#afghan-cuisine

#afghan-cuisine

The westernmost outpost in the Masroor family's budding hospitality empire - which includes the flagship Afghan Bistro in neighboring Springfield, Bistro Aracosia in D.C.'s Palisades neighborhood and breakout newcomer Afghania in Georgetown - immediately whisks Sietsema away to eastern Afghanistan. "You'll want sambosa, juicy ground beef and lentils in sheer pastry dusted with powdered sugar and cardamom," he writes of the homespun treat that chef and co-founder Sofia Masroor says she grew up eating "in Kabul with tea."

Sadat and his chef, Sami Khwaja, decided to import spices directly from Afghanistan. With these spices, the aromatic flavors came to life, solidifying Sadat's desire to open Mazza.

At $22, the multi-course 'Chaikhana breakfast' is an affordable luxury. First, a steaming cup of milky Afghan chai arrives, followed by a tray of traditional breakfast elements that includes rich kaymak, honey, and a beef-filled Uzbek samosa, plus fresh naan. Finally, a sizzling cast-iron skillet of soft-scrambled eggs with tomatoes and spices is served, which feels more like a home-cooked meal than a restaurant dish.