Persian Food in Singapore: Explore the Flavours of Persia

When searching for Persian food in Singapore, many diners look for fresh ingredients, grilled meats, colourful appetisers and dishes made for sharing. But there is another side to this dining experience that deserves attention: the rich culinary traditions of Persia.

At Shabestan, Persian cuisine takes centre stage. Located on Mohamed Sultan Road near Robertson Quay, Shabestan brings together traditional Persian recipes, aromatic herbs and spices, saffron, charcoal grilling and generous sharing-style dining. Every dish is prepared to highlight the natural flavours of its ingredients while staying rooted in Persian culinary traditions.

If you are looking for Persian dining in Singapore with a distinctly Persian character, we offer plenty to put on the table.

A Different Take on Persian Food in Singapore

Mediterranean dining is often associated with fresh vegetables, grilled meats, legumes, herbs, olive oil, dips and communal meals. Persian cuisine shares many of these qualities, but its flavours have a character of their own.

At Shabestan, saffron, Persian herbs, yoghurt, pomegranate, walnuts, eggplant and aromatic spices are used across the menu. The result is food that can feel familiar to diners who enjoy Persian flavours while offering something distinctly Persian.

Rather than ordering one dish for yourself, the Shabestan experience is particularly enjoyable when several dishes are placed in the centre of the table and shared.

Start with Persian Appetisers and Mezze

A great Persian meal begins with appetisers, and we offer plenty of options for building a table of different flavours.

Hummus provides a creamy combination of chickpeas, tahini, garlic, lemon juice and olive oil. For something more distinctly Persian, Kashk-e-Bedmejan combines sautéed eggplant, onion, mint and sun-dried yoghurt.

Halim Bademjan brings together puréed eggplant, braised lamb and yellow lentils, finished with sun-dried yoghurt and mint sauce. Koofteh Parsi, made with handmade minced lamb meatballs, pistachios and herbs, adds another layer of texture and flavour.

There are also lighter and vegetarian choices, including Mast (Persian Yoghurt), Dolma, Falafel, Zeytoon Parvardeh and Grilled Cheese.

For groups, Shabestan's appetiser platters make sharing easier. Guests can choose from dedicated hot and cold mezze platters, allowing the table to sample several flavours before the main course.

The Charcoal-Grilled Kebabs at Shabestan

Kebabs are one of the highlights of Persian cuisine, and they take centre stage at Shabestan.

The restaurant offers more than 30 kebab varieties, covering lamb, chicken, beef, seafood and vegetarian options. Each one is marinated and charcoal grilled to bring out smoky aromas and tender textures.

For a classic introduction, Lamb Kubideh is a popular choice. The minced lamb is grilled on a skewer and pairs naturally with Persian rice and a touch of sumac.

Shandiz offers tender spring lamb grilled on the bone, while Chenjeh Kebab features premium lamb eye-loin cubes marinated with saffron and selected herbs.

Chicken lovers can choose from Chicken Kubideh, Chicken Shish Kebab, Chicken Masti and Saffron Jujeh. The latter uses a whole spring chicken marinated with saffron and Persian herbs before being charcoal grilled.

One of the dishes worth trying at Shabestan is Shah Pasand Chicken, made with chicken breast marinated in Persian herbs and finished with saffron water. The dish has also earned a Singapore River Signature Dish award. 

For diners who prefer seafood, the menu includes Fish Kebab, Prawn Kebab and Gulf Kebab, combining seafood with Persian-style marinades and sauces.

Persian Rice and Comforting Stews

The meal does not end with kebabs. Persian rice is an important part of the dining experience, providing a fragrant accompaniment to grilled meats and slow-cooked dishes.

At Shabestan, rice dishes help balance the smoky flavours of the grill while adding their own aromas and textures. For something more comforting, try a traditional Persian stew.

Ghormeh Sabzi combines lamb, red beans, herbs, sun-dried lime and fresh vegetables, creating the distinctive herbal and tangy flavour associated with this Persian classic. A vegetarian version is also available.

Khoresht-E-Bamieh brings together lamb and okra cooked in tomato sauce and garlic, while the vegetarian version offers okra prepared without meat.

These dishes show why Persian cuisine can be much more than kebabs. The slow-cooked stews, fragrant rice and herb-rich flavours provide a completely different side of the menu.

Plenty of Choices for Vegetarian Diners

Mediterranean and Persian dining can work particularly well for groups with different dietary preferences, and Shabestan offers a dedicated selection of vegetarian and vegan dishes.

Mirza Ghassemi, a Northern Iranian speciality, combines smoked eggplant, tomatoes and garlic. Sabzi Kebab brings together vegetables and cheese with the restaurant's signature marinade before being charcoal grilled.

Shabestan also provides vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options across its menu, making it easier for groups to order a varied meal around one table.

Why Try Persian Cuisine When Looking for Mediterranean Food in Singapore?

If you enjoy Mediterranean food, Persian cuisine offers an opportunity to experience familiar elements in a different way.

You will find grilled meats, fresh vegetables, yoghurt, herbs, legumes and sharing plates, but the use of saffron, dried lime, Persian herbs, pomegranate, walnuts and traditional cooking techniques gives the food its own identity.

At Shabestan, this comes together through a menu that moves from mezze and appetisers to charcoal-grilled kebabs, Persian rice, traditional stews and desserts.

Whether you are trying Persian food for the first time or already enjoy the cuisine, Shabestan gives you plenty of choices to build your own dining experience.

Experience Persian Flavours at Shabestan

Mediterranean food in Singapore does not have to be limited to familiar dishes. Persian cuisine brings its own depth, ingredients and traditions to the table.

At Shabestan, you can begin with Kashk-e-Bedmejan, Hummus or Koofteh Parsi, move on to Lamb Kubideh, Shandiz or Shah Pasand Chicken, and finish with a Persian dessert or saffron ice cream.

For seafood lovers, vegetarians, meat lovers and groups looking to share several dishes, there is something to build a memorable meal around.

If you are searching for Mediterranean food in Singapore with authentic Persian flavours, Shabestan offers a dining experience centred on charcoal grilling, traditional recipes, generous portions and the warmth of Persian hospitality.

Book your table at Shabestan and make your next meal a taste of Persia. 

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is Shabestan a Mediterranean restaurant in Singapore?

Shabestan specialises in Persian and Middle Eastern cuisine while offering many flavours and ingredients that appeal to diners searching for Mediterranean food in Singapore. Its menu includes mezze, grilled meats, vegetables, seafood, salads and sharing platters.

2. What Persian dishes should I try at Shabestan?

For a first visit, consider starting with Kashk-e-Bedmejan or an appetiser platter, followed by Lamb Kubideh, Shandiz, Chicken Shish Kebab or Shah Pasand Chicken. Ghormeh Sabzi is a good choice if you want to try a traditional Persian stew.

3. Does Shabestan serve vegetarian food?

Yes. Shabestan offers vegetarian and vegan choices including Falafel, Mirza Ghassemi, Sabzi Kebab and vegetarian Ghormeh Sabzi. The restaurant also provides dedicated vegetarian and vegan menu options.

4. Does Shabestan serve seafood?

Yes. Seafood choices include Fish Kebab, Prawn Kebab and Gulf Kebab, offering a Persian take on charcoal-grilled seafood.

5. Is Shabestan suitable for group dining?

Yes. The restaurant offers sharing platters and appetiser platters, making it suitable for groups that want to sample several Persian dishes together. Shabestan also offers private dining for special events and occasions.

6. Where can I enjoy Persian food at Shabestan in Singapore?

Shabestan is located at 80 Mohamed Sultan Road, #01-13, Singapore 239013, close to the Robertson Quay area. Shabestan, Finest Persian Restaurant.