Get a taste of Persian New Year in London

Celebrate Nowruz with a meal in some of the city's finest restaurants.

It's officially the start of spring. Whilst we saw in the New Year at the end of December, people across the Middle East celebrate Nowruz (meaning new day) as the earth moves out of the winter.

It's largely an Iranian holiday, but it's celebrated widely in both Azerbaijan and Afghanistan whilst Parsis and Kurds are among the groups that celebrate elsewhere.

Hafez Restaurant

Nestled in the back streets of Notting Hill, Hafez Restaurant is named after one of Iran's most famous poets. It's been open since 1983 - a lifetime in a world of pop-ups - and prides itself on its reputation as one of the city's longest-running Persian eateries. In true Iranian style, they offer takeaway as well as a finer dining experience.

Where: Hereford Road, Notting Hill

Nearest Tube Stations: Bayswater, Notting Hill, Queensway Station

Price: ££

We recommend:

Zeytun Hafez - olives marinated with herbs and two classic Persian ingredients, pomegranate and walnuts

Ghormeh Sabzi - possibly the most famous Iranian dish, it's the best insight into the vegetables and flavours of Iran.

Kateh Restaurant

Named for the traditional dish of Iran's Gilan Province, Kateh Restaurant can be found in Paddington. This area of London boasts a large Persian population, so it's location is fitting. The restaurant itself is small and boasts an impressive menu that really tries to update classic dishes. Its fish dishes are to die for.

Where: Warwick Place, Paddington

Nearest Tube Stations: Warwick Avenue, Paddington

Price: £££

We recommend:

Ghelieh Mahi - Experience the taste of South Iran with this fish stew. Kateh's update on the cod classic incorporates tamarind, tiger prawns alongside the more traditional tomato, herbs and rice that accompany most Persian dishes.

Fessenjan - another twist on a traditional meal, Kateh's interpretation of the recipe replaces chicken with confit of duck. This French element pays homage to the old relationship between the two countries - the Persian language is full of French loan words, and the exiled Shah lives in Paris. It's combined with the stew's more typical ingredients: pomegranate, walnut and barbary.

Kish Restaurant

Kish Restaurant can be found in another hotspot for Persians, north in Kilburn. Just off the high street, the shop is just a short walk from a Persian food shop, in case the meal has you craving a taste of Persia in your own home. It's named for a luxury island in the Persian Gulf, popular with tourists and in sight of Dubai. They also offer takeaway, and are even connected to Deliveroo and Just Eat for your convenience.

Where: Kilburn High Road, Kilburn

Nearest Tube Stations: Kilburn High Road, Kilburn Park

Price: ££

We recommend:

Koobideh and Jujeh Kebab - No list of Persian food is complete without the two kebabs for which the nation is known. You thought your post-night-out kebabs were something - wait until you get a taste of the real thing. Koobideh (lamb) and Jujeh (chicken) kebabs are served with basmati and saffron rice, as well as grilled tomatoes, no matter where you go. You'll get butter to add to your rice - it tastes fantastic, trust me.

Assal Patisserie

If you've ever visited Iran, you'll have been bombarded with an array of pastries and sweets. Known as Shirini, these treats can be found in London too. The city boasts a host of small patisseries, and Assal is one of the best. The snacks are known for their sweetness, and draw on a range of flavours including saffron, rose water and pistachio. It sounds weird to western tastebuds - head over to Marylebone and experience them yourself.

Where: Connaught Street, St George's Fields

Nearest Tube Stations: Marble Arch, Paddington

Price: ££

We recommend:

It's entirely up to you! Ask the staff to explain the ingredients and taste, and make a judgement. There's plenty to challenge even the sweetest of tooths - or you could grab a range to take home and sample.

Image: Flickr, birdfarm

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