Ariana’s Persian Kitchen, located in Atlantis The Royal Hotel, is a haven for those seeking a fusion of traditional Persian flavours and contemporary culinary artistry. The menu caters to diverse preferences, offering an extensive range from savoury meat options to delectable vegetarian and vegan dishes.
The restaurant was conceived and founded by award-winning TV chef and cookbook author Ariana Bundy. She inherited her love of cooking and food from her father and her grandparents while growing up in rural Iran. She shot to prominence after the publication of her first book: Pomegranates & Roses – My Persian Family Recipes. It won her a Gourmand Cookbook Award in 2012, and led to her own acclaimed TV show on Persian cuisine.
Ariana’s Persian Kitchen, her debut venture, is a kaleidoscope of textures, spices and tastes. Evoking the aromas of a traditional Persian home, guests are enchanted by fruits, nuts and floral fragrances merging with those of meats, grains and vegetables.
The restaurant recently unveiled a selection of nutritious and healthy meals. Tailored to satisfy a variety of palates, these include dishes like the Mirza Ghassemi, Zeytoon Parvardeh, aromatic Shirin Polo and the Asheh Reshteh.
Mirza Ghassemi is a recipe from the Caspian region of Mazandaran. It’s full of zesty garlic, smoky charred aubergines and juicy fresh tomatoes. Mixed with turmeric and eggs, it has a lovely golden red colour and makes a fantastic dip or a very light lunch served with lavash bread or even with kateh.
Zeytoon Parvardeh is an original recipe for olive afcionados. It’s made with green Caspian olives, a special herb called choochagh, a sweet and tangy pomegranate molasses along with nutty-rich crushed walnuts.
Shirin Polo, known as the mother of all Iranian rice dishes, was created around the 16th century under the reign of Shah Abbas. This dish contains sweet rice studded with orange peel, jullienne carrots and nuts.
Asheh Reshteh, the mother of all Persian soups, is cooked the ancient way in a great big pot and served on special occasions. Asheh Reshteh is hearty and full of sustenance, containing spinach, rice noodles, kidney beans and chickpeas, and topped with whey, fried mint and onions.
Ariana’s Persian Kitchen is located on the ground floor of Atlantis The Royal. The main interior dining space is spacious with a high ceiling and floor-to-ceiling glass which exaggerate the sense of space. The combination of pastel colours and ethnic-inspired decor creates a sense of dining in an oppugnant tent. Alternativelt, guests can choose to dine at the restaurant’s covered terrace with views of the gardens.
