News Summary
Aryana Afghan Cuisine has opened its doors in Greenville, SC, offering authentic Afghan dishes that highlight rice, beans, and rich spices. Founded by Nelofar Mayar, the restaurant serves vegan options and a dedicated gluten-free menu, fostering cultural appreciation within the community. Mayar’s journey, which includes a newly published cookbook, reflects her commitment to sharing Afghan culinary traditions. The restaurant is quickly becoming a favorite among locals, contributing to Greenville’s evolving food scene.
Greenville Welcomes Aryana Afghan Cuisine
Greenville, SC, has added a rich cultural flavor to its culinary scene with the opening of Aryana Afghan Cuisine, founded by Nelofar Mayar in 2016. Mayar, originally from Afghanistan, has brought authentic Afghan cuisine to the heart of the city, attracting both locals and visitors with her unique offerings.
A Unique Culinary Journey
Mayar’s path to becoming a restaurant owner was unconventional, given her family background that includes doctors, engineers, and teachers. Initially, she began sharing her passion for Afghan cooking through private cooking classes, eventually branching out to various locations in Greenville. Her experience in teaching allowed her to refine her cooking techniques and understand the nuances of Afghan cuisine before opening her own establishment.
Menu Highlights
Aryana Afghan Cuisine features a set menu complemented by daily rotating specials, including vegan and vegetarian options, and homemade naan. The restaurant’s culinary focus highlights the essential components of Afghan meals, emphasizing rice, beans, vegetables, and a blend of rich spices that create distinctive flavors. The weekday lunch service operates cafeteria-style for diners seeking a quick yet satisfying meal, while the Saturday dinner adheres to a traditional menu setup that includes kebabs, side dishes, appetizers, and desserts.
Accommodations for All Diners
The restaurant strives to be inclusive, offering a dedicated gluten-free menu in addition to a children’s menu that caters to families. This attention to dietary needs enhances the dining experience and allows more guests to partake in the diverse offerings. Aryana Afghan Cuisine has quickly become a gathering spot for families, encouraging them to explore and appreciate Afghan culture through its food.
Cultural Contributions and COVID-19 Challenges
Amid the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, Mayar channeled her experiences into writing a cookbook titled “The Afghan Table.” This book reflects her upbringing in Afghanistan, combining authentic recipes and personal memoirs that provide cultural insights. The writing process took approximately two years, as Mayar aimed to translate her intuitive cooking style into precise measurements for the recipes, which posed a significant challenge but ultimately enriched her connection to her roots.
Community Reception
The reception of Aryana Afghan Cuisine has been overwhelmingly positive, with customers praising the authenticity of the food as well as the warm hospitality provided by Mayar and her staff. The restaurant’s emphasis on an inviting atmosphere and cultural appreciation has established it as a favorite among Greenville residents. With a focus on sustainability, local, and diverse ingredients, the restaurant is a testament to the culinary evolution within the region.
Greenville’s Emerging Food Scene
The opening of Aryana Afghan Cuisine is part of a broader trend in Greenville as the city continues to develop as a thriving food neighborhood. With the recent reopening of several Afghan restaurants, the community is witnessing a revitalization of interest in diverse culinary traditions. Aryana offers a unique opportunity for diners to experience Afghan culture through its vibrant and flavorful dishes, making it a valuable addition to the local gastronomic landscape.
Location and Future Outlook
Aryana Afghan Cuisine is strategically located at 210 E Coffee Street, Greenville, SC, and has successfully integrated itself into the dynamic local culinary scene. With continued interest in Afghan cuisine and the growing popularity of diverse dining options, Mayar’s restaurant is well-positioned for future success within the community.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Greenville’s Affordable Lunch Scene: A Treasure Trove of Tasty Options
Additional Resources
- Greenville Online: Women in Business – Nelofar Mayar
- D Magazine: Afghan Hospitality at Ariana Cuisine
- Kidding Around Greenville: Aryana Afghanistan Cuisine
- Greenville Online: Southern Living’s Best Restaurants in Greenville
- Eater: Best New Restaurants in Greenville
- Wikipedia: Afghan Cuisine
- Google Search: Aryana Afghan Cuisine Greenville SC
- Google Scholar: Ariana Cuisine Greenville
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Afghanistan
- Google News: Greenville Restaurants
Author: STAFF HERE GREENVILLE
The HERE Greenville Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Greenville community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Greenville Our team includes lifelong Greenville residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sales in the Heritage Historic District 17 , Greenville’s textile and railroad heritage 2 , and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Greenville Technical College programs) 27 . Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Greenville Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
