Ritiek Rafi has been in Tucson for 24 years.
Originally from Afghanistan, Rafi, her mother and her sister were accepted as refugees due to the troubles they faced, eventually settling down in Southern Arizona.
Decades later, Rafi, the president of the Tucson Afghan Community, met Enayat Sherzada, who came along with a big group of refugees after the fall of Afghanistan in 2021.
While Rafi helped them with the transition, Sherzada told her about his cooking skills and his passion for opening a restaurant. That’s when Rafi and her business partner, Ahmad Bahaduri, decided it was finally time to open an Afghan eatery in Tucson.
Kabul Corner opened in September at 1800 E. Fort Lowell Road, serving 100% authentic Afghan food and desserts. Half of the building is a restaurant, while the other half serves as a market that sells all kinds of goodies.
Mohammad Abuzeid browses through the aisle of Afghan treats at Kabul Corner.
“I heard from community members that they wanted an Afghan restaurant here. I used to talk a lot with the military people who got deployed to Afghanistan and they also wanted to try the same food here,” Rafi said. “Then when he (Sherzada) came and gave us the idea, me and my partner sat down, talked about it and said OK, it’s time. Let’s do it.”
Rafi remembers there being an Afghan restaurant in Tucson around 2007 and 2008, but it closed down shortly after. Now, she says they are the only local Afghan restaurant, filling a big hole in our culinary scene.
With the help of family and friends, they were able to transform the former Sudanese market into Kabul Corner. Decorations from Afghanistan and Turkey hang on the walls and doorways while the market shelves are filled with all kinds of cookies, nuts, spices, rice and pressure cookers.
Abraham T., left, and Mohammad Abuzeid take a look at the food choices in a case at Kabul Corner on Nov. 8.
While the menu may be on the smaller side, Rafi said they prefer it that way to ensure the quality of the food, only picking the dishes Afghanistan is known for. They also only use Afghan ingredients, fresh vegetables and meat that comes from Halal markets.
“Our food is completely traditional 100% Afghan,” Rafi said. “When he (Sherzada) opens up the pot, oh my God, the smell just kills me,” Rafi said.
Sherzada first learned how to cook when he was around 18 years old. He used to help his uncle in Afghanistan cook for big family gatherings and over time, he developed a passion for cooking.
These days, Sherzada starts working at 8 a.m. He and his two assistants come in and prepare the vegetables. He then cooks the main dishes that need to be ready, such as eggplant and chickpeas. He also cooks the meat, which he marinates the night before so it’s prepared for the next business day.
When it came to learning how to perfectly marinate the chicken and meat for kabobs, Sherzada put in a lot of work, researching the proper ingredients to ensure they stay flavorful and juicy.
“When he marinates them, he does such a good job,” Rafi said. “In a lot of places that I went to try the chicken kabobs, it comes out a little dry. His is so nice, tender and juicy, it just melts my mouth. That's how tasty it is.”
Aside from their kabobs, Kabul Corner also offers dishes like Qabuli Palaw, which is pieces of lamb served with rice, carrots and raisins, and an eggplant dish that is topped with tomato sauce and seasoned yogurt called Banjan Borani.
Rafi said there are even vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options so everyone can enjoy a piece of Afghanistan.
Ritiek Rafi, owner of Kabul Corner, brings out a restaurant sign as she opens for the day at 1800 E. Fort Lowell Road on Nov. 8.
While Sherzada can’t pick his favorite dish (he loves all of them), Rafi said her favorite is the Bolani Gandana, a turnover that is stuffed with different kinds of leeks, spices and herbs.
“I can eat it all day,” Rafi said.
Since opening, Rafi said they’ve heard great feedback from customers who are happy to indulge in the middle eastern cuisine. Whether customers want to try a mouth-watering kabob or pick up some Afghan goodies at the market, Rafi urges all to stop by and try a little taste of Afghanistan.
“All I hear from customers is thank you for opening this restaurant,” Rafi said. “We're so excited and it makes me so happy to work here.”
Kabul Corner is located at 1800 E. Fort Lowell Road. The market is open 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday. The restaurant is open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday.
