In case you need a refresh, the Bib Gourmand distinction is awarded to restaurants that offer multi-course meals at reasonable prices. And while all are unique and the “price” varies from country to country, the standard for quality remains the same.
That’s why every Friday, we’re highlighting our Bib of the Week; where to go, what dish to order, the best time to stop by, and everything in between. So whether it’s the fiery and fresh flavors in a community driven spot at Oakland or the heat packing Thai dishes in Sebastopol, California, our selection of Bib Gourmand spots will leave both you and your wallet satisfied.
From the beautiful Afghan rugs to the heirloom photos on the walls, husband-and-wife duo Zubair and Shamin Popal’s stylish gem gives diners in Washington, D.C. a true taste of Afghanistan. A celebration of their culture and journey, Lapis combines the aromatic spices and flavors of Afghan cuisine with family recipes. So come hungry, because once you set foot in this warm and layered spot, hits like lamb chops with cardamom-scented rice and split pea soup await.
But don’t take our word for it, check out what our Inspectors had to say here, and below, learn from the team on what you need to know before you go.
What is the dish to order at Lapis?
This is one of the fiercest debates in our family, and we will each fight to the grave on what is best. I recommend Qabuli Palow, the national dish of Afghanistan and a quintessential part of our cuisine and culture.
My recipe for Qabuli Palow has been handed down and generations, with each of us making our own refinements to spice ratios and technique to perfect it. In our version at Lapis, the perfect blend of black cumin, cardamom, and cinnamon in our signature rice with julienned carrots and raisins enhances the taste of the tender lamb (or roasted vegetables for a vegetarian version) served atop it.
What price range can customers expect at Lapis?
$20 - $35.
When is the best time to stop by?
There’s no bad time to come. Guests can enjoy a low-key yet elegant lunch or brunch on our beautiful patio or in the dining room with high ceilings and natural light, or have a more romantic evening at dinner by the soft flicker of candle light. Pro tip: guests who come for dinner can enjoy alcoholic and non-alcoholic cocktails downstairs in our speakeasy-style bar Lapop before their meal.
What was the idea behind Lapis?
Lapis is an effort of love to honor our heritage and share our culture with the community that warmly embraced us when our family came to D.C. after fleeing Afghanistan during the Soviet invasion. It’s an extension of our home, from the family photos on the walls to the recipes handed down for generations to the warm hospitality our service team extends to guests to the smallest design details to create a snapshot of our country.
When you enter Lapis, you become a guest in our home. It’s not simply a place for a meal; it’s our way to share the rich culture, delicious cuisine, and intrinsic hospitality of our homeland with our community in D.C. We want our guests to step into the magic of Afghanistan in an elegant yet comfortable and affordable way.
How would you describe your approach to food and cooking?
Our dishes combine the aromatic spices and delicious flavors of Afghan cuisine into simple, healthful dishes that taste great. We make everything from scratch using fresh and, when possible, local ingredients. These are the dishes that I cooked for my children and that my grandchildren now eat, so it’s important they’re nutritious without compromising taste—this last part is especially important, as my kids are still my toughest critics!
How did you conceive of a menu that is delicious, yet good value?
The hardest part of menu development for Lapis was choosing which dishes to include from the many recipes handed down, refined, and beloved by our family. Because many Afghan dishes use the same base ingredients of tomatoes, onions, and a handful of spices like turmeric, cardamom, and coriander, we’re able to minimize food costs and have flexibility to focus on using the freshest, highest quality ingredients.
