Tucked away in a cosy corner of the city, A Taste of Persia is far more than a restaurant—it’s a vibrant celebration of culture, hospitality, and a cuisine that has evolved over thousands of years. Step through its doors, and you’re instantly transported into a world of rich aromas, intricate spices, and warm smiles, all reflecting the spirit of Persian dining.
For many, Persian food is a revelation. It’s a cuisine that balances delicate flavours with bold accents, using fresh herbs, fragrant rice, and slow-cooked meats to create dishes that feel both comforting and exotic. A Taste of Persia captures that magic perfectly, serving food that honours tradition while welcoming newcomers to the table.
First Impressions: An Atmosphere That Invites You In
The first thing you notice when entering A Taste of Persia is the warmth—not just from the staff, but from the setting itself. The décor blends classic Persian artistry with a relaxed, modern touch. Soft, patterned fabrics, colourful tile details, and gentle lighting set a tone of understated elegance. Traditional Persian motifs—pomegranate designs, floral patterns, and geometric shapes—are dotted throughout, evoking the heritage behind the food.
The music adds to the atmosphere, often a soft backdrop of Persian instrumental pieces that transport you straight to the courtyards of Isfahan or the markets of Tehran. It’s a place where you feel equally comfortable arriving for a casual midweek dinner or celebrating a special occasion with friends and family.
The Menu: A Symphony of Flavours
The menu at A Taste of Persia reads like a love letter to Iranian cuisine. It’s both an introduction for the uninitiated and a nostalgic reminder for those who grew up with these flavours. Here’s a taste of what you can expect:
Starters
Persian appetisers are designed to be shared, encouraging conversation and connection. Dishes such as Mirza Ghasemi—a smoky, garlicky aubergine dip—arrive with warm, freshly baked flatbread. There’s Mast-o-Khiar, a refreshing yoghurt and cucumber side spiced with dried mint, perfect for cooling the palate before the main course.
You might also try Dolmeh, grape leaves stuffed with aromatic rice and herbs, or Kashk-e Bademjan, a silky aubergine dish topped with whey, fried onions, and mint oil. Each starter feels like a miniature journey into a different corner of Persian culinary tradition.
Main Courses
The mains are where Persian cuisine truly shines. Rice—chelow—is the crown jewel of Iranian cooking, often served with a beautiful saffron-infused crust called tahdig. It’s light, fluffy, and aromatic, pairing perfectly with slow-cooked stews or grilled meats.
One standout is Fesenjan, a luxurious walnut and pomegranate stew with tender chicken. The balance of sweet and sour in the sauce is unlike anything in Western cooking—it’s rich, deep, and utterly satisfying.
For those who enjoy grilled dishes, A Taste of Persia serves impeccable kebabs. The Joojeh Kebab features marinated chicken grilled to juicy perfection, while the Kabab Koobideh—minced lamb or beef mixed with onion and spices—is a staple that’s simple yet packed with flavour.
Vegetarians aren’t left out either. Bamia, an okra stew in a tomato base, and Ghormeh Sabzi, a fragrant herb stew with kidney beans (traditionally served with lamb but available as a vegetarian option), are hearty, wholesome, and bursting with flavour.
Desserts
If you have room after the generous portions, Persian desserts are a must. Baklava is perhaps the most familiar, but here it’s made with a lighter hand, delicately flavoured with cardamom and rosewater. There’s also Faloodeh, a frozen dessert made with thin vermicelli noodles, rosewater syrup, and lime juice—a refreshing end to a rich meal.
The restaurant also serves Sholeh Zard, a golden saffron rice pudding topped with cinnamon and slivered almonds, offering a sweet, fragrant finish to the dining experience.
Drinks
To accompany your meal, traditional Persian drinks add authenticity and depth. Doogh, a savoury yoghurt-based drink with mint, is a perfect pairing with grilled meats, balancing the richness with its tangy freshness. For something sweeter, Persian tea is served in glass cups with cubes of sugar or saffron rock candy, inviting you to linger and talk long after your plates are cleared.
Service with Genuine Hospitality
What truly elevates A Taste of Persia beyond its exceptional food is the hospitality. In Persian culture, hosting guests is considered an art form, and that ethos is alive and well here. The staff take time to explain the dishes, offer recommendations, and check in without rushing you.
For those unfamiliar with Persian cuisine, they’re happy to guide you through the menu, suggesting dishes that complement each other and offering insights into the traditions behind them. This personal touch transforms dinner from a simple meal into a cultural experience.
A Cultural Experience, Not Just a Meal
Dining at A Taste of Persia feels like an immersion in Persian culture. It’s not just about eating; it’s about connecting—with history, with flavours, and with people. The restaurant sometimes hosts special events, from Persian New Year (Nowruz) celebrations to live music evenings, bringing together the local Iranian community and curious food lovers.
Even outside of these events, the authenticity of the dishes and the setting makes you feel as though you’ve been invited into someone’s home rather than a commercial space. There’s a sense of pride in sharing these recipes, many of which have been passed down through generations.
Why You Should Visit
In a city full of dining options, A Taste of Persia stands out for its ability to transport you. Every element—the décor, the music, the attentive service, and of course, the food—works together to create a coherent and memorable experience.
It’s perfect for:
- Date nights, thanks to its warm and intimate setting.
- Family gatherings, with generous sharing plates and a welcoming atmosphere.
- Adventurous eaters, who want to explore flavours beyond the familiar.
- Those seeking comfort food, because Persian cuisine is as soulful as it is sophisticated.
Final Thoughts
A Taste of Persia is a restaurant that invites you to slow down, savour, and connect. It’s a place where every bite tells a story—from the bustling markets where saffron and pomegranates are sold, to the family kitchens where recipes are perfected over generations.
Whether you’re new to Persian food or already in love with it, a visit here is a journey worth taking. You’ll leave not just with a satisfied appetite, but with a deeper appreciation for a cuisine that’s as much about hospitality and culture as it is about flavour.
So next time you’re looking for something beyond the ordinary, open the door to A Taste of Persia. Inside, you’ll find warmth, generosity, and a taste of a world that will linger in your memory long after the last sip of tea.
