Main Bazaar

Across Afghanistan, Bamiyan is known for two things - potatoes and krut. Krut is dried yoghurt made into balls, which can be reconstituted into a sauce, or sucked on as a snack when travelling or working. It's an acquired taste. The potatoes make a pleasant change from rice however, particularly when made into chips.

Bamiyan only has a few restaurants, all along the main bazaar in Shahr-e Nau, and all offering standard chaikhana-fare: kebabs, pulao and shorwa. None stand out over any others; try the Ghulghula Hotel, the Kabul Restaurant or the Sakhi Restaurant. All are 1st-floor affairs, with steps leading up from the street, making window space a good place to watch the world go by.

The restaurants at the Zohak, Bamiyan and Roof of Bamiyan Hotels offer more variety, although you'll need to give advance notice when you want to eat.