Where East meets West: Ariana’s Kebab & Deli

Pictured above (left to right): Salad, Afghani a nonni (bread), mixed kebab plate, spiced caulifour, Qabili Paulu, kaddo, & gyro with the special sauce.

Many today familiarize Afghanistan with war and poverty. However, it remains a country rich in culture…and flavor. After all, it is situated on the famous “silk road,” which was used as a travel route to buy and sell many different types of goods from a vast number of countries. Afghan cuisine incorporates spices and cooking techniques that are native to the Mediterranean area, China, Persia, and India -lending a unique blend of east and west.

It is rumored that Afghan cuisine came into existence as a result of ancient kings who desired to dine upon the most exquisite foods known to man. They decided to commission the best chefs to create the most tasty and unique dishes from all corners of the ancient world.

Whether fiction or fact, I’m not sure. However, what I can tell you is Afghan food is quite pleasing to the palate. It is not really spicy, nor is it hot. It is mellow, but bursting with a smooth blend of incredible flavors. It’s not Indian, it’s not Chinese, it’s not Pakistani, Turkish, or Greek. It is it’s own. It is Afghan.

Luckily if you’re living in the Central Valley, you don’t have to travel too far to taste one of the greatest cuisines on Earth. Nestled right in the heart of downtown Stockton is Ariana’s Kebab & Deli. The deli opened over a year ago when Edris and Malissa Nasiri got tired of their daily commute to their restaurant in in Dublin, California.

Often times, you will spot Malissa greeting customers with her daughter, Ariana in tow. The deli is a small and casual. It serves a traditional selection of American breakfast and lunch options in addition to traditional Afghan cuisine.

The deli is fairly normal looking through a set of American eyes. It’s only exotic touches are the Afghan dresses displayed on the wall behind the deli counter. Malissa explained one of them was in fact her own wedding dress she wore when she married her husband.

This little gem serves many popular Afghan dishes including the national favorite- Qabili Paulu. The dish consists of tender meat (usually lamb shank) domed under rice that’s mixed with almond slivers, raisins and julienned carrots.

I can absolutely vouch for the the mantwo at this deli. In case you are wondering what mantwo is-it is Afghanistan’s take on a beef ravioli. My advice to you is-don’t skip this doughy goodness. Ariana’s Kabob & Deli dumplings are stuffed with ground meat and topped with a tomato based sauce and finally touched with dollops of a garlic spiked, Greek style yogurt. Nothing is over powering. It kind of just all melds together in your mouth. Your taste buds will thank you.

Another winner is the chicken kabob. It’s juicy and tender. You cannot go wrong with this selection. It is served with rice and traditional Afghan bread. I also recommend the Kaddo with a slight addition, but first let me tell you about kaddo. It is carmelized sugar pumpkin that is

Pictured above is mantwo

cooked in the oven. Once it is tender, it is topped with a yogurt sauce which, serves to curb the sweetness. I prefer it together with the tomato meat sauce. It really just ads that extra touch. For all of you foodies, it is sweet and savory. The unexpected pumpkin dish is stands out and is definitely a must try.

What’s interesting about the food is that Malissa does the bulk of the cooking and she is not Afghan at all. In fact she is of Puerto Rican and Mexican descent. However, her Afghan mother in law has taught her well. This deli gets a huge approval from all of us at Karima Magazine. It is authentically Afghan and incredibly good. This place is Afghan food done right.

HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT ARIANA’S KABOB & DELI…

-Vegetarian friendly

-Stays open from 10am-8pm M-F 12-8PM Sat & closed Sundays

NOW CLOSED until further notice/UPDATED SEPT. 02, 2017

-Child friendly, priced moderate $-$$

-Casual atmosphere, serves teas (including Afghan Chai), coffees, sodas, desserts, Afghan food, & traditional American breakfast & lunch

-Full catering options

-Conference room available on site for lunch meetings

CUSTOMER FAVORITES

Chicken Kabob

Gyros with Ariana’s special sauce

Mantwo

Kado

Ashuk

Beef Kabob

Located at 231 E Weber Ave Stockton, CA 95202.