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    The Helmand

    4.2 (807 reviews)
    Closed 5:00 pm - 10:00 PM

    Order The Helmand Takeout or Delivery

    The Helmand Photos

    THE HELMAND ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Classy
    Outdoor seating
    Good for groups

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    Recommended Reviews - The Helmand

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    Vegetarian Platter
    Vy T.

    Walked in without a reservation at an off-hour and the staff were very friendly greeting us, seating us, and servicing us. They kept our water and drinks filled the whole time. The food was well portioned and yummy. We ordered a variety of things which were good, including the zardalu challow and vegetarian platter. Ambiance is great - comfortable seating.

    Vegetarian Sampler- cauliflower & chick peas, eggplant dolma, mushroom lawand and okra with challow rice
    Matt H.

    Really cool spot! Coming into this meal, I didn't totally know what to expect as I've never had Afghan food. I can honestly say I am now a fan! It was restaurant week so we did the price fixed menu and I honestly enjoyed almost all parts of the meal. The pumpkin starter was really unique and good. Could it have used a little bit more flavor for my liking? Yes. However, I still think it was very good. I did the vegetable sampler for the main and genuinely enjoyed every single thing on my plate very unique flavors that I truly enjoyed. I also have to give a moment to the naan that they brought out for the table. We all could not get enough of it. It was truly delicious. The only letdown of this meal was the dessert. It was some pudding that looked like it had kind of been sitting out for a while as it had crusted over on the top, but it wasn't bad just a bit bland. Drinks were great and the wine recommendations from the waiter all were spot on. Service was absolutely impeccable. Staff was very friendly and attentive. Ambience is nothing to write home about. It's honestly a little bit boring in there and I think they could do so much more to capitalize on Afghan decor, but it was by no means bad ambience Overall, this was a great meal that I would come back to and would recommend anyone else do so.

    baklava
    Kiana B.

    The snow made parking a nightmare but so glad I came for their restaurant week deal! There are two dining rooms and my group's table was ready immediately upon entering. I ordered a glass of red wine and knew I was in for a good meal when I watched almost half the bottle drain into my glass. I went with special #2 and tried their well-known pumpkin appetizer, which was actually too sweet for my tastes but still very good. Naan with butter is served to the table, which was perfect for dipping in the rich sauces that came with the entree. The lentil/rice/lamb side that came with the entree's curry and rice was absolutely divine. I could kill a plate of that alone. There was so much food to the entree that I was even able to take leftovers home. The waiter recommended the baklava over the pudding for dessert so I went with that and it was as good as he said. This was truly a 5/5 experience, and I would love to come back to try more of their menu outside of their restaurant week deal!

    Fereny - cardamom eggless pudding
    Sophie B.

    The Helmand is a fantastic spot located in Mt. Vernon! My boyfriend picked here for date night and I'm so glad he did. Neither of us had tried this cuisine before and it was a great experience. Service was good, the place is lovely, and the food is delicious. My only take is that I would skip a cocktail, they seem a bit underwhelming for $12 - I got the sour apple one and it was just OK. A fine sip while we ate but not necessary or anything to write home about. That said, again, the FOOD is why you should make your way to the Helmand. We started with naan (don't skip this) and potato and leek pastries. I noted the actual dish names in the photos, by the way. Both were great. We both enjoyed our dishes - I got a lamb special and my boyfriend got a beef special. Any time I have a chance to try a different style of lamb, I'm going to. The meat was perfectly tender, rice perfectly cooked, and the turnips were yummy. My boyfriend is not a big sweets guy - he insisted I get dessert and he'd have just a bite. I ordered the Fereny, an eggless cardamom pudding served with fruit. Let's just say he took much more than just one bite. It was definitely the highlight of our meal, which is saying a lot for a $6 pudding. Overall, we'll be back!

    Arrt T.

    Nice ambiance in this unassuming spot. Great for a nice date night. Although the two-seaters by the entryway could use more light (as you can see my pics were a bit dim). Tasty food! I don't often eat Afghan food so I'm not familiar with the spice profile. But I enjoy the marinades, the cardamom and nuts and such. Everything went well enough. Dessert was different but tasty. Park on the side street near the monument and take a 2 min walk. Recommended!

    Aushak
    Sherrice C.

    VALENTINES DAY DINNER!! This was our dinner of choice for Valentine's Day. We picked it because the service, food, and vibe are always perfect on a normal night out, so we knew it would be a safe bet for Valentine's Day too. The service that night was amazing. We were ushered to our table, told about the specials, and got a bottle of wine to share right away. Our food came out quickly and the tables were cleared just as fast. I stuck with the classic, which is my favorite, and my boyfriend tried the Valentine's Day special. I hate to admit it but he definitely had the better meal. We finished with cheesecake for dessert and it was perfect.

    Temima N.

    We wanted to try this place since it seemed interesting! We've only had fast casual Afghan food but not upscale Afghan food. It was ok! I liked the appetizers we had which were a pumpkin one and fried dough with leeks. And the dessert which was a cardamom flavored custard was refreshing and not too sweet. I liked the naan too but I wasn't a fan of veggie platter, I thought it would be a good pick to try a little of everything but I wish I had gotten one of the vegetarian entrees instead since the one we go to go (leek ravioli) was a lot better

    Daja E.

    9/17/2025 My first afghan restaurant and on a nice rainy day. I ended up here with help of the timeleft app, was seated as soon as I walked in the door. I started with the AUSHAK and a glass of white wine. Both were great I love how tender the pasta is, the yogurt mixed with the cilantro sauce( they give for the table) by far is the best combo. The naan was thick and such a good touch to soak up all the pasta sauce. Ended up the meal with the afghan style ice cream which had a taste that I was not used to. I loved the fresh fruits and the cardamom in the ice cream had my tastebuds singing. The seating has 2 areas and a nice little bar in the back. I noticed a new customers coming in and requesting single seating which was not a problem for this spot. Our server was very punctual clearing plates, getting refills I just would have loved to hear about the new items and drinks that were on the table before I ordered. Bathroom rating:5/5

    Mantwo
    Ariana T.

    Cozy interior! The service was amazing. Very little wait time between each course. My favorite dish of the night was the Mantwo as my appetizer.

    Afghan Ice Cream Cardamom infused vanilla bean ice cream served with dates, dried figs, and fresh mango

    Good food, nice dining area, attentive service. Great to have appetizer versions of dishes so that we could try more things.

    Vegetarian Aushak
    Jackie A.

    We enjoyed our visit to The Helmand. We have been before but I always forget to post a review. This is one of my favorite places to bring people. It's very vegetarian friendly and has delicious food and wonderful service every time. The place is nicely decorated and gives you a feel for the afghan culture. We had the following dishes: kaddo Borwani (baby pumpkin), vegetarian mantwo, ashsak, and the shornakhod salad. It was all fresh, filling, and light all at the same time. We always have the best time when we come to The Helmand.

    Chemutai S.

    Food was bomb! The food came out pretty quickly, and our waters were always filled. The food came out hot and pretty quick and it was just so flavorful. It's pretty dim inside but still nice inside. Don't skip out on this place, you won't regret it.

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    Food is delicious but WAY over priced! Nice ambiance. Good for a date.

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    Page 8 of 21

    Ask the Community - The Helmand

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    Great place for a Vegan meal and yes they recommend a reservation as it is really busy …read more We ordered the mushroom pasta , the Salmon with pasta , steak dinner and their famous ice cream bread pudding desert . All very delicious. Oleum is one of Baltimore's , fully plant-based restaurants, serving creative, internationally inspired vegan cuisine. Located in the historic Fells Point neighborhood (with previous operations near the Inner Harbor), the independent, locally owned eatery is famous for scratch-made dishes that appeal to both vegans and meat-eaters alike Location & HoursAddress: 701 S. Bond St, Baltimore, MD 21231 (Fells Point)Vibe: An intimate, rustic dining space with a bar, exposed brick, and cozy sidewalk seating. Open for lunch, dinner, and a popular weekend brunch. Operating hours can vary, so check Oleum Vegan Kitchen for the current schedule. The MenuCreated by chef-owner Alisha Adibe, the menu avoids highly processed meat substitutes in favor of fresh, global flavors and scratch-made vegan cheeses and meats. Popular highlights include:Miso Mushroom Bucatini: A fan-favorite pasta fusing Mediterranean flavors with inspiration from the chef's time living in Japan.Artisanal Pizzas: House-made dough topped with ingredients like harissa-marinated mushrooms, tahini, and hummus.Brunch: Highlights include their "strawberries and cream" or cinnamon pancakes, as well as hearty breakfast burritos.Desserts: The tofu-based tiramisu and carrot cake are highly rated . While walk-ins are welcome at the bar, the main dining room is highly sought-after so make a reservation . The menu is 100% dairy-free and meat-free, with various gluten-free options available.

    I'm happy I got a chance to try the food at Oleum. These pics are from two visits. Upon my first…read morevisit, I ordered the kale ceasar salad and a butternut squash soup. 2nd visit was the breakfast burrito. Both times, the service was impeccable at the bar, and while being formally seated. As I'm not a vegan, I do frequent vegan places in hopes of finally transitioning, so I understand flavor profiles and what to expect/not expect. The salad dressing was a bit skimpy and the croutons were extremely hard. I asked for some honey to add to the sauciness of the dressing, which in hindsight, I should have just asked for more dressing. I've had vegan ceasar salad dressing before that somehow mimicked that anchovie-taste, which is what I expected here. For the soup, I had my mouth ready for a sweet savory taste, but instead it was salty savory which altogether changed my viewpoint on how this soup can be made. I asked for chili oil to give it a little pop. Onto the breakfast burrito - a sight to see! I'm not a breakfast burrito girl, but a friend let me taste her leftovers and I thought I HAD to have my own. At first bite, I can say it was a whole YES. My only ask was more seasoning, and to have cooked the tofu down just a bit more so it didn't give the consistency of a runny egg. I asked for sriracha, chili oil and ketchup to seal the deal. I highly suggest offering at least one of these sauces/oil as a free accoutrement, instead of charging per oz. Ambiance is always warm and inviting. The dark wood gives a homelike vibe and the music is on point. I will definitely be back for the breakfast burrito in hopes of more fun sauces on the side!

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    Bodhi Federal Hill - Drunken noodles

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    If you're looking for a great Thai spot, Bodhi is truly 10/10. I have been searching for a Thai…read morerestaurant that really hits the spot for years, and I can honestly say I finally found it. From the moment you walk in, you can tell it's a place people love. great energy, great food, and great staff who make you feel welcomed. We went on a Saturday night and it was packed, which is always a good sign. It was a bit loud, but nothing unbearable or uncomfortable ... you could still enjoy your meal and conversation. The atmosphere felt lively and fun. I ordered the Thai fried rice extra spicy and my goodness, it was incredible. The flavor was rich, perfectly seasoned, and the spice level was exactly what I wanted. You can tell the food is made with care and authenticity. I also ordered the pomegranate martini and it was absolutely amazing. It had the perfect balance of sweet without being overwhelming, especially if you're someone who doesn't love super strong drinks. It was refreshing and paired really well with the meal. Overall, Bodhi is definitely a spot I'll keep coming back to. Great food, great staff, and a great overall experience.

    My sister in-law is from Thailand and she is a great cook, this might be the best Thai restaurant I…read morehave ever been too. Spring rolls were made fresh that day and were full of crunch and flavor. My wife got the chicken Pad veggies, simple but cooked to perfection. I had the duck curry, it is most likely the best curry I have had as well. The atmosphere was great, smaller but intimate, service was also great. If I'm back in Baltimore it's a must revisit.

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    4.2(187 reviews)
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    I came for restaurant week 2026. It is a three-course meal. I left very full, the portions felt…read morevery appropriate! My friend and I shared our dishes. For the appetizer, we got the mushroom toast and miso soup. The mushroom toast was umami and creamy. And the miso soup had an interesting crunch on top, while the base was hearty. I really enjoyed both! For the main course we got the catfish. It was nicely fried and not at all greasy. I regret not getting the lamb instead, since I'm not the biggest fan of white fish. For dessert, we tried the shortbread and a blueberry cake. I forget exactly why it was, but the shortbread was so delectable. There was a nice caramel layer. Our server was very kind! Very attentive and friendly. I was celebrating a birthday, and when she heard that, she asked if we wanted a Polaroid photo to document the moment. It was so cute! Overall ambiance is nice too. It's cozy without feeling small. Although, it was very cold that day and every time someone opened the door, I would feel the wind draft. Maybe a slightly higher indoor temperature would be better. Anyways, I'd definitely come back! Solid food and lovely service. I like that they serve seasonal specials.

    Service was good, but I took a star off because one of the servers took our rolls to box them, but…read moreinstead they disappeared. They were my favorite thing I had. My husband encouraged me to not say anything. The food was good but I just wasn't feeling it last night. The tables were too close together and it was too loud. This was my second visit to Foraged. The first experience was much better. We had no alcohol and our bill came to $167 + tip. I'm thinking for that money, I'd rather go elsewhere

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    SoBo Kitchen & Bar - Thai Curry Mussels

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    4.5(485 reviews)
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    Unfortunately, a bit underwhelming…read more We came in during restaurant week and did the price fix menu. Unfortunately, I don't think that this was a great showcase of the restaurants abilities. For food, I had the Caesar salad to start, which I can honestly say was a decent caesar, nothing to write home about, but no complaints either - think your basic Caesar. For my main I had the crabcake entrée and to be honest it was just not good. The crabcake was beyond dry and the coleslaw and fries were fine but that that's not what I came for. I do have to say that dessert was great, the carrot cake was without any complaints. The only other thing that I had was the seasonal martini on the drink menu and it was so bad that I couldn't take more than one sip. Other people did like their food, but we all left saying that it was not a great meal. In discussing service, the service itself was good. Our waitress was attentive, but kept jumping into our conversation and wasn't dressed totally appropriately for wait staff in my opinion, she was very attentive though. Ambience is interesting here - it feels as though it has no ambience almost. It's just like a bunch of tables in an outdated restaurant with minimal decor. Overall, I will probably not be coming back to Sobo and can't say that I would recommend others do so.

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    The Helmand - afghani - Updated May 2026

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