Dinner at Unaabi Grill - Afghan Restaurant in Cary (Raleigh: organic, live)

[bazers]

It's in an old Pizza Hut but don't let that turn you off. It's not in Cary's "ritsy" area but don't let that keep you away.

We dined at Unaabi Gill for the first time tonight. It won't be our last.

We've traveled the world and have eaten and many different ethnic restaurants but had never eaten Afghan food. We really didn't know what to expect.

Going by the menu and the items that we ordered, I'd say that it has a lot of similarities to Indian, Middle Eastern and Moroccan cuisine.

We ordered Aushak as an appetizer. They are dumplings filled with scallions, herbs and spices, and topped with the tastiest minted yoghurt sauce. The sauce was so divine I asked the waiter for some bread to dip in it so we wouldn't waste any. The waiter said that they make their own yoghurt and everything is made from scratch. All their produce is organic.

I ordered the Chicken Kabuli and it was a heaping dish of chicken with rice with thin strips of carrots, raisins and almonds. It was such a big portion I took about 1/3 of it home.

My wife got the Lamb Korma. It was so tender the lambs was falling apart. Her dish was very savory but not quite as large as mine (it was less expensive).

The entrees are a little on the pricier side but they do come with salads and as I mentioned, everything is made fresh from organic ingredients so you should expect to pay more. Our entrees were $14 and $17.

I also tried the "Dough Yoghurt" - a drink made with their homemade minted yoghurt. You can get it sweet or salty. I got it sweet. Surprisingly tasty and refreshing.

I hope those who enjoy ethnic cuisines will try out Unaabi Grill. I'd love to see a place like this succeed. There are so many other dishes I want to try out...

Apparently it is the first Afghan restaurant in North Carolina.

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[CarolinaCowboy]

It's great to see Cary getting a wider range of places to eat. I for one, am sick of the chain type places and crave some good local mom and pop shop types. I'll give it a try for sure.

[dedratermi]

I live close to this place but I haven't tried it yet, because the menu seems too pricey, and I haven't wanted to risk $40 on a bad meal for 2. But based on this recommendation I'll probably try it. Thanks for posting it.

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[hula]

It sounds delicious! Just one question - is it spicey, mild, or savory?

[adlnc07]

Sounds awesome.. I'm going to hit it up for lunch this weekend!

[bazers]

Originally Posted by hula

It sounds delicious! Just one question - is it spicey, mild, or savory?

What we had was very savory, but not spicy. The waiter did not indicate that any of the dishes were hot (like in some Indian food) so I am guessing there aren't many spicy dishes there. I did see at one of the table they brought out a trio of sauces for their dish. One of those could have been spicy for those who enjoy that kick.

[Charlton Dude]

Originally Posted by CarolinaCowboy

It's great to see Cary getting a wider range of places to eat. I for one, am sick of the chain type places and crave some good local mom and pop shop types. I'll give it a try for sure.

Cary has lots of chains and non chains, just like Durham & Raleigh have chains and non chains. It's amazing how often people think Cary has only chains.

[CaryPrincess]

We have been to Unaabi Grill three times now. The food is really very tasty. We have tried quite a few dishes from the menu and all have always been very good. The food is not spicy or hot but very tasty. Their youghurt sauce is divine and the red and green suaces they bring to the table are really good too. They have a lot of vegeterian options as well. The cusine is close to Indian and Middle Eastern food.
The food is prepared fresh. The owner is very friendly and even offered us Green Tea each time. The tea was very refreshing. Their desserts are good too.
The location is not the best and the prices are bit on the higher side considering its not a downtown type of resturant, but the food and service makes up for it.

[JQ Public]

I've gotta try this place too!

[cary_nc]

My husband loves this place and goes there frequently for lunch.