“In Afghanistan, when someone opens a new store or anything, they name it ‘Ariana’ because it’s an ancient name in their history,” he says.
The small store fits four tables, and customers are immediately welcomed in as family by Sohail or Rahman at the counter. Sohail says they enjoy introducing their culture to a place that has met their family with open arms. Lower Greenville hosts a wide variety of cuisines, but Ariana was the first to bring traditional Afghan dishes to the table, Sadia says.
Introducing her culture was the goal for Ariana, she says, and the restaurant has been embraced by the Dallas community.
It certainly helps that the menu features a range of dishes, served hot and fast by Sadia herself. For an appetizer, Mantu (dumplings full of ground beef, $7.99) remains popular with customers. To follow, the entrees Koobideh Kabab and Chapli Kabab ($14.99 for each) both balance delicious flavor with spice. Don’t forget to add a side of Kabuli Pulao ($12.99-$17.99), Afghanistan’s national dish, to your meal to taste the tender bites of lamb mixed into rice with raisins and carrots.