Name: De Afghanan Kabob House
Where: Berkeley (University and San Pablo)
Type of Food: Afghan
Price: $5-15/entree
More Info: www.deafghanan.net

We had a few “D” options to choose from, but we decided to venture down the road less traveled: Afghan food. What IS Afghan food? If the meal we had was any indication, it is a cuisine that favors spice—but not necessarily heat—and likes to toe the line between sweet and savory.

De Afghanan is a cozy little place with a cheery owner who is glad to offer suggestions to new customers. Try the bolani kadoo, a sweet/savory flatbread reminiscent of a pumpkin quesadilla served with yogurt and chili sauces. We also had the mantu, dumplings stuffed with leeks and seasoned ground beef with an oregano meat sauce; the lamb kabob; plus, orange barley tea while we waited for our takeout. They all hit the spot on a rainy day, making our first experience with Afghan food a good one.