I was recently invited to sample authentic Persian fare at Shayan, a fine-dining restaurant in the heart of Deira. The occasion? Iranian New Year, also known as Nowruz. It signals the start of spring, and is a great way to celebrate with family and friends.
I went with an open mind and left with a happy, full tummy. Here's a typical Nowruz menu:
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| A Persian meal always starts with fresh appetizers, consisting of vegetables, nuts, olives and cheeses. |
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| Braised lamb comes off the bone, paired with light and fluffy saffron rice. |
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| Fish and a special sauce topped with fresh herbs: one of my favorites. Lightly seasoned but packed with flavor. |
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| Slow cooked beef with grilled tomatoes and Persian style rice. Another to-die-for menu item. |
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| The smorgasbord set a festive mood and brought smiles to people's faces! |
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| And of course, entertainment was brought to us by a talented Persian pianist, who could shift from Persian classics to contemporary Western hits. |
