The Halfghan Chef

CDMX – Mexico City, where have you been my entire life? I know I’m very late to the party here, but why did it take me so long to come to you? Lo siento mucho. You are one of those massive, marvelous missing pieces — or places — that I finally discovered relatively late in life, after having traveled throughout this world. And now, I feel much more fulfilled as a result of experiencing you. Thank you.

What isn’t there to say about CDMX? The history, the people, the warmth, the architecture, the art and museums, the impressive (and heart-wrenching) ruins, the vibrant public spaces, the music, la lucha libre (yes, I took that in as well), the life — and of course, the food. Oh my goodness...

The food is incredible. Few cities offer such culinary deliciousness. One can essentially throw a rock in any direction and hit an eatery — street food, restaurants of all levels, cafés, etc. — that is appealing and goes above and beyond to delight its patrons. I was floored.

There are too many delicious spots to list, and I didn’t even begin to scratch the surface (although my al pastor and overall taco consumption was quite respectable). Needless to say, I’ll be going back — again and often. I suggest you all do the same.

Muchísimas gracias, CDMX. Hasta la próxima vez…

Nowruz Mubarak!

Wishing everyone a very happy new year filled with peace and prosperity!!

It’s been a particularly challenging period, both on the macro and micro levels, so I decided to put together a Haft-Seen (هفت‌سین) (7 “S’s” or ۷ س) table to help usher in the springtime and a joyous Afghan (and Persian) new year.

Here is what our Haft-Seen (هفت‌سین) table features (pictured) and a brief description of what each item represents:

1. Garlic (Seer (سیر)) - Health and healing
2. Apple (⁠Seeb (سیب)) - Beauty and well-being
3. ⁠Sprouting wheat (Sabzeh (سبزه)) - Renewal and growth
4. ⁠Vinegar (Serkeh (سرکه)) - Wisdom and maturity
5. ⁠Wheat germ paste (Samanu (سمنو)) - Affluence and fertility
6. Sumac or Sumagh (سماق) - Dawn and the triumph of good over evil
7. Hyacinth (Sonbol (سنبل)) - Love and affection
8. Coins (Sekeh (سکه)) - Prosperity and wealth

I also went ahead and prepared a Nowruz mashup meal (also pictured). This culinary mashup featured the seafood element of Teriyaki Salmon, as a symbol of life, as well as cumin and dill infused Afghan Challow (long-grain parboiled seasoned rice) and some Tahdig to honor our Persian brothers and sisters who are also celebrating Nowruz today / tomorrow.

Nowruz Mubarak everyone! Hope springs eternal…

Afghan lunch medley on my birthday with a view of the Bay - enjoying these four Afghan classics, kofta korma (meatballs), daal (lentils), challow (cumin-infused rice), and garlic and mint-infused yogurt from my backyard on my first birthday in California since moving back. Been an incredibly challenging year on so many levels to get here and settle in but slowly but surely life renders her generous bounties. Lovin’ it..