Most of us would have heard of exquisite Persian carpets, but Persian food is still something of a novelty here. Walk into Shiraz, a restaurant specializing in Persian cuisine, which opened its doors in August 2006 and you will be transported in time and place to another realm. From the hallway to the interior, one will feel awed by the simple yet elegant décor reminiscent of Persia as well as glimpses of Middle Eastern artifacts. At the ‘hallway', a line of shishas of various colours and sizes will grace your entrance. Then feast your eyes on the beautiful chandelier, made up of several exotic glass lanterns of various shades and shapes, hanging majestically above a comfortable circular divan. Shiraz aims to treat its patrons not only to a taste of authentic Persian food, but also a glimpse of Persia.

• The Vibe
  The restaurant takes its name after a region in Persia rich with history, where wine originated. Hence, wine produced using the grapes from this region is named Shiraz to honour the vicinity they originate from. To add to the Mediterranean touch, the restaurant houses big vases as well as handpainted ceramic plates procured from Turkey, placed in decorative scalloped arcs and little cubicles. While waiting for food to be served, feel free to peruse the various vintage photographs of past rulers or “Shahs” of Iran hung around the restaurant. Or take a look at the various antique walking canes with intricate handles decked on the walls. As a bonus, patrons will be entertained by an hour of bellydancing performances during weekend nights.

• The Food
  Start off your gastronomical pleasure on a healthy note with Salad Shirazi ($9). This is a popular Arabian style salad comprising of diced cucumbers, tomatoes and onions tossed in herbs mixed with olive oil and lemon juice. Herbs feature prominently in Persian dishes, enhancing the flavour and taste. The fresh and crunchy salad is good enough to be eaten on its own. Alternatively, you may request for some pita bread.

  Shiraz serves a variety of main dishes from its house signature charcoal grilled kebab ranging from lamb to chicken to fish and prawns. Notably, the most popular meat amongst the Iranians is the lamb. Try the Kubideh ($28), which comes in either chicken, or lamb varieties. The ground lamb is charcoal-grilled to perfection over very high heat. Served in an artful setting, the lamb is succulent and moist with a pleasant sourish aftertaste and none of the smells associated with meat dishes. You can savour the lamb on its own or enjoy the rich flavour of the dish with a spoonful of buttered basmati rice. Persian food, as a whole, is not spicy and is characterized by a sweet and sour tinge.

  For dessert, try the Assorted ‘Trio' of Persian Delight ($9) made up of a piece each of baghlava, walnut-cream and perugina. The baghlava, placed in the center, is a crunchy and syrupy pastry for those with a sweet tooth, flanked by its more sedate counterparts. The perugina and walnut cream are savoury desserts with pistachio shavings and walnut cream respectively. A visit to Shiraz is not complete without trying their traditional drink, Dough ($5). A chilled yogurt drink mixed with herbs, dough is naturally carbonated due to the process of fermentation. It is indeed delightful and robustly refreshing, but perhaps somewhat of an acquired taste.

• The Service
  The staff at Shiraz are indeed knowledgeable about their wine and will be able to recommend appropriate accompaniment to make your meal an enjoyable and delightful experience.

The SD Food Advisor's Take on Shiraz
Shiraz makes a great venue for a business lunch or a gathering of friends due to its roomy interior and chic décor. Mellow strains of Iranian music in the background add to the mystique and allure, and allows for conversation to flow. Notably, the modest number of dishes served to us did not match up to the ‘feel' of the restaurant as they are on the average side. The food portions are neither too generous nor too small, hence enough to satiate one's appetite. Visit this restaurant for its ambience, a chance to watch bellydancing and the novelty of trying the shisha, for the uninitiated.