As far as food goes, Montreal has it made. This city is filled with endless styles of cuisine from every corner of the world. No matter your taste or dietary needs, Montreal has something just for you. That being said, I’m always on the lookout for new places and last week I found a new favourite: Khyber Pass. This little gem is located in the heart of the Plateau on 506 Duluth Ave. E. . They serve fine Afghan cuisine and you can BYOB. I had previously never tried Afghan cuisine and now their dishes are by far some of my favourites.
The restaurant is named after the mountain range that borders Afghanistan and Pakistan. Khyber Pass has a huge social and geographical significance. This pass historically serves as a major training route across central and south Asia.
Even before entering inside, the restaurant has an unforgettable façade. Khyber Pass outfits a unique asymmetrical dark wood framing with striking white slanted letters. Inside, however, it’s the perfect low lit and cozy atmosphere; it’s perfect for a romantic evening or catching up with some friends. The walls are exposed brick and decorated with beautiful Afghan paintings, maps and decorations.
Khyber Pass serves Pashtun cuisine. Staples of this style include slow cooked and roasted meat, such as lamb and chicken, with side dishes of dried nuts, assorted long grain seasoned rice, salad, tomatoes, spices and yoghurts.
We started our meal with a Mashaba soup which included puréed red lentils, caramelized onions, garlic and sprinkled with turmeric.
For our entrée, we ordered samosas filled with beef, potatoes, coriander and diced tomatoes. This plate also included butternut squash and an eggplant dish called Borani. The eggplant and squash were roasted, had layers of cooked tomatoes and were topped with a light and creamy yoghurt sauce and dressed in dried mint, turmeric, curry and coriander. The Borani was inexplicably hearty and light all at once. A truly delicious meal.
Their dessert was by far my favourite part of this meal. Phirni is Khyber Pass’ homemade rosewater and pistachio pudding. The pudding was so fluffy and creamy while the rosewater cleansed the palate. The Phirni was topped with finely chopped pistachios for just the right amount of crunch.
I highly recommend dining out at Khyber Pass, especially for those looking for an exceptionally delicious experience. The unique atmosphere, sensational meals and economic prices just can’t be beaten.
Treat yourself:
Restaurant Link : https://www.restomontreal.ca/resto/Khyber-Pass/1027/en/menu/