Introduction to Persian Food
Persian restaurants have long felt like the Moose, Elks and Rotary Clubs of our Iranian population. Head for the Persian restaurants of Westwood — the ethnic ’hood known as both Little Tehran and Tehrangeles — and you’ll find much of the conversation going on in Farsi.
The New Wave of Persian Restaurants
But at the new wave of shirazi salad, tahdig rice and beef soltani houses of the West Valley, that clubbiness, though certainly present, seems lighter and lesser. The population of diners is an eclectic mix of Iranians … and those who love kebabs and exotic rice. Like Vietnamese cooking, Persian has moved from for the community to for everyone.
Shirin Restaurant
One recent Saturday night, there was live entertainment at the wildly popular Shirin restaurant on a market-heavy section of Ventura Boulevard in Woodland Hills. It was the sort of man-on-a-keyboard music you’d find at any number of upscale Italian or American eateries — an assortment of old-school nightclub music, interspersed with the occasional musical tip of the hat to the eggplant borani and pickled vegetable torshi. Though the music could barely be heard over all the lively chatter and chewing.
People go to Shirin for food and fun — and they get both in portions as big as those on their platters. And when I mean big, I mean seriously big. No one leaves Shirin hungry — or without a bag of food for the next day.
Menu Highlights
Since I was at a table of four, I asked for the large order of nigh-on perfect house-made hummus with freshly baked pita bread. It was enough for eight. It traveled home very well. Both the hummus and the bread were terrific for breakfast. Along with the sundry kebabs that were left over, and the mountains of rice. Thank goodness this is a cuisine that travels.
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Cherry rice at Shirin in Woodland Hills (Photo by Merrill Shindler)
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Rice Preparation
And a cooking that has mastered rice preparation to a degree that, unlike Chinese white rice, it’s not dry the next day. The oil used in the cooking of the rice keeps it not just edible, but downright delicious. The flavored rices here run from lentil and herb, to my favorite, cherry rice, which is like a disassembled rice pudding, but without the pudding. And the raisins.
Kebabs and Other Dishes
There’s a vague perception that Persian cooking is sort of Arabic. But to me, the food of Iran is actually the bridge between the cooking of the Arabic world, and the cuisine of Russia — a style that both draws from its neighbors, and offers much to them.
At the heart of Iranian cooking is the kebab, an infinitely variable dish of marinated, charcoal-grilled meat, sometimes flavored with sumac berries and yogurt; so simple, and so full of flavor.
At Shirin (2.5 stars; 21826 Ventura Blvd., Woodland Hills; 818-887-1010; www.shirinrestaurant.com), there are six different beef kebab plates, three of lamb, seven of chicken — several of which mix and match the various preparations. One of the soltanis includes lamb chops or boneless lamb, along with ground chicken or ground beef. And, of course, broiled tomatoes, vegetables and basmati rice with saffron. Because you can never have enough rice.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Shirin restaurant is a must-try for anyone looking to experience the rich and flavorful cuisine of Persia. With its wide variety of dishes, including kebabs, stews, and rice preparations, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
FAQs
Shirin
- Rating: 2.5 stars
- Address: 21826 Ventura Blvd., Woodland Hills
- Information: 818-887-1010; www.shirinrestaurant.com
- Cuisine: A full menu of Persian classics, including a sizable selection of vegan dishes. Plus crunchy tahdig rice with a choice of four stews.
- When: Lunch and dinner, every day
- Details: Full bar plus tea, fruit juices and fermented yogurt (doogh), served in pitchers. Reservations essential.
- Cost: About $50 per person
- On the menu: 12 Appetizers ($2.99-$16.99), 7 Salads ($2.66-$23.99), 5 Soups ($7.99-$11.99), 7 Vegan Dishes ($16.99-$19.99), 10 Beef & Lamb Dishes ($21.99-$48.99), 7 Chicken Dishes ($21.99-$47.99), 5 Seafood Dishes ($28.99-$47.99), 6 Chef’s Specials ($19.99-$29.99), 4 Stews ($20.99-$21.99), 7 Plates of Rice ($7.99-$14.99), 5 Desserts ($2-$8.99)
- Credit cards: MC, V
- What the stars mean: 4 (World class! Worth a trip from anywhere!), 3 (Most excellent, even exceptional. Worth a trip from anywhere in Southern California.), 2 (A good place to go for a meal. Worth a trip from anywhere in the neighborhood.) 1 (If you’re hungry, and it’s nearby, but don’t get stuck in traffic going.) 0 (Honestly, not worth writing about.)
