[Review] Shabestan: Enjoy Exotic and authentic Persian Flavors in Singapore

Have you tried Persian food before?

I must admit I am not familiar with Middle Eastern cuisine.

So it was with great curiosity and anticipation that I checked out Shabastian, a Persian restaurant established since 2013. Shabestian boldly proclaims on its website that it brings us “the finest Middle-Eastern Cuisine in Singapore”.

Verdict- definitely worth going! Although I don’t have enough experience to verify whether it is indeed the “finest Middle-Eastern Cuisine in Singapore”, I must say I enjoyed the food and experience there. The food felt hearty and healthy, the service standard was attentive, and the ambience was lovely.

Ps: There were many regulars at the restaurant, definitely a testament to the restaurant’s standard and authenticity.

We tried a set meal from its special festive menu for Christmas, and some items from its regular menu. The festive menu has western influences, so it will be great for those who want to try something new, yet still want a taste of something familiar. Otherwise, for the most authentic Persian dining experience, choose items from its regular menu.

Festive set menu

Festive Set Menu (18 December 2020- 3 January 2021), $88++ per set, avail for both lunch and dinner.

For the first time in 7 years, Executive Chef Hany Moustafa has curated an all new festive set menu for those looking for a little culinary twist.

There’s the Christmas-inspired Avocado Salad, smoked Cream of Pumpkin and homemade Saffron Sorbet sprinkled with lemon zest. Choose between Turkey Skewer marinated with Persian spices cooked over a charcoal grill or a Roasted Wagyu Tenderloin 180 grams served with sauteed vegetables and mashed sweet potatoes. End your meal with the Vanilla Orange Log Cake and a cup of Kir Royal Tea infused with blackcurrants and mixed berries. 

Slideshow of the menu items:

regular menu- Other Items We Tried

Appetizer platter: A selection of 5 appetizers recommended by Chef ($38).

Served with Iranian bread, the 5 appetizers consist of:

• Hummus (served warm): fresh cooked garbanzo beans blended with lemon juice, garlic, tahini and olive oil
• Kash-e-bademjan (served warm): mixture of sautéed eggplant, onion, mint and Shabestan’s secret dressing
• Muhamara***Our Favourite*** (served cold): Made with walnuts, pomegranate, molasses, toasted bread crumbs, oive oil, roasted bell peppers & spices ground to a paste. Served with Iranian bread.
• Borani Esfanaj (served cold): Fresh spinach with fried onionm garnished with sun-dried yoghurt and saffron,
• Homemade cheese (served cold): fresh cheese with crunchy celery bits mixed in. very interesting textures.

This Appetizer platter is perfect for sharing. Each of the appetizers are available for individual orders too. If you are just ordering one, let it be Muhamara. It’s very unique; sweet and tangy at the same time.

Tadig is the scorched layer of rice at the bottom of the rice pot. Mr Fajar, General Manager at Shabestan shared: with us that some people like to eat it crunchy, some like to dip in stew to make it soft.

Cheers to a novel and sumptuous Persian dining experience at Shabestan!

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Location and reservations

For reservations, call +65 6836 1270 or book online via https://www.shabestan.sg/reservation

Shabestan is located at Mohamed Sultan Rd, #01-13, Singapore 239013