Maryam Akhoni may be new to the restaurant business, but years of cooking traditional Afghan recipes, rich and complex in flavours, has made her a connoisseur of the cuisine.
Her first restaurant, Afghan Kitchen, on Thomas Steet, has quickly grown a fan following since its opening in September, making it a popular lunch spot for office and retail workers nearby.
Ms Akhoni has spent most of her life in Dandenong since leaving Afghanistan 22 years ago. When the time came to open her own restaurant (after years of persuasion from her husband, Fazlul Hadi Akhoni, friends and family), there was no better place than Dandenong’s very own Afghan cultural precinct.
Afghan Kitchen has been such a hit that Ms Akhoni has received requests from customers to franchise the restaurant. One patron enjoyed his meal so much he offered to pay $3000.
“It feels very special seeing customers returning three or four times a week,” Ms Akhoni said.
She and her husband also provide for their community through food drives and her local mosque, further evidence cooking has always been her passion.
The restaurant’s most popular dishes include the spiced chapli kabab and fragrant lamb and rice dish, Uzbek pulao. Ms and Mr Akhoni cook all the food and a small team of helpers assist with preparation and cleaning up.
“My passion for cooking made the challenges of starting a food business more fulfilling. But without the support of my family, friends and the Council, it would have been next to impossible,” Ms Akhoni said.
“Anyone can achieve anything they set their mind to. You can go from zero to hero like us.”
Afghan Kitchen
Location: 247 Thomas St, Dandenong
Phone: 9867 1794
