Afghan Horsemen Restaurant

Afghan Horsemen Restaurant - Fairview

Cuisine: Afghan, in case it wasn't obvious

The Down Low: The ambiance of the place is more memorable than the food, but considering how awesome the place is decorated, the chef has tough competition from the interior tent designer for "Horseman of the Year"

Favorite Dish: If the dish-looking battle shield doesn't count, then I'd have to say the lamb shoulder takes my second vote.

Music Pairing: Jason Ross Live In Amsterdam It will make you want to belly dance on the floor cushions.

From a distance it's easy to mistake it for a massage parlor

Unfortunately I do not associate many good things with Afghanistan. I have never had Afghan friends, and the little I do know of the country comes from news coverage on war and refugees. So when some friends in Vancouver suggested Afghan food, I was keen to check it out. One thing I know that can bring the world together is a shared appreciation of good food and music.

Now when you walk into the Afghan Horsemen be prepared to lose your breath for a moment. The place is decorated floor to ceiling, like one of those roadside antique stores. The difference is that at a roadside antique store I dream of stepping on a misplaced toy car and crashing into a couple of overcrowded shelves. At the Afghan Horsemen you can only stop and stare to admire the history, culture and creativity that must represent Afghanistan and is proudly displayed ALL over the walls. One of the most tempting things to do is walk around the room, awkwardly standing in front of another group's table, as you squint at the art and big swords.

"Sorry, I am just staring at the bearded man above you. Don't mind me."

There are two rooms. In one section you sit like a normal Canadian in a chair, and the other section is modeled like one of those Afghan mountain tents that you see in all the movies. Cushions line the walls and there are a couple king size bed sheets spread across the ceiling. Obviously.

I am an Albertan, and we are normally a practical and sensible bunch, so I was leaning towards eating in a familiar, upright position. Otherwise, I would just be tempting fate, because undoubtedly I would eventually be in a maximum comfort, horizontal position and choke on a pakawra. BUT this place is Afghanistan in Vancouver. To be cool you are expected to do everything 2x as progressive. Everyone knows that the average chair uses at least three healthy, innocent trees. So obviously we chose to sit at the floor tables.

I almost felt like a photographer from National Geographic was going to jump out from under the table and snap a picture of me reclining on my tribal cushions.