Jalalabad, situated in the Tangi Valley, is known for its bountiful agriculture thanks to the fertile lands nourished by the Kabul River. The city has historically been a strategic location bridging major trade routes. This has allowed Jalalabad to become a melting pot of cultures, each contributing to the rich culinary tapestry of the region. Cuisine here is influenced by Afghan traditions and also bears hints of the culinary practices of the many travelers and traders who passed through, including those from Persia and the Indian subcontinent.
The cuisine in Jalalabad and Tangi Valley is notable for its unique use of spices, nuts, fruits, and natural sweeteners like honey. While the area does indulge in a variety of meat dishes, the fertile lands also produce an abundance of fresh fruits which are integral to the local diet, particularly pomegranates, figs, and oranges.