Pomir Grill

July 18 - If I’m being honest, one of my favorite things about myself is my willingness to try just about anything when it comes to food, or to go to any restaurant when offered. This can have a serious toll on my stomach when it doesn’t work out, but when it does, I find new foods and new restaurants that I love. One of my favorite restaurants that I’ve been to in the past few years is Pomir Grill in Worcester, MA. Brenda and I tell everyone about it, so when my mom and Bob were away on one of our scheduled cooking nights, we both immediately thought to go out to eat there instead.

Authentic Afghan food made in a family owned restaurant; this place is SO good. A very small place on Shrewsbury Street, the tables are adorned with white tablecloths, while the room showcases colorful decorations. Each time we’ve gone we’ve had the same waitress, and she’s been so kind and knowledgeable about the food she’s serving.

But the food, wow! Seriously, this place is so delicious. To start, you’re brought naan with three different sauces: one yogurt based, one tomato based, and another combination of coriander and cilantro. I don’t quite know the intricacies of the sauces, but they make all the difference not only on the naan, but with all of the amazing food this place has to offer. For an appetizer we asked for a recommendation, and following it, ordered the Bolani. These were small pastries filled with potato and leeks and were so good that Brenda and I were looking up recipes to make our own before we had even finished them. The pastry was so crisp and flaky, the filling was simple but beautifully flavored, and all three sauces added the perfect flavor combinations. I of course ordered chai as well, and happily sipped at the comforting drink while I picked at all the other food.

Having been there before, we were especially excited about the vegetable sampler plate they offer, but I couldn’t resist ordering Kofta for myself. (Luckily, Brenda ordered the former and shared.). On the sampler, rightfully called the Vegetarian Delight, offers healthy portions of different vegetables, each cooked in some genius way that only a master of Afghan cuisine could achieve. Sweet potato, spinach, beans, a cucumber salad, rice and more, all of them perfectly cooked and layered with spices and sauces that bring them together to make a beautiful and delicious meal. This was the meal that had me wanting to go back to this restaurant, even a year after the first time I’d been.

However, I wanted to try something different, and now I have another food I’m obsessed with. Kofta, described on their menu as meatballs cooked in a plum sauce, sounded too good, and I was not disappointed. The meat was very tender, and the overall flavor was both sweet and savory, and they felt as if they almost melted in my mouth. Alongside the rice, and the veggies Brenda was sharing with me, it was all too good, and I was happy as could be. I didn’t eat my whole meal simply so I could experience the meatballs again the next day.

I’d easily say Pomir Grill is one of my favorite restaurants, and if you’re reading this and happen to stop in Worcester sometime, you should definitely try it out. Brenda and I have gone early on weekdays, and it hasn’t been busy, but you’ll definitely need a reservation on the weekends. Check out their menu here, and seriously, go!

Also, here are recipes I found for Bolani, and for coriander chutney. I’m not sure they could top the ones from the restaurant but try them for yourself!

#restaurants #afghan #pomirgrill #cherrytable