The Afghan American Capital
According to studies by the Harvard Pluralism Project and community scholars, the East Bay city of Fremont holds the largest concentration of Afghan Americans in the United States.
Centered around Fremont Boulevard, Mowry Avenue, and Centerville, this vibrant enclave has developed a food culture where charcoal grills, sesame bread bakeries, and dry fruit purveyors stand side-by-side.
Tandoor Bread at Maiwand Market
The heartbeat of the corridor is Maiwand Market (37235 Fremont Blvd). From early morning, bakers slap elongated dough onto tandoor walls, turning out blistering golden Afghan naan dotted with nigella seeds every few minutes.
Lines often wrap inside the store for warm bread, custom butcher cuts of lamb, and Afghan pantry staples like green raisins, pistachios, and sumac.
De Afghanan Cuisine
De Afghanan Kabob House has achieved legendary status in Northern California. Their chapli kabobs—minced beef patties seasoned with crushed coriander, pomegranate seeds, and fresh chilies—are seared until caramelized on the flat top.