text: It was my first visit to Montreal so I was quite excited when I discovered this place while conducting some pre trip internet research nnI leapt at the opportunity to try Afghani food as this is not something available in any sense in central Texas That said I will be the first one to question the validity of my assessment nnTo start the place has a streamlined if not limited selection That is not to say that any of it was bad but but I will explain that later The menu basically gives you two prefixe options with the primary difference being the addition of an appetizer nnI decided to go all the way since the price difference seemed negligible and included coffee I started with the Mashaba a warm soup that was perfect for the cold night It was certainly tasty but essentially a pretty standard beef broth and vegetable deal nnAt the servers somewhat unenthusiastic recommendation I went with the Mantoo for my second course I am surprised he was not more excited because the delicate little dumplings with mild yogurt and tomato sauces were really very nice Much better then the seemingly more popular yet comparatively boring Sambossas and probably the best thing I had nnFor the main dish I followed the crowd and ordered the lamb shank with brown basmati and raisins All in all the dish was very tasty the meat well prepared and and the rice not overly salty But somehow it lacked a certain je ne sais quoi I was hoping for in terms of spice nnIn total it was very difficult to decide whether to rate this place as a three or a four The service was efficient but not spectacular and the food was good just not amazing All in all just good