A beautifully designed family-run Afghan restaurant has opened in a converted railway arch next to Leyton Midland station in east London.
Azra takes its name from the Hazara ethnic group, and founder Waheed Kazemi says he hopes the venture will “change the perception of Afghanistan by incorporating aspects of its traditional heritage, highlighting the educated and progressive nature of the Hazara community.”
“Afghans, we socialise around tea. Azra is inspired by the mehman khanah, the guest room found in Afghan homes where family, friends and visitors are greeted with food and tea.”
Waheed’s own design studio Model Platform has fitted out the 40-seater venue, and he has commissioned crockery from fellow east London artisans. His brother Rohullah and sister Zohra are also part of the Ezra team, with their mother Sakeenah as head chef.
Sakeenah says: “Azra has given me the opportunity to step beyond the walls of my home and connect with the wider community through our food. For me, every meal is a way to preserve our traditions, share our story, and celebrate the resilience of Afghan women. These are the simple freedoms and rights that have been taken from so many women in Afghanistan over the years – and even more so today.”
Azra’s menu is led by a signature kabuli pulao – lamb slow-cooked for eight hours with rice, carrots, raisins, cumin seeds and cardamom. Other highlights include bolani, pan-fried flatbreads stuffed with potato or leeks and served with a fiery sauce; yakhni, a chicken and vegetable stew; sabzi, spinach with red kidney beans; and mantu, steamed dumplings filled with minced beef and onions and served with a yoghurt and tomato lentil sauce. There are also skewers, kofta and kebabs with fragrant rice studded with saffron or orange peel.