Bestoon Samad is the original Iraqi Semeç Masgûf (Arabic: سمچ مسگوف) specialists from Kirkuk in Northern Iraq (Kurdistan). This fifth branch of theirs is located in the Al Ghurair Shopping Center beside Xiao Long Bao masters, Din Tai Fung, and follows the same unique (and much copied) inside-of-a-castle, stone and wood corporate uniform.
Masgûf (freshwater carp) is not the only thing Bestoon Samad is famous for; its Quzi with Rice is probably the best this side of the Euphrates. But it was the Masgûf we came to have and, after a wait of about 45 minutes, during which time we enjoyed some of their excellent (and filling) Mezza, our beautifully grilled fish was brought to our table from their smoky, wood-fired altar-room which is visible from the street.
From there on, a dash of fresh lime or a splash of tangy, non-spicy mango chutney is all that is needed to achieve culinary nirvana. I cannot begin to tell you how amazing this dish is. And whilst there are now many restaurants in Dubai (some of the same name…minus the Bestoon) which also serve Masgûf, Bestoon Samad’s for some reason I cannot explain tastes better.
Service is friendly and for the most part fast and accommodating. Making a reservation is recommended at all times, especially over the weekend. Free (for the first three hours) mall parking is available and a blessing. And that’s it…Bestoon Samad, well worth a visit.
Hey! Now read this –
Xerxes physically visits (and dines at) each and every venue he reviews. He pays in full for whatever he and his companions eat and drink. Xerxes accepts no money, gifts, discounts or free meals in return for reviews. What you have read was not influenced in any way by the venue.
Join me on Instagram @ravenousxerxes or email me on: xerxes@dellara.com