Walking into the cozy enclave of Berenjak in Abu Dhabi is a treat of comfort. You’re instantly at a friend’s home, eagerly seated for catchups with friends while the kitchen bustles in the background.

The scent of freshly baked taftoon blends with cassette-like Persian melodies peppered with an enthusiastic ‘Yes Chef’ from the mangal. The scene couldn’t be better set for a delicious meal.

Berenjak stays true to the pillars of Iranian cuisine, dishing up family favourites with a twist. Every item on the menu is listed in Persian, offering an assortment of signature mezzes paired with a selection of warm bread, slow-cooked stews and the pièce de resistance of every Iranian meal: tahdig and kebabs. The menu is carefully curated to reflect founder-chef Kian Samyani’s deeply rooted Iranian heritage mixed with a modern twist from his upbringing in London.

The Hummus (Dhs 43) is a must try, along with the crispy fried potatoes Sibzamini (Dhs 47). The flavours in the mains are quite robust, charry kababs and rich stews, so we recommend getting a side of pickled vegetables, Torshi Kaftebijak (Dhs 16), to lighten up the palette. To get the most value, order the Kabab Vaziri (Dhs 465), which comfortably serves up to four with a variety from the grill and comes with the crispiest, saffron-infused tahdig.

To end on a sweet note, the Cake E Asal (Dhs 48) and Date & Walnut Cookies (Dhs 30) paired with a serving of Chayee (Dhs 58 for a pot), completes the meal perfectly.

We were lucky to have an Iranian friend dining with us, who promptly informed us that every dish served passed the test of a wholesome home-cooked Persian meal with flying colours.

The staff at Berenjak Abu Dhabi are attentively present and do a great job of walking diners through the delicious ingredients of each dish.

They make lovely drink recommendations so if you’re unsure about what to pick off the mocktails list, go with what they suggest.

Breads (Dhs 19 each for one portion), Panir Sabzi (Dhs 38), Kashl E Bademjoon (Dhs 45), Tikkeh Masti Kabab (Dhs 175), Kabab Vaziri (Dhs 465), Persian Tea Ice Cream (Dhs 59).

Location: Al Bateen, Abu Dhabi | Times: Monday to Thursday, 12pm to 4pm; 6pm to 11:30pm; Friday to Saturday: 12pm to 12:30am; Sunday: 12pm to 11:30pm | Contact: 02 643 3776 @berenjak.uae

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