Khoory Special (Khass) Kabab is a simple, old school, South Iranian restaurant behind the Ramada Hotel in Hor Al Anz. It has not one, but two unique selling propositions: amazing kababs, and fresh, on-site baked Sangak flat bread.
The interior of the restaurant is…um, really red, and wouldn’t look out of place as a Chinese restaurant. Like the signboard outside, many of the pictures of old Dubai adorning the walls are faded, giving the place something of a nostalgic ambiance. A priceless 60’s style bead curtain divides the front part of the restaurant from the more private, ‘family area’ towards the rear. It’s one of those yesteryear places you feel instantly comfortable in.
Complementary bowls of delicious Iranian-style lentil soup, and Mast-o Khiyar (cucumber Rita) are served along with the customary plate of fresh herbs and (in this case, whole-wheat Sangak) oven-warm flat bread once you are seated.
I found it quite comical that our table was waited on by a young, Persian speaking Filipino girl in Oktoberfest worthy pigtails; all she was miss was Lederhosen.
We ordered a mixed grill to sample their best sellers, Tikka Masti, Koobideh and Joojeh Kabab. First things first, their Ostadi/Al Ustad-rivalling Masti is excellent, easily one of the best I have had in Dubai…or anywhere for that matter. And you know what? Their Koobideh isn’t too bad either. It’s not quite as good as standard-setter Keri Kasif, but it’s darn close. I was surprised therefore, that their Joojeh was such a let-down, dry and over-cooked. We didn’t have any rice, choosing instead to enjoy our kababs with Sangak.
Service is friendly, a little disorientated, but accommodating and fast. I had heard much about Khoory from friends, some who claim to drive out from as far away as Sharjah for their kababs and bread. Whilst I wouldn’t go quite so far out of my way, I do recommend this hidden gem to anyone who is in the general vicinity.
Waste NOT. Want NOT.