Celebrate Nowruz with a traditional feast

Tabriz Persian Cookhouse

995 Bay St, Toronto

(416) 922-2017

Website

One of the best things about Toronto is that you can get any type of cuisine in the world right in the city. Every day you can learn so much about other cultures just by simply stopping by a restaurant. I have personally never tried Persian food so I was thrilled when I was invited to try the food at Tabriz.

The Tabriz restaurant was named after a city in

Iran and is owned by Pegah Ziaei and her father. This Persian Cookhouse launched just in time for Nowruz (Persian New Year) on March 20th where celebrations goes for 13 days. Something in the restaurant caught my eye and it was a beautiful Haft-Seen display on the counter that includes seven symbolic items where each represent an important concept in Persian culture.

Tabriz is a small and elegant spot with amazing service and unique decor. There is a beautiful wall near the back of the restaurant that makes you forget where you are.

If you are curious about Persian food, take a look at some of the dishes I tried.

Kashkeh Bademjoon ($14)

Charred eggplant dip topped with Persian whey paste, garlic, walnuts and crispy fried onions

This was my favorite appetizer. This can be shared amongst a few people and is eaten with the flat

bread. This dish looks like a little grid on your plate with each square being a different ingredient. I

couldn’t always tell what I was eating but it was very yummy.

Bademjoon Kabab ($12)

Sauteed baby eggplant stuffed with pomegranate & walnut paste

If you love eggplant as much as I do, you HAVE to get this. This dish is so satisfying and has a amazing depth of flavor.

Tahchin ($12)

Baked saffron basmati rice bar, infused with chicken & barberries

Koofteh Tabrizi ($24)

Authentic Tabriz meat loaf, infused with fresh herbs, barberries, verjuice, prunes, served with rice or

pickled vegetables and taftoon bread (Irania Flatbread)

The portion size for this was huge. This meat loaf is served in a delicious broth that you can pour over rice. I had this with the flatbread and it was amazing.

Zereshk Polo ($20)

Saffron chicken with barberries, pistachio & almond bits, served with saffron basmati rice

This new salmon dish is a special just for the Persian New year

Faloodeh ($9)

Iced thin vermicelli noodles served with rose water, lime or pomegranate juice with pistachio ice cream

Tabriz is such a cozy little spot, perfect for date night or a catch- up session with friends. If you have never had Persian food before, the flavors here will excite your taste buds. Everything is fresh with a affordable price point AND generous portions. I certainly do see myself coming back here again. I hope you enjoy this as much as I did!