Butler

We always love the Helmand. Most dishes are gluten free and everything is packed with flavor. I can get a bit loud with all the conversations around you however.

Jamie Campbell

Afghan is one of my favorite ethnic foods. I had Kabuli Palau here, and the lamb was super tender, fall apart in your mouth. They were a bit stingy with the sauces and I thought the Palau was a little bit bland compared to others I’ve had. The breads were excellent! I have to give this 5 stars as everyone needs to try this food. Not enough Afghan places around, wish I had one were I live.

Badbones H

White table cloths, attentive but not fussy service, all foods ordered by us three at the table looked, smelled, tasted delightfully, portions were deluxe, and everything -including the wine- were fairly priced. Go here.

Wayne Brown

Amazing food! The sweet spicy turnips are incredible, the lamb/beef meatballs and especially the Zardalu Challow are the bomb! The special ice cream is awesome!

Sophia Dodson

Sumptous spicing, speedy and cordial service, nice ambiance and reasonable pricing. I had the vegetable platter and a fried pumpkin appetizer. Loved everything. Wow, in fact.

Richard Wing

The food is amazing, best Afgan food I have ever had. Has a good amount of vegetarian options too!

Matthew Luk

Nice variety and uncommom dishes. Well balanced flavors and sauces. Pumpkin appetizer is a house speciality and great with the "naan". Feereny/custard with fruit was quite tasty as well, with a hint of tea and not too sweet.

SVR R.

I love certain dishes here so much, but I've also had stuff that I wasn't too impressed by either. If I only ever ate the pumpkin appetizer (Kaddo Borwani) and the little raviolis (Mantwo -- veggie or traditional are both delicious), I would rate this place as with 5 stars. I remember having the Dwopiaza (lamb stew) and Kabuli Pallow (kind of like a biryani/flavored rice with little bits of lamb), wishing that I had ordered something else. People are kind. Water glasses stay filled. As a student, I only typically visited for birthdays or when guests were in town but would like to visit more often if I were working.

Ann Coleman

I’ve been to The Helmand several times and always enjoyed it. The Kaddo Borwani (baby pumpkin appetizers) is always delicious and I’ve liked every dish I’ve tried there, honestly.

Rocky Biggs Jr

Excellent food and huge portions! I loved the theme and the decorations as well as the overall presentation. It was so nice to find somewhere not as mainstream.

Yaasen Bhutta

Beautiful decoration, service was fast. The beef was juicy and food was delicious. Portion could have been a little bigger but maybe I could be smaller

Tom Stuehler

Been in hospitality food business over 50 years. This is my most loved favorit restaurant. The food surprises and far exceeds any expectation. They also do the food at Tapas Teatro at the Charles Movie. We are fortunite this talent in Baltimore. Tom Stuehler owner if La Fontaine Bleue and Bleues On The Water.

Amanda Wild

Every time I visit Baltimore I go back to the Helmand. For apps, make sure to try the pumpkin with garlic yogurt and the Mantwo (a delicious meat dumpling with sauce). My favorite entree is the Lamb Lawand but I've never had something here I didn't enjoy.

Jonathan Russell

Loved the food and the atmosphere of the place. Perfect place for a romantic or cozy dinner. I don't think you can go wrong with anything you choose to get there.

Tawnee

Incredible food, lovely atmosphere, and kind, attentive waitstaff. Everything that was ordered was absolutely delicious, from the appetizer to the dessert.

Gregory Murray

We had a great time at the Helmand last night. Beautifully decorated and really great food. The baby pumpkin was to die for! We will definitely be back soon.

Vishwajeet Kumar

I have been coming to Helmand over the past 14 years and been at their Boston restaurant as well. The food is honest and without pretensions. This is a must go whenever I am in Baltimore or in Boston. The Chowpan which is a lightly seasoned rack of lamb is a must try.

Raleigh Raleigh

We've visited the helmand a number of times, and again we come away happy, full and smiling! All of the food is always wonderful, the pumpkin appetizer is renowned.

Diana Carstens

One of the best restaurants in Baltimore. The food is awesome. Great service. Good location. Make sure you try their signature pumpkin appetizer!

Marcus Newton

The food was great, the atmosphere was awesome, just a fabulous experience. It also helps that it was cozy, and as it was date night with my wife, I couldn't have asked for anything better!

Kimberly Ward

Few restaurants anywhere can deliver the total experience as the Charleston. Yes it is expensive, but the quality of the food and professionalism of the staff makes it that go to for a really SPECIAL occasion. We were extremely happy with our experience, and it may be a few years, but we will always want to come back.

Vimal Konduri

The Helmand is a Baltimore classic – and the platters are a great option as well – big portions of incredible food at a very reasonable price.

heath england

Service was amazing. Food was delicious. I have never had Afghan food but this will not be my last time. Truly a great experience.

Harvey Zalis

The food which is the most important thing was absolutely delicious everything from the appetizers main course and dessert was done well and tasted extremely good the only problem which isn't really problem is that it is a little bit noisy

Stefan Meier-Arndt

Great food. Have been with a group of 13 and the Chef made super recommendation. All of us have been impressed of quality and taste of food.

Robert Schuck

Excellent food, very consistent, fair pricing, I've been going there for over 20 years.

Brittany K

They are accommodating for vegans, which is great. Their okra is excellent. The service here is ok, not great, but the food is good.

Steve Howard

Excellent food. Excellent service. Best kept secret in Baltimore.

Madeline Bennetti

Absolutely amazing food and service. It was priced well, and the wine selection was great too. I would definitely go back.

Ric4831sc

The food was amazing and the wait staff didn't leave me wanting for anything. I emphatically recommend the chocolate hazelnut cake. You have not lived unless you have it.

NJ Chatham

Absolutely my favorite place to eat in Baltimore! My family took me there for my birthday and it did not disappoint. Sooooooo yummy and excellent service.

Frank Cleveland

My first meal here was in 1994. Tonight the food and service was just as good. Some of the same staff as friendly as ever 35 years later.

Ted Heck

The Helmand is always amazing. Be sure to save room for the special ice cream! Unless you hate cardamom. Also, the pumpkin appetizer is incredible.

Sarthak Kotecha

Really good food for the price. Perfect Date night place.

Swami Chidbrahmananda

Tasty and unique cuisine from Afghanistan. The service was good, the place was very clean and a bit upscale. No special attire needed.

Chris S

Very nice atmosphere and professional service. Absolutely delicious food. Some of the best food I've had in Baltimore, maybe anywhere.

David Burke

This has the best nan bread ever! Very great and authentic cuisine. Excellent staff as well. The decor is also fabulous!

Joan Peterson

The food is excellent and the wait staff is helpful. Lots of variety for different dietary preferences.

Sumaiya Mahjabeen

Food was so delicious. Location was nice too. I recommend the Aush soup, beef mantu, and kabuli pulaw

tom e

Hands down one of the best restuarants in the city. The menu is fantastic but the specials are even better. The pumpkin is amazing.

John Lemonds

I was surprised how reasonable the prices were as well. Service was great and the food was incredible. I haven't been in at least 10 years. I won't that long again.

Pinaki Bose

Meat is often undercooked and/or chewy (chicken is not meant to be served rare). Vegetarian options are limited, but available. Good service, but expensive.

Patricia Njenga

This is a favorite of mine in Baltimore. The food never disappoints. The service feels rushed, but I didn't come to make friends with the wait staff, right?

Will Brown

If you're looking for hearty comfort with a flair for something different while being somewhat familiar (think Persian or Levantine), then definitely check out this Afghani Mt Vernon mainstay. Anything with the turnips as a side dish or plating piece is worth it, for the root vegetables themselves are par excellence.

Karyn Lynch

Afghanistan food in Baltimore. I had the mixed meat skewer with sides. The food was delicious; the service quaint; the experience outstanding.

Mike Doherty

Every dish I tried was delicious. I recommend sharing dishes so you can try a little bit of everything. The food comes out very fast.

Arrenvy Bilinski

The best Afghani food you will find in Baltimore, hands down. It's so authentic and VERY reasonably priced for a white linen restaurant.

Mark Stark

Amazing Afghani food. Great for a date or a celebration. Start with the pumpkin appetizer and save room for the special ice cream.

Katie Andrew

Fabulous meal and even better service. The lamb in chili, tomato & apricot dude was amazing. I officially love Afghani food

Michelle Sanchez

Delicious food and decent decoration. The staff are very friendly and attentive to there customers. Highly recommended.

Hend Razek

The food was really good especially the eggplant appetizers, lamp was cooked great, they are fast and polite but they seemed to be in a haste all the time from taking the order till we paid the check

Priyanka Ray

Amazing decor, good wine and a good vegetarian selection. Was very happy to get aushak the way it’s made in Afghanistan.

Austin Brown

Great food. Great service. Get a good variety of everything it is all good. Do the family style special if possible.

Captain

Cool location. Really friendly staff. The food was amazing. Ill be going back soon!

Desh Raj

Amazing food and fine service. Great place for a date or to dine out with friends.

Gregory Klassen

This is a great (double) date place. The food is great, the atmosphere is exciting, and yet you can hear everyone at your table.

Michael Oberman

The Helmand is my go to place for Afghani food. I live in Columbia, MD and our only Afghan restaurant here, Maiwand Kabob, is excellent but more of a carryout.

Joan Greco

What a delight. We loved everything we ordered. Fantastic combinations of flavors.

Kate Powers

This was my first time having afghani food and it was out of this world! Loved it. The Kaddo Borwani is supreme. I also ordered the mantwo and it was lovely.

Mr Butler

A great experience overall. After we were seated that is. We had reservations and still had to wait to be seated. Food is good.

Madeline Kornack

My favorite restaurant in Baltimore! I haven’t had one bad thing on the menu and I’ve been there many times.

Mike Russell

Food was great. Had carry out but restaurant was very clean. Would definitely eat there again.

Mike Silen

Amazing food st good prices. It was a little noisy and parking isn't great bit overall 5 stars for the food

Ahmed Farag

Great, delicious food, amazing fast service. Loved the vibe of the place too.

Otto Schmid

This restaurant is excellent. Good service, to the point, and even better food. I would definitely go there again!

Rebecca Brown

Highly recommended. Everything was fresh and flavorful! First dining experience of Afgani food and loved it.

Jeremy Epstein

Always a delight to eat at the Helmand. Heavenly vegetarian food. Very quick service. Splendid wine.

David Wissel

Amazing food, great service. Love the interior decor of this place! Always busy, which I like!

William Nerenberg

Afghan dishes to die for. Friendly service. Best lamb of anywhere I have eaten. Can't get there often enough!

Tirzah Marie

Decent Afghan food. It is a little too Americanized for me, but if you want to try the cuisine, it is a good place to dabble.

Paula Pearson

This is my favorite restaurant in the DC/Balt Metro area. The grilled lamb and vegetables can't be beat. My mouth waters just anticipating a visit!

Patrice Lee

Very nice atmosphere. We were a large party and we were taken care of very well the food was very good

Geoffrey Hart

Another perfect meal. Great service and food that transports your soul. Already looking forward to my next visit.

Wayne Wilson

Consistently great menu options. I appreciate the vegetarian selections.

Katie Rothweiler

So delicious! Everything was perfect. Plenty of vegan options and a great atmosphere.

Chalita Atallah

Food is great, fast to get, but staff is lacking professionalism. Seemed like the waiter forgot about us, even though the restaurant was not busy.

Kate Kilner-Pontone

Everything the chef cooks is just completely sublime! I've never left there feeling anything but totally satisfied and content.

Steve Baddour

Great food, nice friendly staff. Try the pumpkin and yogurt, and the lamb dishes. Lots of vegetation options.

Tim King

Maybe the best restaurant in the city? Never had even close to a bad experience here. It's been the same since I first went in 2008.

Luke Wooten

Amazing meal, if we are ever back in Baltimore will 100% be back. A+++

Andrew Thomas

Stunningly good Afghani fare at a modest price. Decent wine selection. Comfortable dining room

Jordan Barab

Very good, flavorful food. I can hardly wait to go back.

Donald Condliffe

Really excellent food, nice place and good service. Not cheap but not high priced either, good value and a great place for a date

Ben Bledsoe

Best Afghani restaurant I've frequented. Kaddo Bourani is out of this world!! Cozy atmosphere with a fine dining setting.

Khushbakht Zahra

I liked the chicken kebabs but unfortunately serving size was small. Other than that amazing ambience and service.

Cierra Laster

The service was impeccable! the food qas flavorful and reasonably priced. Would return and recommend!

Keith Bringe

So delicious. Locally sourced lamb is a highlight. Fantastic, vibrant seasoning and nuanced, excellent service.

Lorie Graffius

Food is always fresh, beautiful so flavorful! The Helmand is a Baltimore institution. Pumpkin appetizer is AH-MAZING!

Michael Zimmerman

Owned by Karzai's brother, it is real afghan food, restructured for Baltimore tastes. Don't be afraid to try it. Popular and proven.

jason molidor

Without a doubt a baltimore treasure! You should hit it up if you're in town!!!

Mister Dan

Great staff. Super delicious, authentic dishes from Afghanistan

Beth P

Lovely atmosphere, fantastic food and great service!

Carolyn Helfman

Kabuki was delicious. A large portion, big enough to split. Good service.

Laura L

Delicious!! We got there right at opening time and this place filled up very quickly, always a good sign.

Mary Crocker

What's not to love. Great food. Friendly service. Definitely going again.

Christopher Regan

Comfort food from Afghanistan. Consistently great and reasonably priced. Always busy which makes for a nice atmosphere.

Swaroop Ramaswamy

A bit on the expensive side but pretty good food. They had a surprisingly large number of vegetarian options too!

Jeanette Parker

Enjoyable dinner. I recommend making a reservation. Parking lot a block away with street parking out front.

Cassandra Bachand

The pumpkin with garlic yogurt sauce is amazing, and we had a wonderful waitress!

Hekmatullah Latifi

The great name HELMAND, hospitable management highly professional staff, and delicious food enjoyed the family time at Helmand Restaurant loved it.

Aamir Yousufzai

Not a bad dish on the menu. Food gives you a home cooked feeling over white tablecloth

Colleen Jeno

This place has amazing food! I highly recommend anything here, especially the pumpkin app.

Karl Hillstrom

Some of the best meals of my life were at the Helmand. I would recommend reservations, as it is justifibly popular.

Brandon Moser

Food and service are simply amazing. Will be revisiting on my next trip to Baltimore.

Craig White

This is our favorite restaurant in Baltimore City. Excellent staff, delicious food, and reasonable prices.

Kathleen Anderson

Very delicious. Very good vegetarian options. Owner is brother of former Afghanistan president!

Patrick McCormick

For more than 20 years Helmand has been one of our favorite restaurants.

mks9554

very good food. ...tasty, right amount of spices. ...clean tables, table cloth.....it was fully packed on a Sunday evening

Joseph Mulé

Excellent across the board - great food, great service, lively atmosphere. Easy parking next door.

Luis V

The food is great but the waitress wasn't friendly at all so no tip

Shreya Sriramineni

100/10 food and staff

mary cresseveur-reed

Friendly service. Fantastic food.

Susanne Erichsen-Smith

Service was terrific. Food was fantastic. Everyone at our table was very happy.

Juliet Howard

Family style dinner was amazing, every dish was unique and delicious.

Irfan Ali

Nice restaurant with good food. I feel the price can be little low, however, good staff with delicious food.

Tammy Hickman

Quaint atmosphere, great service, wonderful food, vegetarian options, and parking lot next to restaurant.

Peter Willis

Everything here is great, quality might have gone down a bit over the years but still reliably tasty and affordable

Michael Tomas

Delicious and inexpensive. Busy most nights, though there has never been a wait time.

Yusra Al-harthy

👍🏻 delicious .. if you’re going on a weekend make sure to have a reservation …

Worod Allak

The place was very nice and the food was really good, kinda spicy though!

Laura Darby

Absolutely delicious food, lovely atmosphere, nice staff, easy parking

James Hafner

One of Baltimore's best restaurants! Always great food at such great prices.

Ana Duvall

Do not second guess eating here. It's awesome and perfect everytime I come here to eat. Total 5 star!

Kelvin Xie

Nice food nice service

jacob bernard

Receptive service, strong atmosphere, and quality Afghan food. Excited to return.

Geoff Prall

One of the best restaurants in Baltimore.

Emily Ward

I like to bring guests here from out of town. The food's great and the location can't be beat.

Danielle Guido

A cozy restaurant with delicious food in a cute neighborhood. Great for date night or family/friends gathering.

Sahar A

Everything I tried there had been absolutely delicious. I would recommend this place to all my friends

Tamara Hoffer

Excellent food, excellent service every time! My favorite Baltimore restaurant.

Ian

The food wasn't bad but didn't live up to the potential of the cuisine. Definitely not worth the price.

Mario Kopeikin

Great food, excellent service and very affordable. Cannot recommend it enough

CCS 762

Great food. Ordered a second meal to take home. Wish it was closer to me.

Donté F.

Food was decent wouldn't be my first choice however it wasn't bad

Jack Hunt

Very good service, excellent food. Great place to have a good meal

Ian Furlong

Some of the best food out there! Always have a great meal.

Tony Venne

One of the finest restaurants in Baltimore, I ALWAYS feel like a VIP when I dine here.

Mark Ahlman

Increadible taste, great service. If you have more than 5 ask for family style!

Aneesa Hosein

Lovely dining experience... very warm welcome. Love Love it!

_

Top notch dining experience. Great service, presentation and atmosphere.

Cinco May

Absolutely delicious, and fantastic, friendly service! I'll definitely be back.

Thomas O'Brien

This place was excellent when I first went 10 years ago and still excellent now. Everything is good.

Sandra Rodriguez

Delicious food!! Great service! Definitely coming back

Mike Davis

Great atmosphere, great service and most important the food was on time and on point

Erik Nilson

The food here is so good and all of the staff are very friendly.

Jeffrey Myers

Excellent food served by friendly and efficient people in a pleasant setting.

Ian Ferrara

Always a great meal with excellent service. Worth the prices.

David DeNaples

Absolutely amazing dinner. Everything, even the rice, just melts in your mouth.

Joy Napper

The chicken kabob was divine. The naan bread is the best ever!!

Mr JRR

Delicious food! Wonderful people! Fast and efficient service!

Agha Khan

Great place, a bit pricey but food is delicious.

Mark Miller

OMG so much amazing food. Much recommend, such delicious.

Anupama Kumar

Great food! Very prompt service

Mark F

Great afghan food. Got the family style with lots of variety.

Tom Gloss

Great atmosphere wonderful food and it's also a family place

Drew Wimmer

Great food, great service and ambiance, and reasonably priced

Randy Schueler

The food and the service were spectacular

Har Kaur

Nice place, nice atmosphere, vegetarian options available, average food

Akua

Very delicious food but the customer service SUCKS!

Padhu Pattabiraman

Best Afghan food, i have had. The place is crowded.

Sarra A

Restaurant is overrated. Food is good here but not that delicious.

Edwin Dávila

Good selection of wines, good atmosphere, good hospitality, and excellent food.

Smijo Anthonise

Good afghan dinner you can go with your office colleagues for quick dinner

ed donovan

Good food, nice atmosphere and reasonably priced

Charlotte Andreasen

Delicious authentic cuisine and wonderful atmosphere!

Eli Jan

I love this restaurant because this is belong to hamid karzai the ex president of Afghanistan!!!!

Chef Mike Maucher

Pumpkin appetizer was awesome nice atmosphere and quick service

Cat Roman

Amazing food and delightful service. Highly recommend!

Rohit Rawat

finally got the chance to visit this restaurant. food is really good.

Eric Borlaug

Without any doubt the best Afghan restaurant I’ve been to.

Sriharsha Daparti

Great Afghani food. Loved the ambiance.

André Siqueira

Great surprise this Afghan restaurant in Baltimore. Delicious and great service

Israel Olorundare

This place is awesome. Had the lamb very good

Dimpy Suri

Wonderful afghani cuisine restaurant with really nice ambience!

Harlan Pittell

Make sure you try their tea (the food is also delicious)!

Luke Chenowith

Food was fantastic and service was excellent!

B Bergdale

Food and service were excellent. Awesome experience.

Aayush Sharma

Delicious food, great ambience, amazing service.

Kim S

Food was delicious. Service was pretty quick.

Michael Quasebarth

Amazing food and service....you must go!

David Smallwood

Love this place. Special ice cream is always a treat!

Theresa Hoskins

Very enjoyable evening. Great Food!

Emily Escalante

Consistently delicious, fresh food

Nagy Motosh

Nice place .. quality of food

Matt Balman

Great food and service. Nice environment.

Jenni Matthews

Oh my gosh the food was epic

Steven Schuch

Best food and service in the whole city!

Ross Herman

Fantastic food and service. Authentic dishes from Central Asia.

Wesley Weber

Great chicken, great beef, great food. MAKE A RESERVATION!

Iftekhar Uddin

Excellent Afghani food with a pleasant environment.

larry weidman

Excellent food especially the vegetarian platter.

Marcus Dagan

Exquisite food it's now on my must eat at places

Maria Bagais

It’s just PERFECT .highly recommended

Joe Glenn

Attentive staff, great food.

Evelina Mocci

Love this place.. great atmosphere and food!!

T-Kaijuu

Really great lamb and wide selection of wine

Manena Ngambi

I always enjoy the apricot lamb dish.

Travelling Here

Delicious food!! And lovely service!!

Hussain Mohammed

Delicious food and wonderful service.

Marcie Fontecchio

Bold, unique flavors in beautiful Mt. Vernon.

E A

Great food and nice atmosphere.

tarangit vachhani

Best Afghani food I tasted in US

Nyasha Williams

Delicious Food. Nice Atmosphere

Scott McDaniel

Enjoyable, quality food with exciting flavors

Sven Mueller

Loved the food. Service was pleasant.

D Bell

Exquisite food and super fast service

Dayo Bello

Good food atmosphere and staff.

Ron Alle

Meh. That's all i can say. This place used to be great but it's sort of middle of the road now.

Selena Schreyer

Delicious and just elegant enough for a date!

leslie hardesty

Food and service is consistantly excellent.

DM B (Dave)

Great food. Outstanding service.

Michael Rubinstein

Amazing! The pumpkin dish is great.

khi lynn

Great food and quick service

Gregg Brekke

Great variety of vegetarian dishes!

Maria Ungureanu

A great place with great food .

Lenora Ebule

Loved the lamb and amazing service!

M. Sage

Very good food and fast services !!!

ANA CARDENAS

Great food and nice place

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