Old Favourite, New Digs
In 1974, the Afghan Horsemen, the first Afghan restaurant in Canada, opened its doors on Broadway. Fast forward more than three decades and the eatery is still going strong. In June 2007, it moved to new digs at the entrance of Granville Island, on the second level of a commercial space right behind Starbucks. The new location is bigger at 3,200 square feet. The spacious interiors can hold about 80 guests, and the generous terrace with heated lamps and a quirky giant straw umbrella seats an additional 40. The Afghan Horsemen is family-owned and operated. Come and check it out for the delish food and unique ambiance - you'll be welcomed and treated like family!

Dining, Afghan Style
The Afghan Horsemen remains one of the more unique dining experiences in the city. Afghan food isn’t too common, and you're sure to find dishes to tease and tempt the palate as the fragrant scents of saffron, cumin, cinnamon, and tumeric waft across the room. Some sections are set up with the traditional tables and chairs. But for guests looking for a more authentic experience, try the Afghan rooms. You'll dine sitting cross-legged with low tables and pillows on the floor. Dim lighting, patterned pillows and intricate rugs add to the exotic, even romantic, experience. You can book the rooms for birthday parties. It's like rocking your own semi-private casbah.

Journey for the Taste Buds
The secret to The Afghan Horsemen's decades-long appeal is in its food. Afghani food is similar to Persian cuisine, with dashes of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern inspiration thrown in. The popular Horsemen's Special Platter serves two and includes a selection of appetizers and main dishes, including boneless chicken and lamb shish kebabs, tender lamb shoulder, baked eggplant, baked basmati rice, dolma (cabbage rolls) and pakawra (fried potatoes). There are excellent vegetarian options too: Kabuli palaw, baked rice topped with carrots, raisins and almonds, or the dahl palaw, lentil stew served with rice, spinach and potato. The eatery won Vancouver's Most Memorable Meal Awards for Best Ambiance, Most Romantic, and Best Ethnic Cuisine in 2003.