JEDDAH: Shahnamah restaurant in Jeddah offers a glimpse into Persian culinary traditions. The warm ambiance, with subtle Persian motifs throughout, sets the stage for more than just a meal.
The menu is extensive, featuring classic and contemporary Persian dishes.
Among the cold mezze, mast-o-khiar stands out with creamy yogurt, cucumber, and a hint of walnut. Borani bademjan, made with smoky aubergine, reflects authentic Persian flavors.
Hot mezze options include mirza ghasemi, with coal-cooked aubergine and tomato topped with a fried egg, and kashk e bademjoon, a creamy, slightly tangy aubergine and whey spread.
Main courses are generous. Must-tries include ghormeh sabzi, a tender lamb stew with fenugreek and herbs, and zereshk polow, barberry-topped chicken balancing sweet and savory flavours. The koobideh and jujeh kebabs are flavorful, although a bit more char would enhance the smokiness.
Persian rice dishes such as baghali polow and lubia polow are aromatic and well prepared. Desserts such as noon khamei, profiteroles filled with whipped ashta, provide a delicate finish, while the bastani saffron ice cream is milder compared to the mains.
Prices are on the high side, reflecting the fine-dining experience. For more details, visit @shahnamahrestaurant.
