The Restaurant To Try (Again) This September: Berenjak Dubai, A Persian Love Story

Some restaurants are destinations, others are memories you can taste. Berenjak Dubai manages to be both. Inspired by the bustling kabab houses of Tehran and reimagined for a global audience, it is a place where Persian heritage finds a home in Dubai’s ever-evolving culinary scene.

From the name itself—drawn from the colourful, toasted rice snacks sold at Persian funfairs—to the last bite, the experience is layered with story, flavour, and intimacy.

A Story Rooted in Memory

When founder Kian Samyani created Berenjak in Soho, London, he set out to capture the warmth of his Iranian childhood: family gatherings, fragrant stews, and kababs that defined comfort. Within a year, it earned a Michelin Bib Gourmand, proof that this vision resonated beyond nostalgia. The Dubai outpost, which opened in 2023, extends that vision into the Gulf, its interiors drawing on the atmosphere of a Persian home—ornamental mosaics, soft green booths, and an open kitchen alive with fire and bread-making. It is less a restaurant and more a living memory, one that you are invited to step into.

A Table That Stays With You

What struck us most was the sheer generosity of flavour. The black chickpea hummus arrived silky and earthy, setting the tone for what was to come. The kashk bademjoon, smoky and rich, felt like comfort distilled into aubergine and whey. The paneer sabzi brought a burst of freshness and herbs, while the prawns—succulent, charred, and spiced—stood out as a dish that lingered long after the last bite. Every plate was phenomenal, not in a performative way, but in the quiet, confident way of recipes perfected over generations and lovingly reimagined.

And while we didn’t sample the meat, it’s worth noting that many diners consider the kababs and charcoal-grilled skewers the very reason they return time and again. For them, it’s the flame-licked meats that complete the story, embodying the heart of the traditional Persian kabab house that inspired Berenjak in the first place.

Why It Matters

Dubai is a city that thrives on novelty, but Berenjak manages to feel both fresh and timeless. It isn’t just about beautifully executed Persian food—it’s about connection, culture, and the idea that food can be both a passport and a memory. It is intimate, elevated, and deeply rooted, a restaurant that serves not just a menu but a narrative.

Berenjak Dubai is not just where you go to eat—it’s where you go to feel.

More info and reservations on Berenjakuae.com