Shiraz Special Kabab – Mirdif

Shiraz Special Kabab is a food court based Iranian restaurant in Mirdif. In fact, it’s probably one of the best food court based Iranian restaurant in town. Based in the Uptown Mirdif Mall food court, it holds its own against Lebanese heavy weight neighbours Zaroob and Automatic. I think it’s the best designed of the lot as well. The restaurant was recommended to me by two of my swear-by food buddies, Sam and the mighty King of Kong, Mansoor. They both said the kababs at Shiraz were better than at Ostadi, my favourite place in the world for kabab masti.

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I ordered their mixed grill for two which comprises of the following kababs: Chicken Masti, Bahraini, Jūjeh, Koobideh Chicken and Koobideh Meat. The kababs are served on a bed of white rice with a mohawk of saffron yellow down the middle. In addition to the kabab and rice you also get Soup-e Jo (barley soup), Mast-o-Khiyar (a yogurt-based cucumber raita), Shirazi Salad and Lavash flatbread. That’s a lot for under AED70. I also ordered a Mirza Ghassemi, a smoky aubergine-based dish which is one of many dishes suitable for vegetarians.

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The chicken masti was really good; the chicken soft, juicy and tender but it wasn’t anywhere near Ostadi’s. Everything else was easily as good though, especially the jūjeh and the koobideh, which I thought was actually better. All the condiments (mast-o-khiyar, soup-e jo, etc.) were also very good.

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A friendly, bubbly Filipina by the name of Evelyn took our order (happy staff make all the difference). Also noteworthy was the Filipino chef who prepared our kababs; he was a real master. I particularly liked the way he would regularly pick up a skewer off the fire to inspect. When they were done, he brushed them with melted butter before serving – brilliant.

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If you like good, authentic Iranian kababs this restaurant will not disappoint you. I haven’t tried their stews, but I am told they are very good too. Based on the meal I had there, I find that entirely believable. Worth a visit.

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Xerxes physically dines at, or orders from, each and every venue he reviews. He pays in full for whatever he and his companions eat, drink, take away or occasionally throw at each other. Xerxes accepts no money, gifts, discounts or free meals in return for reviews or favouritism. 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.