Persian fare at Fari & Ari

Years ago, I’ve visited Fari & Ali for pastries and coffee, apparently known for their delightful cream puffs. But what I didn’t know was that in the evenings, things take a different turn and Nooshe Jan Persian takes over, with Persian dishes being the focus.

The ambience is quite different at night, warm and welcoming, and the food feels homey, like I’ve been invited to a favourite aunt’s place for dinner. Since there were 4 of us, we were able to try more dishes from the modest menu. 

For pish ghaza (starters), we had caramelised onion hummus and roasted eggplant – both were well-executed and had us licking off the plates after we finished the breads. For sides, zeytoon parvarde – olives, walnut, garlic, herbs, pomegranate molasses – was new to me, but I was smitten!

For mains, we had a herbed lamb stew (khoreshte ghorme sabzi), and long grain rice with chicken – honey caramelised barbarries, chicken in rich tomato saffron sauce (zereshk polo ba morgh) – very similar to our nasi beriani gam, but with even more herbs and spices. The stew was thick, super rich with herbs and spices, and packed full on flavour. The lamb was melt-in-your-mouth tender, having been cooked for hours over slow fire. The fluffy rice was so fragrant, and the delicious chicken inside, surprisingly still very moist. 

Dessert was rollet (Swiss roll with pistachio cream) and cream puffs, courtesy of Fari & Ali. 

A friend who is familiar with Persian food was pleased that this stayed true to the real deal. I was sold as I loved the heady flavours and strong spices. Prices felt a bit on the high side, but probably consistent with most places offering Middle Eastern cuisine. 

The best part about dining here was the friendly atmosphere that draws you into being part of the family, if only for those few hours. 

Add: 65G, Jalan Medan Setia 1, Bukit Damansara, Kuala Lumpur. hp: 011-2408 9838

Dinner only available from Thurs to Sat, 6.30pm to 10pm