Persian Food Is Hot In The UK

A growing number of London restaurants is adding a modern twist to Persian food while preserving authentic flavours

- Bloomberg

Persian food has been around for centuries—indeed, it's perhaps one of the world's oldest cuisines. There are clues that it dates as far back as 550 BC, to the Achaemenid Empire.

Yet, despite its illustrious past, most non-West Asians' concept of Persian food doesn't go far beyond grilled kebabs with saffron rice, served from a stall or small family run restaurant.

That image is evolving, though, and rapidly, courtesy of a growing collection of vibrant, modern London establishments. Some have been introduced by enterprising entrepreneurs. Others are from groups expanding their footprint.

Take Berenjak, part of the high-profile JKS Group, where the specialty is upmarket takes on Tehran kebab house fare. Its third London location will open in fancy Mayfair this autumn, and a Dubai outpost is on the horizon. Another group, the contemporary Naroon, now has three locations across Fitzrovia and Marylebone.

Persian cuisine, a name often used interchangeably with Iranian cuisine, is defined by its bold, rich and aromatic flavours. Although it's frequently grouped with Turkish and Arab fare—largely due to a shared love of kebabs—Persian cooking has distinct tastes, frequently a combination of sweet and sour. There's plenty of pomegranates, plums and barberries along with pistachios and walnuts. Kebabs are key, but equally important are the homey, hearty and time-intensive stews that form the cuisine's backbone.