Helmed by chefs Mohammad Hosseini and Ying, Shirazi specialises in the dishes and culinary traditions of Persian cuisine.
From hummus to kebabs, the restaurant also introduces other highlights such as bamieh stew and tadik rice to the local dining scene.
Shirazi is located in Dempsey Hill.
The restaurant brings Persian flair to Dempsey Hill’s growing list of must-visit dining spots.
When it comes to hospitality, the Persians follow the teachings of “mehmân-navâzi”, a cultural tradition that treats guests and strangers as blessings from god, extending the utmost grace and generosity by the host. This show of kindness is foundational to the philosophy at Shirazi, a new Middle Eastern restaurant settling in at Dempsey Hill.
Helmed by chefs Mohammad Hosseini and Ying, the duo shares over 30 years of combined kitchen experience and are now lending their expertise in Persian fare to the sophisticated dining room of Shirazi. Within, the restaurant’s walls are lined with arched murals depicting the intricacies of Middle Eastern art, and tables are lit by the soft glow of crystal lamps. Here, diners will find a fastidiously curated menu that covers a broad spectrum of Persian cuisine.
Amongst Shirazi’s offerings for mezze are familiar favourites such as the Falafel Pita Pocket and Labneh with Confit Garlic and Za’atar. Hummus fans will find three different expressions of the chickpea dip, including one topped with spiced lamb and pine nuts, and another finished with black truffle shavings. Diners can also start the meal on a warmer note with the Ash Shirazi soup, a thick broth brewed with beans, fried onion, kashk, mint, and whey.
As for kebabs, there are charcoal-grilled beef, calamari, chicken, fish, and lamb to choose from. To dine like royalty, consider the Soltani, featuring Barg and Koobideh skewers; the former is a whole slice of filet mignon grilled like a ribbon, and the latter is a deeply savoury ground lamb and beef mince, served with saffron rice, grilled tomato, and mixed greens.
To balance the meats, order the Bamieh Vegetarian, a comforting tomato-based stew made with garlic, okra, and Persian herbs. Then there’s the chef’s special, Persian Tadik Rice, served upside down to highlight the golden, crunchy, caramelised crust made from cooking the grains to a crisp for sharing.
Finish your visit to Shirazi with something sweet from its dessert selection. Saffron appears in a cheesecake, ice cream is adorned with a scattering of pistachio, or you can try the restaurant’s rendition of Baklava. Also noteworthy is the Original Faloodeh Shirazi with Saffron Ice Cream, a dish that pairs Persian rose vermicelli with the perfumed icy treat.
Having opened its doors this September, Shirazi is one of the newer establishments revitalising the dining scene at Dempsey Hill, joining Casa Mori and Petra to further cement the enclave’s reputation as a must-visit culinary destination in Singapore.
Where: Shirazi, Dempsey Road, Dempsey Hill, Singapore
When: Tuesday to Sunday from 11:30am to 3pm, and 5:30pm to 11pm
Contact: shirazi.sg