John's Afghan Ice Cream — Review by Mark Wiens
Kabul, Afghanistan — Afghan Dessert
Mark Wiens visits John's Afghan Ice Cream in Kabul, run by Ahmed Shah who has been hand-churning batches for over 35 years using only milk, sugar, and cardamom. The ice cream is topped with thick kaymak clotted cream and crushed almonds, creating a refreshing dessert with an intense floral cardamom flavor and creamy texture that delighted the reviewer.
What was great: The handmade quality with only three ingredients, the creamy texture from kaymak clotted cream, strong cardamom flavor, the artisanal hand-churning process, and the refreshing sorbet-like quality with crushed almonds on top
What could improve: Nothing mentioned
The Dishes
The star of this visit is John's signature handmade Afghan ice cream, crafted with a remarkably simple recipe containing only three ingredients: milk, sugar, and cardamom. The cardamom flavor is prominently featured and described as having an almost floral quality that makes it unique. When served, Ahmed Shah scoops a generous bowl of the ice cream and crowns it with a spoonful of kaymak, which is described as the thickest clotted cream imaginable. The dish is finished with a sprinkle of crushed almonds that add texture and richness to the creation.
The Experience
The experience centers around witnessing the dedication and craftsmanship of Ahmed Shah, who has been making this ice cream for 35 years. The most impressive aspect is his commitment to hand-churning every single batch for over 2 hours, demonstrating the traditional method of ice cream production. The process itself is part of the charm and appeal of visiting this establishment, showing genuine artisanal dedication to the craft.
Value & Pricing
No specific pricing information is mentioned in the transcript, though the handmade nature and labor-intensive process of hand-churning for over 2 hours suggests this is a premium product.
Notable Moments
You can actually smell the creaminess of it.
It eats more like a sorbet but with the insane creaminess of the kaymak and the cardamom taste is so strong, it's almost floral.
On first bite, it completely refreshes you and makes you smile.
The Verdict
John's Afghan Ice Cream is a must-visit destination for anyone in Kabul seeking an authentic, artisanal dessert experience. This establishment represents traditional Afghan ice cream making at its finest, with Ahmed Shah's 35 years of experience evident in every spoonful. The combination of the delicate cardamom-infused ice cream, luxurious kaymak topping, and crunchy almonds creates an unforgettable treat that immediately refreshes and delights. This is perfect for travelers and food enthusiasts looking to experience genuine Afghan culinary traditions.