Something different: Afghan food at Sarban in Utrecht
Sushi, a portion of bitterballen on the terrace or a plate of pasta the Spaghetteria; we know it by now. Not that it can't be very nice or tasty, but sometimes you want to try something different. Out of your 'food comfort zone', so to speak. We have now discovered a place in Utrecht where you go once, and afterwards you can say with certainty: I'll be back. What makes you wonder? Well, at it Afghan restaurant Sarban to the Old Canal.
Who, what, where and how? Sarban is a chain of family restaurants founded by the Alizadah family. Started in Tilburg in 2010, followed by the opening of the restaurant in Den Bosch, Utrecht was next and since April 2023 also in The Hague. In the center of Utrecht you have to go down a flight of stairs Old Canal to find a small terrace on the water and a romantic and cozy restaurant in the wharf.
Food is the unifying factor among Afghans. Dinner is the most important meal of the day and should be enjoyed with family and friends. You also get that feeling living room restaurant Sarban in Utrecht. It feels like a warm bath in which the service and chefs want to give you a glimpse into traditional Afghan cuisine. That passion and love for cooking is contagious.
There's a good chance you've never eaten Afghani before. For us it was certainly the very first time at Sarban. At Sarban you will definitely eat a 3-course menu (you won't hear us complaining), and the nice thing is that you can go for a surprise menu, where you are presented with about 60-70% of the menu. You can go for it vegetarian/vegan or 'just' go with meat, but our tip is to try both with your group. Mouth watering guaranteed.
At Sarban they cook as much as possible with organic products and everything is freshly made. Try the homemade fig liqueur, fig whiskey and Sarban coffee while you're there. One thing is certain: you will definitely come back here.
