Afghan Lemar (Smedenstraat 55, 8000 Brugge, België) is located metres from Smedenpoort, the arch on the south-west of the ring canal which surrounds the Old Town of Brugge. It is but a few minutes walk from the bus station.
Opening daily at 14.00, this fits in with Hector’s preferred eating pattern. Having noted the existence of Afghan Lemar on last September’s trip to Brugge, today’s visit became a priority. Indian Tandoori, reviewed in 2024, was found closed in 2025, so no Brugge Curry last year.
Arriving at Afghan Lemar at 14.15, I was invited to sit at one of the smaller tables along the right wall. The menu was already on the table.
Qorma Kofta (€11.00) is why the Hector was here. Karahi Lamb (€35.00), presumably to share, is one for the future, as and when I drag Dr. Stan along. He does not arrive in Brugge until this evening.
First time? – asked Mohammad, Mein Host, when he saw me taking photos of the menu. The story of how he and his son, Navid, came to be in Brugge, is told on the opening pages and is featured below.
One Afghan Naan (€2.00) and two bottles of the delightful Belgian Fanta (€3.00) completed the Order.
During the wait, Mohammad greeted acquaintances, sometimes inside and sometimes outside, on this special day. Ramadan is over, people can eat in the daytime once again. The afternoon closure of Hector’s favourite Glasgow, Southside, venues has curtailed Curry intake in recent weeks.
Open for a year, the décor at Afghan Lemar remains fresh, with scenes of the homeland adorning the walls. Traditional majlis-style seating is available at the rear of the restaurant for those who wish to sit on cushions, instead of at a table.
The wait was not long, Hector being the only diner.
The Afghan Naan was served quartered. Despite the perforations in parts, the Bread had suitably risen. Served at room temperature, this Naan was in the style encountered in my visits to the Middle East.
I would manage all but a scrap.
Qorma Kofta
Four smallish Meatballs sat in a thick Daal. This is not what I was expecting. Simmered in a rich Afghan tomato sauce – is what was written on the menu. Two pieces of Tomato pulp were the only clue that the Masala could have been Tomato-based. The Daal suggested I had two different Dishes in one.
The Masala was well Seasoned, tangy, with a moderate level of Spice. There was just a hint of Yoghurt added here. Afghan food is more about the Flavour of the Spices than trying to create – heat. Here was a markedly different Taste of the Orient than the Hector usually encounters.
The Kofta actually had a wee – kick – which surprised. An earthy Cumin Flavour here, complemented the contrasting Flavours from the Daal-Masala. A couple of specks of the dreaded Capsicum were forgiven when a whole Clove was revealed, followed by a piece of Star Anise.
Whole Spice always confirms the efficacy of any Dish.
This was not the Desi Korma that the Hector craves, but an unusual creation. There might only have been four smallish Meatballs, however, with the abundance of Lentils, this was a filling Dish, and great value.
The Bill
€19.00 (£16.50)
The Aftermath
The presentation of the Calling Card proved its worth. Next time I promised to have the Karahi, a portion for one is on offer at €28.00. Steep, and so I had better find a fellow diner.
Introductions made, there had to be a photo. That this was not my my first Afghan restaurant experience was appreciated when I mentioned to Navid the number of outlets in Antwerpen. He is bemused that they are in a cluster almost on the same street.
Navid led me to the door to take my photo. This then evolved into a video with the Hector introducing himself. Instagram is not a medium I use, so if anyone comes across it, let me know.
On my return indoors, Mohammad offered me Tea, which was graciously declined.
2026 Menu extracts
