Restaurant
Watan Restaurant & Bakery in Aurora, Colorado, is more than just a place to eat—it’s a celebration of homeland, culture, and resilience. The name “Watan,” meaning “homeland” in Dari and Arabic, reflects the founder Abdulaziz Azimi’s personal journey from being a refugee of war-torn Afghanistan to a proud business owner. After years of mastering the art of traditional baking in Turkey, Azimi opened a small bakery in Colorado in 2019. In 2024, he expanded and rebranded it into Watan, blending a full-service Afghan restaurant with his well-loved bakery.
Inside Watan, the air is filled with the rich aroma of fresh breads and sweet pastries. The bakery offers a wide variety of traditional breads like Uzbek non, Turkish simit, Iranian barbari, and the colorful Afghan shirmal. Each loaf is made by hand, using simple ingredients and time-honored techniques, avoiding preservatives or heavy salt. These breads carry deep cultural significance, offering Afghan and Central Asian immigrants a familiar taste of home. For many customers, one bite brings back powerful memories of family and tradition.
Beyond the bakery, Watan’s kitchen serves classic Afghan dishes like koobideh kebabs, lamb shanks with rice, juicy meatballs, falafel, and Qabili Uzbaki topped with caramelized carrots and raisins. The menu is rounded out with saffron chai, rosewater lassi, and fresh mint tea—all served in a welcoming space where people from all backgrounds gather. Watan has quickly become a beloved destination for those seeking comfort, connection, and the unforgettable taste of Afghanistan.
October, 2025
Wednesday
August 26,2019
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