When most people think of Persian food, they imagine kebabs, stews, and rice pilafs served in mid-sized restaurants decorated with traditional Persian rugs and hand-painted pottery. Some of these elements can be found at the Best Iranian Restaurant in Dubai, but there’s so much more to this restaurant than meets the eye! Our knowledgeable staff will guide you through an extensive menu that includes all of your favorite Persian dishes along with some new ones you’ve never tried before! If you’re curious about Iranian cuisine, we’re happy to help!

 

Traditional Mezze Dishes

Mezze is an Arabic word for a collection of small dishes, which you can order to sample a variety of appetizers. Mezze may include a selection of dips and salads such as hummus and babaghanouj, as well as pickled vegetables, olives, and grilled fish or meat. Pita bread makes it easy to scoop up samples; with each bite you’ll savor the taste of something new.

 

Khorak, Traditional Rice Dishes

Khorak is a rice dish that can be served either on its own or as an accompaniment to many of Iran’s national dishes. Khorak is made from white basmati rice, which is one of several varieties of rice grown in Iran. Basmati rice has gained popularity throughout Europe and North America for its unique flavor, aroma and texture. This long-grain rice originates from India but it is cultivated extensively in Pakistan and Iran.

 

Beef Kababs

Kababs are a staple of Iranian cuisine, and one of its best offerings. Beef kababs are easy to make at home, they taste great, and they’re cheap. What more could you want? To start with, here’s a recipe for beef kababs that you can use as your starting point. They might not be as good as what you get from an Iranian restaurant (though if you follow these instructions carefully, they should be pretty close), but that doesn’t mean it won’t be delicious!

 

Kebab Shishlik, Grilled Meat on Skewers

Kebab Shishlik, or grilled meat on skewers, is a very common meal found in many restaurants throughout Iran. Kebab Shishlik is made from beef, lamb, chicken and/or vegetables that are marinated and served with rice or bread. They can be eaten by themselves or with a side of hot tea. Grilled skewers are not only good for solo consumption; they also work as a great appetizer to share with groups of friends!

 

Baked Vermicelli

This delicious entrée is a personal favorite of mine; it’s a simple dish, yet it has a complex flavor. To make baked vermicelli, sauté onion and garlic on medium heat until soft and fragrant. Add chopped tomatoes, tomato paste, and water to a large pot. Let simmer for 5 minutes before adding rice noodles (also known as bami), chopped parsley leaves, salt, pepper and cumin powder.

 

Ash (Ash e Reshteh)

This is one of my favorite dishes at Shams Tandoori. It’s basically a soup made from reshteh noodles, lots of different beans and herbs, along with some meat or poultry if you’d like. You can choose from an array of meats including ground beef, chicken, lamb and koobideh (shredded pieces of beef marinated with saffron). Personally I usually order a bowl without any meat since my husband doesn’t eat pork.

 

Lentil Soup (Ash e Ghormeh Sabzi)

This soup is packed with lots of nutritious herbs and vegetables and tastes delicious on a cold winter day. It’s full of flavor and nutrition, but still manages to be light and healthy. Serve with bread or rice for a satisfying meal. This recipe serves four people, so adjust accordingly if you are cooking for less or more people. It’s best when served fresh, but leftovers can be refrigerated for about three days or frozen for several months.

 

Homemade Yogurt Drink (Sharbat)

Another tradition that has been passed down from generation to generation is homemade yogurt drink. Growing up, my grandmother and mother used simple ingredients and basic methods to transform ordinary yogurt into a sweet, refreshing, and healthy treat. This drink is commonly made throughout Iran during Norooz (Persian New Year), but it can be enjoyed any time of year with little change in ingredients or preparation. I hope you enjoy my mom’s recipe for making homemade yogurt drinks with your family. Happy Norooz!

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Location

United Arab Emirates