Authentic Afghan cuisine isn’t easy to find in Orange County. Ever since I tried the incredible dishes at Kor Kitchen in San Luis Obispo, I’ve been on a mission to find Afghan food closer to home. Gratefully, I discovered Chili Chutney Afghan Restaurant in Lake Forest, new to me but serving loyal guests since 2009.
This family-owned restaurant brings the comfort of home-cooked Afghan meals to Southern California, using recipes passed down through generations. Afghan cuisine reflects a rich blend of Persian, Central Asian, and Indian influences, known for its aromatic spices, long-simmered stews, and beautifully balanced flavors.
At Chili Chutney, signature dishes include Qabili Palau, Afghanistan’s national dish made with basmati rice, lamb shank, carrots, and raisins. You can also enjoy Ashak and Mantu, delicate dumplings filled with leeks or beef, topped with yogurt and spiced sauces. Beef Boloni, a crisp stuffed flatbread, is another standout, especially when paired with Doogh, a refreshing yogurt drink blended with mint and salt.
The menu also offers flavorful vegetarian options like Banjan Borani, made with fried eggplant, tomatoes, and peppers, and Kadoo Borani, a sweet and savory pumpkin dish topped with yogurt.
Inside, the colorful lighting and soft Afghani music create a cozy atmosphere for exploring this distinctive cuisine. While you’ll find a few familiar dishes like Caesar salad or burgers for the less adventurous, the real draw is the chance to experience a culinary tradition that is both ancient and comforting.
Whether you are trying Afghan food for the first time or craving the flavors of home, Chili Chutney delivers an authentic and memorable dining experience.
Open Tuesday through Thursday and Sunday: 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. | Friday and Saturday: 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Chili Chutney Afghan Restaurant is at 24301 Muirlands Blvd., Suite A, Lake Forest. (949) 859-1778
The Latest from greer's oc
A Century of Modern Dance at the Musco Center Celebrating Martha Graham
Musco Center for the Arts presents Martha Graham Dance Company on Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2026, at 7:30 p.m.
As part of the global GRAHAM100 celebration, the evening honors 100 years of groundbreaking modern dance with a program that reflects Martha…
CHAGEE Opens at The Shops at Mission Viejo Feb. 6–8
A new teahouse worth knowing about is opening at CHAGEE Modern Teahouse at The Shops at Mission Viejo from Feb. 6–8, 2026, bringing a fresh take on tea to South Orange County.
CHAGEE has its roots in Yunnan, where…
More Nights, More Boots on the Floor at Westwood Coast
Westwood Coast is giving Orange County country fans even more reason to head to Triangle Square. The casual steakhouse and live music spot has added a third night of country line dancing, now welcoming dancers Tuesday through Thursday evenings at…
A Valentine’s Night Inside the Films of Tim Burton and Danny Elfman
Pacific Symphony presents “Danny Elfman’s Music from the Films of Tim Burton” on Feb. 13 and 14 at Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, just in time for Valentine’s Day. The theatrical concert experience invites audiences into the imaginative, slightly…
Follow Greer on Pinterest
from the blog
- 02.02.26 – A Century of Modern Dance at the Musco Center Celebrating Martha Graham
- 02.02.26 – CHAGEE Opens at The Shops at Mission Viejo Feb. 6–8
- 01.30.26 – More Nights, More Boots on the Floor at Westwood Coast
- 01.30.26 – A Valentine’s Night Inside the Films of Tim Burton and Danny Elfman
- 01.30.26 – Bardega Sets Grand Opening Celebration in Laguna Hills
- 01.30.26 – Valentine’s Sweets Worth Sharing at South Coast Plaza
- 01.30.26 – Marelle Santa Monica Sets the Tone for Coastal Dining on Ocean Avenue
- 01.30.26 – Los Angeles Is Having a Moment in 2026
- 01.19.26 – Small-Batch Botanical Wellness for Dogs
- 01.17.26 – THE NOTEBOOK Musical Set for Segerstrom Hall in 2026
- 01.16.26 – A Valentine’s Weekend to Remember in Huntington Beach
- 01.13.26 – An Exciting Career Update
- 01.12.26 – Lunch & Learn at Zov’s Bistro Focuses on Brain Health
- 01.11.26 – Dry January, Done Right at Khan Saab
- 01.08.26 – Strickland’s Ice Cream Celebrates 90 Years and Two Sweet Years in Costa Mesa
- 01.04.26 – THE DAILY HEALING Presents Healing House Lido
- 01.04.26 – Your Business. Our Audience.
- 12.30.25 – Mastro’s Ocean Club Irvine Toasts the New Year With Zero-Proof Style
- 12.26.25 – Holey Moley and Hijinx Hotel Bring Immersive Play to Irvine Spectrum Center
- 12.22.25 – A Thoughtful Holiday Gift for OC Locals
More Daily Doses
- 02.01.26 – Ralph Lauren Brings Shopping and Ralph’s Coffee Together in Newport Beach
- 01.31.26 – Hands-On Science Takes Center Stage in 2026
- 01.31.26 – Napa Rose to Reopen Feb. 6 at Disney’s Grand Californian
- 01.30.26 – Valentine’s Dining at South Coast Plaza
- 01.20.26 – What’s Next at The CAMP
- 01.19.26 – Georgia’s Marks The Wiz at Segerstrom Center With a Special Family Meal
- 01.19.26 – Ignite Dance: 35 Years of Movement in Orange County
- 01.13.26 – Newport Beach Restaurant Week Returns Jan. 15–25
- 01.12.26 – Earlybird Flies Into The LAB With One-Pound Burritos
- 01.08.26 – FACE FOUNDRIÉ Makes Its Southern California Debut in Newport Beach
- 01.04.26 – Parlor Doughnuts Opens 100th Location in Huntington Beach
- 12.21.25 – Phantom: A Perfect Gift Idea
- 12.18.25 – Celebrate the Season at Pendry Newport Beach
- 12.18.25 – Inside Poppy’s, Anaheim’s New Go-To for California Cuisine
- 12.14.25 – Fire & Lights Festival Returns to Newport Dunes
- 12.11.25 – Butcher’s House Marks Four Years With New Fromage Menu
- 12.09.25 – Manolo Blahnik Opens First West Coast Boutique at South Coast Plaza
- 12.09.25 – ClubSport Debuts New High-End Recovery Amenities in Time for the Holiday Season
- 12.04.25 – Festive Holiday Dining at Paseo, Céntrico and Naples in the Downtown Disney District
- 12.03.25 – Celebrate the Holidays at Discovery Cube Orange County
