Chicago Persian Cuisine｜Lamb Shank Melts in Your Mouth

Lately I’ve been addicted to Persian food — generous portions, hearty, and so flavorful. Here’s a quick roundup of two highly-rated Persian/Mediterranean spots: 1️⃣ Kabobi - Persian and Mediterranean Grill 🍲 Eggplant Stew with Lamb Shank Slow-cooked lamb shank in tomato sauce with roasted eggplant and veggies. The lamb is so tender it falls off the bone with a fork! Tomato sauce is tangy and appetizing — eggplant soaks up all the flavor. 🍗 Saffron Butter Chicken Chicken marinated in saffron and spices, then simmered in yogurt and cream — incredibly tender and creamy! The sauce is rich but not heavy, perfect with their fragrant rice. Probably the best butter chicken I’ve had recently! (Lunch vs. dinner just varies in portion size.) 🍢 Beef & Lamb Koubideh Classic ground beef and lamb kebabs — beef is hearty and chewy, lamb is more aromatic. Great for meat lovers! 🍯 Bamieh Like churros soaked in syrup — very sweet, best paired with tea or coffee. 🥄 Tip: Upgrade rice to Cranberry Polo — the cranberry sweetness balances the richness of the meat. 2️⃣ Noon O Kabab Chicago 🍤🍖 Shrimp & Lamb Combo The perfect surf & turf! Shrimp is lightly seasoned but fresh, perfectly grilled — crispy outside, tender inside. Lamb kebabs are charred and juicy, no gaminess — super satisfying! 🥩 Noon O Chenjeh One of their signature dishes — two marinated ribeye beef kebabs served over a giant grilled pita. Huge portion, comes with grilled veggies + Persian salad (tangy and refreshing). The pita soaks up all the meat juices — wrap it up and enjoy! 🍚 Adas Polo Rice with fennel, lentils, raisins, caramelized onions, and dates — sweet-savory and aromatic, pairs wonderfully with lamb. Comparison: Kabobi feels like a lively fast-casual hall — homely and bustling. Great rice options, stews are excellent, kebabs are mostly ground meat. Noon O Kabab has full table service, its own parking lot, and a more spacious, comfortable setting. More kebab choices (ribeye is delicious). Prices are similar. #ChicagoEats #PersianFood #ChicagoLife #ChicagoDining #GlobalFoodies #HiddenGem