The Thoughtful Splurge — worth every penny
Authentic Afghan cuisine in East Cambridge. Family-run, flavorful dishes, warm hospitality.
The Maitre d' Recommends
The Vibe
Helmand feels like being welcomed into an Afghan home—warm colors, intricate textiles, and the intoxicating aroma of spices you can't quite name. The intimate Central Square space has been serving Cambridge for decades, and the atmosphere reflects that history: comfortable, unpretentious, and genuinely hospitable.
Comfortable conversation level
Why It's Great
Three Decades of Afghan Hospitality in the Heart of Cambridge
Before "global cuisine" became a buzzword, Helmand was quietly introducing Cambridge to the flavors of Afghanistan. Since 1989, the Karzai family (yes, that family—Hamid Karzai's brother owns the restaurant) has been serving dishes that most Americans had never encountered: kaddo bowrani, aushak, and lamb preparations that make you rethink everything you knew about the meat.
The menu reads like a guided tour through Afghan culinary tradition. Start with kaddo bowrani—pan-fried baby pumpkin with meat sauce and yogurt that balances sweet and savory in ways that seem impossible. Move to aushak, delicate leek-filled dumplings that put any dumpling you've had to shame. The lamb dishes are revelatory—slow-cooked with spices that warm without burning.
What makes Helmand special isn't just the food—it's the education. Servers explain dishes with genuine enthusiasm, guiding newcomers through unfamiliar territory. You leave knowing more than when you arrived. That knowledge makes every subsequent visit richer.
The Central Square location has outlasted countless trends and economic shifts. While restaurants around it open and close, Helmand endures. This longevity isn't accident—it's the result of consistent quality, fair prices, and food that rewards loyalty.
Let the kitchen guide you. The combination plates offer the best introduction to Afghan cuisine, sampling multiple dishes in one meal.
Kaddo Bowrani
Pan-fried baby pumpkin with meat sauce and yogurt—sweet, savory, and unlike anything else
Aushak
Leek-filled dumplings with meat sauce and yogurt—delicate and deeply flavored
Lamb Lawand
Tender lamb with spinach and spices, slow-cooked to perfection
Mourgh Chalow
Chicken breast sautéed with onions and tomatoes, served over basmati rice
Why It's In Our Guide
Helmand has been expanding Cambridge's culinary horizons for over 30 years. The Afghan cuisine is authentic and accessible, the prices are remarkably fair, and the family hospitality feels genuine. It's a Cambridge institution for good reason.
“Helmand has been quietly serving some of Cambridge's most unique food for three decades. It deserves more attention.”
— Boston Globe“If you haven't tried Afghan food, there's no better place to start.”
— Boston MagazineCentral Square regulars guard Helmand like a secret, even as it's been there for 30+ years. The kaddo bowrani converts skeptics into evangelists.
Insider Tips
Weeknight dinners are cozy and relaxed. Weekend reservations are a good idea.
Reservations recommended for weekends but usually available. Walk-ins often work for weeknights.
The main dining room has the warmest atmosphere. Booths offer more privacy.
Start with kaddo bowrani—it's the dish that defines the restaurant. The combination plates are excellent for first-timers.
Street parking on Mass Ave is challenging. The Green Street garage is a few blocks away. Central Square T stop is nearby.
Ratings & Reviews
Based on 1,290 reviews
723 reviews
Updated 2024-12
567 reviews
Updated 2024-12
Frequently Asked Questions
Helmand is excellent for vegetarians. Afghan cuisine includes many vegetable-centric dishes, and the kitchen prepares them with the same care as the meat options. The kaddo bowrani (pumpkin), aushak (leek dumplings), and various vegetable preparations are all outstanding. Let your server know your preferences for recommendations.
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Contact Details
143 First St, Cambridge, MA 02142
Mon-Thu: 5PM-10PM, Fri-Sun: 5PM-11PM
10 min walk from Lechmere
GreenThe academic palate demands both substance and style.
“She was my Rushmore.”
— Herman Blume, on Cambridge dining