Nansense
Permanently Closed
Afghan smash burgers, rice bowls, masala fries, and bolani
Afghan smash burgers, rice bowls, masala fries, and bolani
"After your first bite into Nansense’s smashburger, you’ll wonder why kabab patties haven't already taken over the world. This casual Afghan spot uses meat that’s mixed with diced onions, tomatoes, and herbs, so each bite is super moist and full of coriander and cumin flavor. They also make snacks like crispy bolani and the Taco-bab—a chapli kabab wrapped in a tortilla and topped with tart salata and a creamy chutney mayo. There’s a small indoor dining room and a few highlighter yellow tables outside, perfect for a quick lunch or dinner." - anne cruz, clare lagomarsino, keith hernandez, chanize thorpe
"Nansense began with a good story: a vendor who got his start selling Afghan food out of a converted mail truck in Manhattan. Now, owner Mohibullah “Mo” Rahmati has opened his first restaurant, decamping to Beacon, New York. At this iteration of Nansense, it’s not about spotlighting the manti — the Afghan dumplings he came to be known for at the Queens Night Market. Rather, Nansense is now about Afghan-spiced smash burgers and basmati rice bowls with carrots, raisins, a “zesty salad,” and sauces like mint yogurt (the entire menu is halal). The latter in particular is one of the more memorable bowls we’ve had recently. It makes for a nice, healthy option when you’re in a rush (takeout is available, though there are a few tables inside)." - Emma Orlow
"After your first bite into Nansense’s smashburger, you’ll wonder why kabab patties haven't already taken over the world. This casual Afghan spot uses meat that’s mixed with diced onions, tomatoes, and herbs, so each bite is super moist and full of coriander and cumin flavor. They also make snacks like crispy bolani and the Taco-bab—a chapli kabab wrapped in a tortilla and topped with tart salata and a creamy chutney mayo. There’s a small indoor dining room and a few highlighter yellow tables outside, perfect for a quick lunch or dinner." - anne cruz
"Started by a vendor who sold Afghan food out of a converted mail truck, owner Mohibullah “Mo” Rahmati has opened his first restaurant in Beacon, New York. At this iteration it’s not about the manti — Afghan dumplings — he came to be known for at the Queens Night Market or his stand inside Midtown food hall the Deco; rather, it’s now about Afghan-spiced smash burgers and basmati rice bowls with carrots, raisins, a “zesty salad,” and sauces like mint yogurt. The entire menu is halal. The basmati rice bowl ($15) — (I ordered mine with chicken) — is described as one of the more memorable bowls the writer has had recently, joining a larger movement diversifying lunch bowls like Dùndú, the Nigerian grain-bowl option in Midtown. — Emma Orlow, editor, Eater Northeast" - Eater Staff
"After your first bite into Nansense’s smashburger, you’ll wonder why kabab patties haven't already taken over the world. This casual Afghan spot uses meat that’s mixed with diced onions, tomatoes, and herbs, so each bite is super moist and full of coriander and cumin flavor. They also make snacks like crispy bolani and the Taco-bab—a chapli kabab wrapped in a tortilla and topped with tart salata and a creamy chutney mayo. There’s a small indoor dining room and a few highlighter yellow tables outside, perfect for a quick lunch or dinner. Food Rundown Smash Burger Each element of the chapli kabab burger works in harmony. The beef patty has notes of caramelization from the minced onions, and there’s a great balance between its crisp edges and juicy center. The slice of american cheese, chutney mayo, and fluffy potato bun bring everything together for one of the better burgers we’ve had recently. Masala Fries These shoestring fries are crispy yet pliable, which is great for dipping into the accompanying pot of spicy homemade ketchup. The spice dusting has a smidge of heat but feels well-rounded. Taco-Bab Nansense uses the same chapli kabab and chutney mayo from their burgers in this large, crispy taco, but it gets topped with a tart mixture of finely diced tomatoes and cucumber. The result is bright, creamy, and a fun texture mix in each bite. Get it if you have a big group and want to see the full range of the menu." - Anne Cruz
