Pix From Balkh Shish Kabab House

"Lamb shing" peaks out furtively from under its camouflage of raisins and shredded carrots

This week, Counter Culture takes the N train to Astoria's Balkh Shish Kabab House, named after a region in north central Afghanistan right next to the Uzbekistan border, where a version of Persian is the predominent language. Though the menu is meaty, there are a suprising number of vegetarian choices. Some of the best meat dishes are braised rather than barbecued.

more food pix from Balkh after the jump

Delicate scallion-stuffed dumplings arrive laked in plain tomato sauce and herbed yogurt (click to consume)

For lovers of flame-grilled meats, lamb chops are the ticket

A stewed quail looks up quizzically from its platter

Gulpi is a lovely cauliflower stew that shows the Persian underpinnings of Afghani cuisine