Lapis Lazuli

A joint Afghan-German guesthouse, this is deservedly popular with international workers. Rooms are tidy if sometimes small, and bathrooms are shared. Advance booking is recommended, although a second guesthouse (Lapis Lazuli 2) is being opened to accommodate further guests. The food is a big draw though – the restaurant (open 12pm to 2pm and 6pm to 10pm; mains from US$6) has good meat and pasta dishes, but head here for the ‘all you can eat’ Monday barbecue from 7pm to fill your plate with German sausage, chicken and meat, and great bowls of delicious salads. There’s even draught German lager.