LA2DAY REGIONAL FOCUS:  AFGHANISTAN

If you're looking for an out of the ordinary dining experience, head over to Pasadena and follow your nose to Azeen's Afghani Restaurant on Union for some garam, masala, and cardamom aromatherapy. Breathe in and you'll feel better instantly-even if you were good to begin with. Hands down, this is one of Pasadena's best dining destinations.

Start with the Aushak - leek-and-scallion-filled dumplings topped with meat sauce and served with spicy chutney. Next, try the Chef's Combination Platter with Pakawra-e-badenjan - sautéed eggplant, toasty chickpea and ground beef sambosa, and Mantu - steamed meat dumplings with yogurt and vegetables. Also treat your taste buds to the Combination Kabob with lamb and chicken served with brown rice. The Sautéed Butternut squash with Yogurt is a heavenly vegetarian option. Three or four people can easily share two or three dishes for a very satisfying meal.

Afghanistan has a rich culinary history that spans more than 5000 years.  It is mainly influenced by the cuisine of India, Persia and Mongolia.  Afghani dishes include spices common in Indian cooking, marinades from Persia and noodles from Mongolia.  You'll never find a can of anything in an Afghani kitchen.

After reading The Kite Runner and A Thousand Splendid Suns, by Khaled Hosseini, I was haunted by the images of life in Afghanistan.  I was also simultaneously fascinated that a people who endure such unimaginable hardships express so much in their cooking.  It makes sense though, if you have nothing but a few ingredients and lots of time on your hands, you'll come up with some pretty genius recipes.  I was thrilled when I found a restaurant that could satisfy my curiosity and my taste buds.  This is a restaurant you need to try.

Azeen's Afghani Restaurant

110 East Union Street

Pasadena, CA 91103

626.683.3310

Lunch M-F only 11:30-2:00;

Dinner daily 5:30-9:30

www.azeensafghanirestaurant.com