Kish is an Iranian restaurant with a distinct local bias. This branch on Nadd Al Hamar Road in Rashidiya is the second of two, the first is in Qusais. Like the original, the interior is divided between a conventional dining area and series of private cubicles which are popular with locals, especially those with families. This newer branch is airy, flush with light from the front-facing glass wall. I found the original quite claustrophobic. All the staff we encountered were Arabic speakers. No Persians. In fact, it took them a minute to find someone who spoke English.
We ordered Bakhtiari, Shishlik (lamb chops) and Koobideh kababs along with Khoresh Bâmieh and a Shirazi Salad (with chopped green chillies added for a little kick). Bakhtiari kabab is unique in that it combines lamb and chicken (occasionally partitioned with a slice of bell pepper). I’ve never been a fan because I invariably find one of the two types of meat is either undercooked or (usually) overcooked. Kish’s was no different. The Shishlik was better but still not a patch on Sofreh’s or even Rivas’s. Of course, it was also overcooked. The star of the show was the Koobideh which immediately reminded me of my favourite at Khoory. The Khoresh Bâmieh, okra (or ladies’ fingers) stew, was tasteless. And the Shirazi Salad wasn’t much better. We ended our meal with possibly the worst Faloodeh I have had in Dubai.
So far this has turned out to be quite a negative review, yet I will go back to Kish if I’m in the area. Why? For the Koobideh. It was brilliant. Kish is obviously hugely popular (I’m assuming with the locals and the Khodemooni community) in the area. This much was evident from the constant stream of parcels flowing from the kitchen while we were there. But if it’s more than simply Koobideh you’re looking for then I would definitely consider other options
Xerxes (pronounced Zûrk’seez) – Food Adventurer Extraordinaire – Shamelessly Exploring the Boundaries of Gluttony
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 him on his culinary journey on Instagram: @ravenousxerxes or reach out to him via email on xerxes@dellara.com.