Taste of Persia NYC
“I first enjoyed the very delicious ash reshteh at last year's Union Square Holiday Market and I am very happy to see them here again.”
“Even though I live in Brooklyn, I would literally go into the city just to get Saeed's Gormeh Sabsi or various stews to bring home.”
“I first came across it at the Union Square holiday market, and it has unsurprisingly grown from it's once temporary stand there.”
Taste of Persia NYC
Take-out: Yes
Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
Bike Parking: Yes
Good for Kids: Yes
Caters: Yes
PokéStop Nearby: Yes
Price range.
$$ Price range $11-30
8 reviews
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This is such a fun place that makes living in NYC worth the horrible subway rides and the smell of garbage in the summertime. It's a guy who is serving up delicious Persian food in the corner of a pizza place, with no signs on the awning indicating it exists.
First off, the guy who runs the place is super nice. When he found out it was our first time eating Persian food, he ladled us samples of everything he had, explaining what everything was. These samples are basically enough to fill you up. Everything is well spiced and delicious.
I ended up getting the ash reshteh, a veggie noodle soup which is topped with a mint chutney, caramelized onions and whey. The soup is delicious but the toppings really put it over the top. It's all crunchy and delicious and savory and hot – it hits the spot if you're feeling under the weather.
I also got the beef kebab which was well spiced and served over excellent fluffy rice with caramelized onions. All this for $13 and I was waddling home after from how full I was.
Minus one star because I thought everything was a little undersalted but maybe this is personal preference. I like it when my fingers are default puffy.
The bean and okra stew was a transcendent experience. I mean woah. The aush, surprisingly, I didn't love as much–it was too complicated for me, and there was a note that I didn't like. I have liked other aush that I've had (including with Persian friends), but that doesn't prove anything. Anyway, I will definitely be coming back here.
At $12, and given that the restaurant is nested inside another restaurant just inside the door, the price was a little steep. That said, it's evident that a lot of labor (and fresh ingredients) goes into the food.
exactly what I was looking for!! I was walking down the street and saw the "taste of Persia" and was excited to see what they had. apparently every day the menu changes which guarantees freshness, I presume and based on the taste, it definitely was. The food tasted super home made. the idea of having two stews with one portion of rice is super smart since you don't have to decide which one you want. the lady at the counter also let you sample the stew beforehand if you were not sure if you'd like it.
This is yet another reason I wish I lived in nyc. I will be back for are on my next visit.
So Back home in India we have the Parsi Community know for some kickass food (any Mumbaikar, shoutout to my mumBhai folks, know exactly what I am talking bout) and I understand they are some what of Persian-Iranian origin so of-course I had to come here its only logical.
Chef Saeed whips up a couple of dishes everyday, that day he had some spinach beef and chicken with yellow rice and "Dill Fava Bean Rice" GOD it was Sooo good. The Dill Fava Bean Rice and the chicken hit the spot JUST right I still dream of it.
The spinach beef was a bit sour/tarty for my palate. My complaint is bout the quantity of beef I literally saw Saeed count the pieces in my place and take out ONE piece as I guess it was extra, and believe me they are small pieces but that fine I wont hold it on because I liked the food and few words with him and you know he is good at heart. I would have LOVED it if it was may be a dollar cheaper i paid $14 for the food I felt it would have been a steal for $10 and $12 would be prefect.
A tip: this is a place tucked inside a pizzeria so be careful you wont find a sign board for them.
Simple persian fare but, no compromises on the flavor. Totally defines the "hole in the wall" concept. Being close to work so whenever I need some hearty comfort food this is where I go.
I usually get their pomegranate chicken and chickpea and lamb stew, I personally like the chicken better. The rice that they serve with the onions on top is so delicious!!
NYtimes recommended.. its a must try!
Despite being one of the least visible bizes in the Flatiron, Taste of Persia has become a favorite for patrons in the know. Sharing the space with Pizza Paradise (yelp.com/biz/pizza-parad…), the signage is so limited that it's likely people miss the spot all the time. "Hidden gem" can certainly be applied here.
After a short but successful stint in the Union Square Holiday Market (yelp.com/biz/union-squar…), owner Saeed finally went brick and mortar and has been a lunch favorite ever since. The space is less of a restaurant with a handful of tables in the back (which really belong to the pizzeria) and the menu changes daily. While some folks call in to ask, the wiser choice is to come by and sample whatever is being served. Trust me, something will stand out.
Each plate is around $12, which can include a hodgepodge of the daily offerings (mix!). The base can be anything from salad to basmati rice and there is usually a meat option as well plentiful veggie ones. Don't be intimidated if you don't recognize any of the dishes, always ask for a small sample and whoever is manning the counter will usually comply.
One of my favorite stews is the Gormeh Sabzi, a fantastic spinach and lamb stew, almost somewhat reminiscent of Indian saag with tender chunks of lamb. There is a similar dish like this with sliced almonds and salmon, which is a crowd favorite. Saeed's rendition of Fasenjan, a walnut and pomegranate stew with chicken might be one of the best things he serves. It is sweet, yet savory, and perfectly complemented by the basmati rice. Soup fans might enjoy the Ash Reshteh, a super tasty noodle soup that is generously topped off with caramelized garlic, yogurt, and mint. It is the consummate dish that helps anyone concur the winter blues.
Lastly, I would recommend going with takeout during lunch hour only. Since they close at 7pm each day, don't count on any post-work dinners unless its around happy hour time. While there are other Persian options in the city, Taste of Persia is easily the least pretentious of the bunch.
I've upgraded my review to five stars because the lamb stew was terrific. Lamb, chickpeas, potatoes, and more topped with fried onions and garlic in a savory, delicious, hearty stew. I got it with a bowl of rice and loved every bite.
Oh, how I love thee, Taste of Persia! You are a taste of home, away from home! I will stop by every time I'm in this neighborhood because I just absolutely love the food. I've been greeted by the owner himself a few times and he's super friendly and sweet, he gave me a free sample of halim (a Persian stew that contains slow-cooked wheat and lamb) and it was the best thing I've ever had in my life. It was a cold day outside, so the warm halim and toasted bread really hit the spot. My usual favorite stews are the ghormeh sabzi and fesenjoon. Ghormeh sabzi is a mix of greens with red kidney beans and meat and fesenjoon is made with meat, crushed walnuts and pomegranate syrup. They're both delicious served over rice. I also love the aub goosht (soup) – I get that every time!
There are very few, mostly two-top tables in this store (which is shared with a pizza place). Taste of Persia is in the corner to your left as you enter. I usually take my food to go. Good value for the food – about $12 for a combo that includes rice and two stews. I brought my mom here when she was visiting and even she loved the food and said the stews and soups are as good as hers (maybe even better…shhh…don't tell mom!).