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Shabestan Review
Best Persian Restaurant Robertson Quay
Image c/o Shabestan Website
Since opening in 2013, Shabestan has established itself as one of Singapore’s leading Persian dining destinations. Located in Robertson Quay, it is well-known for offering a broad selection of traditional Persian and Middle Eastern dishes, prepared with premium ingredients and cooked using time-tested methods. Over the years, it has built a loyal following among both locals and visitors seeking a quality Persian meal.
Is Life a Recipe Shabestan Rating
Dining Experience at Shabestan
Shabestan aims to deliver more than just a meal—it seeks to offer an experience that reflects Persian culture and hospitality. Diners can choose between indoor seating, a riverside alfresco area, or a private dining room that fits up to 26 guests. The atmosphere is relaxed yet refined, making it suitable for date nights, family meals, and business gatherings alike.
Exploring Persian Cuisine at Shabestan
Persian cuisine is known for its balance of flavours, combining sweet, sour, and savoury elements. Dishes often feature aromatic spices such as saffron, turmeric, and cinnamon, alongside ingredients like pomegranates, dried fruits, and nuts. Shabestan’s menu reflects this culinary heritage, with each dish offering a glimpse into centuries-old Persian cooking traditions.
Mezze (Appetisers)
Image c/o Shabestan Facebook
Mezze, or small plates, are central to Persian dining, encouraging communal eating and the sharing of flavours:
- Koofte Parsi ($17) – These lamb meatballs are infused with pistachios and herbs, cooked in a rich sauce. Koofte dishes are a staple in Persian households, representing the importance of slow-cooked, hearty meals.
- Halim Bademjan ($16) – Combining puréed eggplant with braised lamb and lentils, this dish is finished with curd and mint sauce. Eggplant is a cornerstone of Persian cuisine, often paired with meat for added depth.
- Muhammara ($16) – A blend of walnuts, roasted peppers, and pomegranate molasses. This dip showcases the Persian fondness for nuts and fruits in savoury dishes, creating a sweet-sour flavour profile.
- Hummus ($13) – A familiar dish across the Middle East, Shabestan’s hummus is a smooth blend of chickpeas, tahini, garlic, and lemon, served with freshly baked Persian bread.
- Dolma ($12) – Vine leaves filled with rice and herbs, a dish originating from the Ottoman Empire but embraced in Persian cuisine as a light, refreshing starter.
Soups and Salads
Soups and salads in Persian cuisine are often vibrant and herbaceous:
- Ash Reshteh ($13) – A traditional noodle soup made with coriander, parsley, spinach, and leeks. It is enriched with curd sauce and dried mint, symbolising prosperity and often served during Persian New Year.
- Tabouli Salad ($16) – A parsley-based salad with bulgur, tomatoes, and lemon dressing. While originating from the Levant, it has become popular in Persian dining for its light, zesty character.
Charcoal-Grilled Dishes
Halabi Kebab image c/o Shebastian Facebook
Grilled meats hold a special place in Persian cuisine, celebrated for their simplicity and robust flavours:
- Chen Jeh Kebab ($55) – Lamb eye loin cubes marinated in saffron, then charcoal-grilled. Saffron is a prized ingredient in Persian cooking, imparting a subtle floral aroma.
- Lamb Kubideh ($42) – A minced lamb kebab mixed with onions and spices, grilled to perfection. Kubideh is a staple in Persian households, commonly served with buttered rice and grilled tomatoes.
- Saffron Jujeh ($38) – Whole spring chicken marinated in saffron, lemon juice, and Persian herbs before being grilled. Jujeh kebabs are a popular dish during Persian family gatherings.
Persian Stews and Rice Dishes
Stews, or Khoresht, are slow-cooked dishes often paired with fragrant rice:
- Ghormeh Sabzi – A herb stew made with fresh parsley, coriander, and fenugreek, cooked with lamb and dried limes. It is widely regarded as Iran’s national dish.
- Fesenjan – A rich stew featuring chicken or duck cooked with ground walnuts and pomegranate molasses. Its sweet and sour taste is a hallmark of Persian culinary finesse.
- Zereshk Polo ($39) – Saffron rice topped with barberries and served with chicken. The tartness of barberries provides contrast to the aromatic rice.
Desserts and Drinks
Persian desserts often highlight rosewater, saffron, and pistachios:
Shabeestan’s Persian ice cream image c/o Facebook
- Baklava ($12) – Layers of filo pastry with chopped nuts, sweetened with honey.
- Persian Saffron Ice Cream ($8) – Infused with saffron and pistachios, offering a fragrant and creamy finish to a meal.
Persian tea is typically served at the end of a meal, brewed with cardamom or saffron, reflecting the Iranian tradition of leisurely dining and conversation.
Shabestan Address & Telephone
- Address: 80 Mohamed Sultan Rd, Singapore 239013
- Tel. +65 9446 7195
- Opening Hours: 12 PM – 3 PM, 6 PM – 11 PM
- Website: www.shabestan.sg
