My favourite Afghan dish is Mantu (dumplings), The mantu is a thin square shaped ravioli dough that is filled with meat mixed in onions and spices. The steamed foodstuff then tops it off with tomato sauce and Chaka (thick creamy strained yogurt), giving this dish its unique taste! There’s a specific pattern in which the dough of each dumpling is twisted and closed around the filling. But I like the simple opposite corners technique. Mantu is the tastiest Afghan dish I ever had and everyone should try it once in their lives. It takes a long time to be ready and cooked but I think it is worth it, the taste is more authentic.

Afghan food plays a central role in culture, gatherings and holidays, during the festive time of the year the taste of traditional holiday foods such as Mantu, connects us with familiar memories of family and culture. When we cook Mantu all of us sit together and fill the meat inside the square shaped ravioli dough. While making it, we all have some nice conversations, laughs and it just brings us all together which is really an awesome thing in this busy world. Food plays a very important role in every aspect of our life. Afghans are known around the world for their hospitality towards even complete strangers. We create a spread of delicious food to honour our guests and it's a pleasure for us Afghans to give respect and make someone happy who came to our house and become our guest.

~ Hamasa Ganji