Is Mahdi the best Persian restaurant in London? Persian food is some of the most sought after foods in the world right now and this might well be because of so many influencers going out to Iran to enjoy and explore the cuisine. There are a number of Persian restaurants in London (we have a list here) and most have their own personal favourites, but what seems to pop up a lot is this one: Mahdi. Taking a quick look at the menu, you will be pleased to see 3 things: 1) an authentic menu with some really really authentic dishes unlike some other popular “Persian restaurants”, 2) no alcohol, which is actually not rare with this cuisine unlike others unfortunately (*cough* Indian and Turkish *cough*) and 3) HMC verified, which is difficult to find for this cuisine. This is what sets this restaurant apart from its counterparts. Anyway, this post will actually focus on the five dishes you need to try at Mahdi or at any authentic Persian restaurant actually.
If you want to read more about Mahdi click here. Do check out our top tip for this specific restaurant below.
1. Baghali Polo
This is a classic Persian/Iranian dish that you have to try the next time you’re at a Persian restaurant. It is basically dill rice with saffron and broad beans served with succulent lamb shank. The dill adds an interesting twist and the lamb I feel compliments the rice perfectly. The cuisine is so delicate that certain meats go with certain rice dishes and only when them combinations are made does it taste delicious. This is a prime example. For example replacing the lamb with chicken here totally changes the dish and isn’t as fulfilling.
2. Khoresh Ghormeh Sabzi
This is considered the national dish of Iran. Super popular, so much so that it can be argued you haven’t tried Iranian/Persian food until or unless you’ve tried Ghormeh Sabzi. It is an aromatic and citrusy herb stew. Apart from herbs and greens like spinach you’ll find it loaded with meat and kidney beans. Delicious, homely and very comforting.
3. Tahchin
A very unique dish to this region. It is basically a Persian crispy saffron rice cake. The top or outer layer is crispy rice (think burnt/over cooked bottom of the pan rice) and the inner or bottom layer is soft rice. It is topped off with barberries (common in this cuisine) and it can be served with chicken. This is not to be confused with Tahdig, which is a separate dish. Essentially from the same route though – it is just the crispy rice part. This is often served as a starter or side dish.
The following two are common dishes that I assume everyone knows and loves and orders when visiting Persian or Iranian restaurants. Almost a staple to be honest if you’re visiting such restaurants. Can’t go wrong.
4. Jujeh kebabs
These are grilled chicken chunks.
5. Koobideh kebabs
These are ground mince beef or lamb kebabs.
Top tip for Mahdi: you can save 10% off your final bill if you pay by cash
Getting there:
Parking: Dalling Road – Free weekends and evenings (closer half of road to restaurant is not free on Saturday)
Nearest Mosque: DUS. Shepherd’s Bush.
Nearest station: Ravenscourt Park
