The Helmand RestaurantPleasantly SurprisedWe were pleasently surprised how much we enjoyed the resturant. The food, service and ambiance was so great we talked about it all the way back home. We love to discover new places that we haven't tried in the city. The food was delicious and not too spicy.6/8/2013 12:00:00 AMHelmandFood always exceeds expectations but it is a bit overpriced.6/7/2013 12:00:00 AMThis is a great great placeThis is a great great place - food excellent, well prepared a good selection. Service very timely and efficient. Just a very enjoyable dining experience. Staff did not rush us.6/7/2013 12:00:00 AMFabulous food and great serviceMy son and I had been to The Helmand before, but the rest of the family were newbies and all of them were skeptical. Every single one of them is now a believer! Everything we tried was delicious and even my very picky daughters enjoyed some kebabs. Our server was very nice and appropriately attentive. We got to chat with him a bit about Afghanistan and the whole experience was just fantastic. I highly recommend The Helmand. P.S. Some of the flavor combinations sound really odd when you read about them on the menu, but be brave. Your taste buds will thank you.6/4/2013 12:00:00 AMThe Helmand NEVER DisappointsI've been going to the Helmand for years, until my move away from Baltimore a few years ago. When I was returning for a work meeting and needing a place to bring other out-of-towners, this was my first choice. We dined family style, which worked great for our group of 10 (we made a reservation for this size, of course). Everyone had a great time. They made special versions of the dishes for our vegetarian friend. The service was great. The only downside was the difficulty getting separate bills for us to take with us back to work for reimbursement.6/3/2013 12:00:00 AMConsistently WonderfulWe have been coming to The Helmand for years and the food and service are always wonderful. And, the cuisine is like none other. It's just delicious! Everyone should try this restaurant.5/31/2013 12:00:00 AMfirst experience with Afghanfirst experience with Afghan food and really enjoyed it. great atmosphere at the Helmand, wonderful service. eager to try more things on the menu!5/25/2013 12:00:00 AMyou must save room for dessertThe food is good, but cardamon ice cream with dried fruit in it was outstanding. Also the custard dessert topped with fruit was delicious.5/25/2013 12:00:00 AMdeliciouseverything on the menu was good--we all tried something different---and all plates went back empty--that is a good sign
we also like that it is convenient to the Meyerhoff Symphony Hall as there are not many good restaurants in the area5/23/2013 12:00:00 AMFood was good but the retaurantFood was good but the retaurant was noisy, busy, and service was rushed.5/20/2013 12:00:00 AMFavorite Baltimore restaurantThird visit to this charming place.
Great roasted pumpkin appetizer.
Delicious aushuk.
Wonderful dessert.
Highly recommend!5/20/2013 12:00:00 AMFlavors Divine!My husband and I went to the Helmand for the first time for a 5pm dinner before a concert. We ordered all vegetarian items, and each one was distinctive for quality of ingredients, preparation and taste. (Note: yogurt is used to accent many dishes; vegans can request it to be omitted). The pumpkin and the fried eggplant appetizers were heavenly, and the Aush (vegetable/noodle soup) was delicious. My husband had the vegetarian platter--I don't know how anyone can make turnips taste so good--and I had the vegetarian Aushak, which is leek ravioli with a yellow split pea and carrot sauce. The ravioli were the most tender I've tasted outside of Little Italy in NY! The decor is simple but elegant. We can't wait to go back!5/18/2013 12:00:00 AMMy wife and I took anotherMy wife and I took another couple to Helmand to celebrate a birthday. I had been to Heland before but this was the first time for my wife and the couple. We are from the West Indies so we are accustom to food that is well seasoned. The service was excellent and our waitress was very helpful with recommendations and tips on how the various dishes were prepared. Our appetizers (Kaddo Borwani, Mantwo) and dinners were excellent. I ordered the Kabuli. The deserts were okay. We loved the Afghan ice cream but did not like the Feerney too much.5/15/2013 12:00:00 AMVery good food and friendlyVery good food and friendly service at a reasonable price.5/14/2013 12:00:00 AMI would go here again. UniqueI would go here again. Unique food, much better than any chain restaurant.5/12/2013 12:00:00 AMFabulous Meal at HelmandThe food was delicious as always! My only reservation is that it was difficult to hear conversation at the table5/11/2013 12:00:00 AMIn Awe of Afghan Cuisine!It never crossed my mind to try Afghan cuisine, but after joining a friend last month for dinner at the Helmand, I've been looking for a reason to return. My husband and I tried 4 different appetizers and each had a main dish. My favorite is the leek raviolis with meat sauce. I might have to order that as a main dish next time. The Helmand is a must go!5/11/2013 12:00:00 AMThis restaurant is alwaysThis restaurant is always excellent and the food is wonderful. We never take guests to the Inner Harbor, but to Helmand.5/11/2013 12:00:00 AMgreat experienceWonderful experience. Great food and nice service. Brought work group here, with a 3 yr old child, high chair provided by restaurant. Would definitely recommend5/10/2013 12:00:00 AMGood valueAn excellent meal with really interesting Afghan dishes and not at all expensive. Really good value.5/10/2013 12:00:00 AMdinner on SundayWe arrived slightly early for a birthday dinner, table for 8 and our table was ready. Waitstaff were helpful and remembered exactly what we ordered. Diners ranged in age from 18 to 89 and we all found something we enjoyed. Plenty of interesting flavors and foods to eat, especially enjoyed the lamb specialities.5/5/2013 12:00:00 AMDinner at the HelmandFood is wonderful, flavorful, delicious. Sevice is very good.5/3/2013 12:00:00 AMNever disappoints!I brought my sister and out-of-town guest to The Helmand for dinner. They had never been before, although I have. We went on a Monday night, so we were seated right away, and the restaurant wasn't too crowded. Everyone *loved* their food, and we also appreciated the leisurely (but not careless) pace of the service. I would definitely recommend The Helmand to everyone!4/30/2013 12:00:00 AMWe are NEVER disappointedWe are NEVER disappointed with Helmand. Although we live about 45 minutes away, we travel into Baltimore every few months, and many of those times we choose dinner at Helmand. This past Saturday we tried the newest special, and it was sublime! Everything was delicious, as always.4/27/2013 12:00:00 AMI haven't been here in yearsI haven't been here in years but as always great food, service and prices.4/24/2013 12:00:00 AMLiked it! Compared to otherLiked it! Compared to other afghan restaurants I've tried -- portions smaller, but nicer decor, more interesting flavors, a bit understaffed.4/23/2013 12:00:00 AMInteresting little restaurant,Interesting little restaurant, must recommend their pumpkin appetizer, should not be missed at the Helmand. Food was good, portions were just right and service good.4/21/2013 12:00:00 AMLovely ambience and greatLovely ambience and great service. Always a favorite!4/20/2013 12:00:00 AMSome of the best afghan foodSome of the best afghan food in the country. But way way to busy that the service is really poor :(
Shame. I wish the place had remained small.4/20/2013 12:00:00 AMFood was great and came outFood was great and came out quickly while the server took a while to serve us. Would recommend it.4/14/2013 12:00:00 AMwonderful menu, especiallywonderful menu, especially for vegetarians. friendly, knowledgeable waitstaff.4/12/2013 12:00:00 AMI find Helmand energizingI find Helmand energizing and fun, however if you want to talk amongst people you haven't seen for awhile, it was far too noisy at prime dinner time. Maybe later in the evening would have been a little quieter.4/12/2013 12:00:00 AMAbsolutely loved the lambAbsolutely loved the lamb kabob and pumpkin. Also the eggplant appetizer. Took a relative from out-of-town and she just raved about it. Very crowded on Saturday night. Be sure and make a reservation. But you just can't beat the food. Everything is outstanding!4/6/2013 12:00:00 AMThis was our first experienceThis was our first experience with Afghan cuisine and it was nothing short of delicious. I kept it simple and got the beef salad, but even though it was just a salad, the layers of flavor made it something special. My fellow diner's food (one of the specials) was also delicious and exceeded our expectations. Great for late night dining!4/6/2013 12:00:00 AMExcellent food, reasonableExcellent food, reasonable price, excellent service4/6/2013 12:00:00 AMOld FavoriteThe Helmand is an old favorite that never disappoints. I always have a terrible time deciding what to get because it's all so good. The cilantro/vinegar sauce that is served with the meals (or usually is with whatever I order, don't know if it comes with everything)is addictive. Just that and rice and I'd be happy. I usually get chicken and it is always cooked perfectly and never dry. I'll keep coming back.4/6/2013 12:00:00 AMTables too close togetherTables too close together and noise way too loud.
No fun to have to shout across a small table to be heard!4/6/2013 12:00:00 AMThe Helmand never disappoints!The Helmand never disappoints! The food is always fantastic and the service outstanding. I highly recommend!4/6/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat food! My friend andGreat food! My friend and I shared an appetizer, two entrees, and a dessert. The appetizer was a stewed eggplant appetizer with yogurt sauce and was delicious. We ate it with some Afghan naan. We chose two lamb entrees- one was the lamb sheekh kabob, the other was a boneless lamb cooked with tomatoes and onions. Both were served with rice pilaf. The kabobs were seasoned and spiced perfectly, and were not dry. The lamb in the other dish was flavorful and succulent. The rice was delicious. Did not particularly like the raspberry afghan pastries and that is why I am giving this place 4 stars instead of 5. Great ambience! Check it out!4/2/2013 12:00:00 AMA Monday night is much nicerA Monday night is much nicer than a very packed Saturday night in the winter!4/1/2013 12:00:00 AMMade reservation through OpenTableMade reservation through OpenTable and were seated on-time. Service was excellent and the food was delicious! Will definitely be dining there again!3/30/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat balance of familiarGreat balance of familiar and exotic.
Helpful staff answers questions about unfamiliar items.3/30/2013 12:00:00 AMThe Helmand offers deliciousThe Helmand offers delicious food in a very cozy dining experience. The service is overwhelmingly friendly and helpful, but can I just reiterate that the food is absolutely amazing??? The prices are absolutely worth coming here again and again to experience their cuisine.3/29/2013 12:00:00 AMOutstanding every time! TheOutstanding every time! The pumkin dishes and any of the lawland keep me coming back for more!!3/28/2013 12:00:00 AMIf you enjoy exotic dishes,If you enjoy exotic dishes, this restaurant is for you! There is a generous assortment of vegetarian options, as well as traditional meat and lamb dishes. The mantwo, a dumpling filled with beef and onions and served with a yogurt and meat sauce, was a favorite of my group, as were the lamb kabobs. The ambiance, with Afghan music and decoration, was perfectly suited to the menu. A restaurant worth visiting many times, if only so you can try all the different, delicious recipes!3/25/2013 12:00:00 AMA wonderful treat. The foodA wonderful treat. The food is awesome and the service is five stars. Great menu. Romantic.3/25/2013 12:00:00 AMI have never had cuisine fromI have never had cuisine from Afghanistan, but it was tasty. Similar to Indian food, but with less creamy sauces. I chose to go there because my mother and sister are vegetarians and they have a TON of veggie options. I got the lamb while it was a small portion, it was good. We got there early and the service was very good, but when it got very busy (and it did!) we were forgotten for awhile. But overall, it was a very good experience and the food was great!3/24/2013 12:00:00 AMEvery aspect of the meal wasEvery aspect of the meal was wonderful. My only wish was that the restaurant wasn't so noisy. It's hard to hear across the table.3/24/2013 12:00:00 AMThe Helmand is one of theThe Helmand is one of the most consistently fine restaurants in Baltimore, and the prices are more than reasonable. I am not sure there is a better bargain out there.3/24/2013 12:00:00 AMConsistently good food. NeverConsistently good food. Never had a dinner here that we did not enjoy.3/23/2013 12:00:00 AM