A Delightful Culinary Journey at Reyhoon
I recently had the pleasure of dining at Reyhoon, and it was an experience that I won’t soon forget. From the moment I walked through the door, I was enveloped in the warm and welcoming atmosphere that perfectly complements the authentic Persian cuisine on offer.
The menu at Reyhoon is a true celebration of Persian culinary tradition, offering a variety of dishes that showcase the rich flavors and ingredients typical of this region. I started with the Kashk-e-Bademjan, a creamy eggplant dip that was bursting with flavor and served with freshly baked flatbread. It was the perfect appetizer, setting the tone for the rest of the meal.
For the main course, I chose the Chelo Kabab Koobideh, a classic Persian dish featuring perfectly seasoned ground meat skewers, served with saffron rice and grilled tomatoes. The kababs were juicy and flavorful, with a delightful smoky taste from the grill, while the rice was fragrant and fluffy, a testament to the care and attention that goes into every dish at Reyhoon.
The dessert was equally impressive. I opted for the traditional Faloodeh, a refreshing and aromatic frozen dessert made with rose water and vermicelli noodles. It was the perfect way to end the meal, leaving me satisfied but not overly full.
Beyond the food, the service at Reyhoon was exceptional. The staff was attentive and knowledgeable, offering helpful suggestions and making sure that every aspect of the dining experience was top-notch. The ambiance of the restaurant, with its tasteful decor and soft Persian music, added to the overall enjoyment of...
Read moreI can't really say how Rayhoon ranks against other Persian restaurants because, to the best of my knowledge, this is the first one I've been to. But what I can say is that it offers flavourful Persian food cooked with care and attention to cultural traditions and techniques. (There was even a helpful "How to Eat a Persian Kabob" instruction card at the table - how thoughtful is that!)
My wife and I both had the Lamb Shank with Baghali Polo (slow-braised, spiced with cinnamon and bay leaf, paired with dill and broad bean infused basmati rice). With a healthy hit of cinnamon, the lamb was tasty and tender as promised while the accompanying broth added a welcome zing to the rice.
For dessert, we had the Rollette, a fresh pastry rolled with rosewater cream and topped with crushed pistachios. While tasty, it was a bit 'one-note' - just a sweet cake that could have benefited from a chunkier layer of pistachios. To be honest, we were expecting a bit more based on the description but it didn't detract from the overall meal.
The service was friendly and helpful -- our server advised us not only on the choice of dishes but how to eat them, too (see the note above about the instruction card).
The owner kept an attentive eye on his guests to ensure a pleasant experience was had by all and was more than happy to answer our questions about the food and culture while trying not to intrude on our meal.
Overall, this was pleasant foray into Persian dining and we'd be happy to return again and more than happy to recommend Rayhoon to anyone looking for a hearty, authentic...
Read moreWhen I'm trying out a new Persian restaurant, the first thing I always order is the Koobideh. It's a popular dish and, when done right, can tell you a lot about the place. I'm happy to say that the Koobideh at this Persian spot is pretty much spot-on.
It's got the texture, chewiness, and the authentic flavour you expect from a top-notch Koobideh. It's the kind of meal that leaves a smile on your face and makes you want to come back for more.
The folks running the show are friendly and make you feel right at home. You're not just a customer here, you're a guest, and they treat you as such. It's a nice touch that makes a big difference in your dining experience.
We also tried the Doogh, a traditional yogurt-based drink, and it was pretty good. It's the perfect partner to the Koobideh, refreshing and tangy.
The only slight hiccup was the rice. They serve Basmati, which is okay but not quite what you'd expect in an authentic Persian restaurant. That being said, it's hard to find a place outside of Iran that does serve Iranian rice, so it's a small blip on an otherwise great meal.
All in all, I'd highly recommend giving this place a try. The Koobideh alone is worth the visit, and I'm definitely looking forward...
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