Aryana Afghan Cuisine
Experience the rich flavors of Afghanistan at Aryana, a family-run gem offering home-cooked meals with fresh ingredients and traditional spices.
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Aryana Afghan Cuisine
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience the rich flavors of Afghanistan at Aryana, a family-run gem offering home-cooked meals with fresh ingredients and traditional spices.
"Delicious, wonderful, you should eat here. Demolished my lunch."
Embrace the Lunch Special
Opt for the cafeteria-style lunch plates for a surprising and delicious combination of dishes.
Plan for Plenty of Food
Generous portions mean you might not finish everything, so come hungry and ready to share.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
Afghan
Price
Mid-range
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Authentic Afghan Ambiance
Experience a unique dining setting where you can remove your shoes and relax on comfy pillows.
Flavorful Lamb and Beef Kabobs
Savor tender, juicy lamb and beef kabobs, a must-try signature dish paired with Kabuli Palau rice.
Freshly Baked Naan
Indulge in huge, freshly made-to-order Naan bread that's perfect for scooping up flavorful dishes.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Menu
Most Popular Items
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Embrace the Lunch Special
Opt for the cafeteria-style lunch plates for a surprising and delicious combination of dishes.
Plan for Plenty of Food
Generous portions mean you might not finish everything, so come hungry and ready to share.
Try the Cardamom Tea
Don't miss the refreshing cardamom tea, available hot or cold, it's a perfect accompaniment.
Visit During Off-Peak Hours
To avoid potential wait times, consider visiting during less busy periods.
Tips
from all over the internet
Embrace the Lunch Special
Opt for the cafeteria-style lunch plates for a surprising and delicious combination of dishes.
Plan for Plenty of Food
Generous portions mean you might not finish everything, so come hungry and ready to share.
Try the Cardamom Tea
Don't miss the refreshing cardamom tea, available hot or cold, it's a perfect accompaniment.
Visit During Off-Peak Hours
To avoid potential wait times, consider visiting during less busy periods.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Aryana Afghan Cuisine is lauded for its authentic and flavorful dishes, particularly the tender kabobs and generous portions of freshly baked naan. Diners appreciate the unique, relaxed atmosphere where they can dine on comfortable pillows. While the food consistently receives high praise, some reviews mention occasional service inconsistencies or menu item availability issues.
"This place was delicious and has an amazing atmosphere located downtown, but slightly off the beaten path. We went in on a Saturday night and didn't have to wait for a table.... And was able to get the best seat in the house. You can remove your shoes and sit on comfy pillows. What luck!"
Amber Aldridge
"From the moment you walk in, the smells and decor feel authentic, and I knew it would be good food. The restaurant was very clean, good crowd but open seats at 7pm on a Friday night. The menu makes it easy to choose from appetizers, dinners, deserts, and drinks. We picked kabob plates, i had the lamb kabob ($24), the mantoo appetizer, Naan bread, and baklava desert with chi tea. Everything tasted so good, tender, juicy meat, hot fresh bread, and overall very good. Friendly staff, no rush, it seems so take your time and enjoy the experience."
Rob Lachance
"Having never tried Afghan cuisine before, I asked the young female server that I wanted to have a traditional Afghan meal, as if I was in the country. I asked her, "What are the most popular dishes that Afghans typically eat?" And with that, I ordered all of her recommendations. You have to start off with the most popular of all their foods, Naan. This bread is HUGE but tastes so good! I didn't finish it because I wanted to save room for the rest. I also ordered as a starter the Bulani. So tasty, esp with the spicy dipping sauce that came with it. For our entrees, I ordered the Mantoo and my wife ordered the three lamb skewer. We also ordered a side of rice and yogurt. We both tried each other's entree and they were excellent! The lamb was so tender it just fell apart. The Mantoo and the rice were great as well. The yogurt isn't like the typical yogurt we are familiar with, it's more like a sweet milk. It is that watery, but it was delicious! I also ordered the Chai Sabz hot tea. That was the best hot tea I've ever had! My wife loved the rosewater with basil seeds. We also ordered the Ferni for dessert.
While I didn't have any issues at all with the food, the service could have been better. Our server forgot the order of yogurt and the dessert. Then it turns out that we were never told they didn't have the Ferni until I reminded her that we ordered dessert. They did give us a complimentary Baghlawa for dessert instead. Even so, when it came to ask for the check, we couldn't get the attention of our server, so we just left our table and paid at the front. I know she was trying her best and she was constantly busy. They need more help with servers (they are aware of their staffing issues and even apologized for them), but I would definitely go back again the next time I am in town!"
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What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
The Lamb and Beef Kabobs with Kabuli Palau Rice are highly recommended. The fresh Naan bread is also a must-try.
Yes, the restaurant offers dedicated vegan and vegetarian options, with different dishes and fresh combinations cooked daily.
The restaurant offers a relaxed and intimate setting where guests can remove their shoes and sit on comfy pillows.
Yes, lunch is often served cafeteria-style with meat or vegetarian plates, offering a diverse and tasty meal.
Reservations are not explicitly mentioned as required, but it's advised to visit during off-peak hours to avoid wait times.
Cardamom tea is a popular and refreshing choice, available both hot and cold.
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Greenville's first and only Afghan restaurant, Aryana has been serving the community for more than 20 years with recipes passed down from owner Nelofar Mayar's family. Aryana's focus is on fresh, healthy ingredients enhanced by a mouthwatering, eye-popping blend of spices. You'll want to speed your way to wherever you're heading to chow down, but we implore you to abide by all road laws so you can safely get to a non-moving venue where you can truly enjoy the treasure you've just secured.
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If you’re looking for a great place to eat, Aryana Afghan Cuisine is one of the best places to visit in Greenville!. Located in the heart of downtown Greenville, Chef Nelofar Mayar capitalizes on the very best recipes handed down through the generations in her family. This cafeteria style cheap eat restaurant offers meat or vegetarian and vegan options, with different dishes and fresh combinations cooked every day!
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For more than 20 years, Chef Nelofar Mayar has been preparing healthy, home cooked Afghan meals with the recipes passed down from her family. At Aryana, they source fresh ingredients and pair them with traditional spices and flavors. As a result, each dish is an opportunity to experience classics and delicacies in new and exciting ways.
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Style: A small, no-frills lunch eatery serving authentic Afghan dishes prepared by owner, Nelo Mayar, an Afghanistan immigrant with a stop in Germany. Our favorite dishes:. Tuesday through Friday (11:30am to 3pm) the restaurant offers a large plate with two proteins, two starches, and two vegetables.
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Other spots to bookmark: Coral Greenville (upscale seafood), Aryana Afghan Cuisine (authentic Afghan and vegan food), Jianna (Italian fare and oysters), Soby’s (upscale Southern cuisine), Southern Pressed Juicery (smoothies and acai bowls) and Rise Bakery (artisan pastries and sourdough).
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Owner Nelo Mayar brings tasty Afghan food to Greenville lunchers with daily plates that include a vegetarian/vegan and meat options. Plates include a selection of whatever rice, veggies and proteins she has cooked that day. No day is the same, but whatever is served is always delicious.
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Aryana Afghan Cuisine is located on East Coffee Street in downtown Greenville and utilizes local ingredients for the menu. The chef, Nelofar Mayar, uses recipes passed down in her family for a traditional and quality eating experience. You can get gift cards in person.
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When I was living in the downtown area, this place was just a quick five to ten minutes walk away. The owner would usually be there to pleasantly greet us. My wife and I had never tried Afghan food before and we enjoyed the flavors we tasted.
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Today, we embark on an epicurean journey through the top 3 ethnic eateries in Greenville: Aryana Afghan Cuisine, Asada, and The Pita House. Pack your appetite, dear reader, as we dive into the flavorsome world of these culinary gems.
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Coffee St. | Aryana has a designated vegan and vegetarian section on the menu for lunch and dinner. Plus, there are a few offerings you can make vegetarian by removing an item.
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- Rating: 4.6/5 (130 reviews)- Price level: $$- Address: 210 East Coffee St. Greenville, South Carolina - Categories: Afghan, Desserts- Read more on Yelp
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Aryana Afghan Cuisine —”excellent, quick service,” and “refreshing beverages.” They also have a great patio and offer vegan and gluten-free meals.
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