Persian New Year, also known as “Nowruz” or “Nooruz,” which literally translates as “new day,” celebrates the start of a new year on the Persian calendar. This year’s celebration, which took place on March 20 (in the Gregorian calendar), marks the beginning of the new year of 1404 and coincided with the spring equinox. The day is known to those who celebrate it as a joyous and exciting day with much history and culture behind it.
Traditionally, one of the most important symbols of the day is the “haft sin.” The haft sin is a table that, for the day of and days surrounding Nowruz, becomes home to items in Persian culture that are symbols of prosperity and good fortune for the new year. The table features items such as garlic (a symbol of medicine and health), sumac (a symbol of the sunrise and new beginnings), and vinegar (a symbol of age and patience).
When it comes to Persian cuisine as a whole, it’s all about fresh, rich flavors that have a pleasing textural balance. Rice features prominently in this cuisine, both as an ingredient in main courses and a side for stews and kebabs. Nuts and berries also play a starring role, with pomegranate and walnuts as key players in popular Persian dishes.
Ready to try Persian cuisine for yourself? Hit the town this weekend (and embrace the beautiful warm weather in store for Westchester) by grabbing food from these authentic Persian spots in the county.
Shiraz Kitchen & Wine Bar
80 Mamaroneck Ave, White Plains; 914.345.6111
Shiraz Kitchen’s menu is full of decadent Persian appetizers, entrees, and desserts guaranteed to wow diners. For an authentic Persian start to the meal, try the dolmeh, tender grape leaves wrapped around a mixture of herbs and rice, with a hint of pomegranate. For the main, you can’t go wrong with feasting on any type of kebab; options include lamb chops, filet mignon, saffron chicken, and more. Be sure to try one of the specialty Persian rices; baghali, with dill and fava beans, and albaloo, with sour cherry and pistachios, are household favorites.
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Medi Bistro
50 Main St, White Plains; 914.946.1232
Medi Bistro brings classic Persian cuisine to Westchester, along with innovative takes on its authentic flavors, led by tri-state restaurateur Par Shakiban. Dishes are meant to be eaten family-style, so every plate can be shared with everyone at the table. Start with one of the Persian dips: mast khiar (yogurt with cucumber and mint), mast mousir (sun-dried shallot yogurt, and most definitely the best for eating with the hearty stews), or kashk badenjoon (fried eggplant with crispy fried onion and mint, made creamy and decadent with cream of whey). For your entree, we recommend chicken fesenjoon, a stew that’s often eaten on special occasions and nicknamed “the stew for kings” because of the labor and time that goes into it. The traditional Persian flavors of pomegranate paste and walnuts blend seamlessly for a flavor you will crave every day thereafter. Wash it down with one of the specialty Persian-inspired cocktails on the menu. Highlights include the anar (pomegranate) sour and the saffron vesper.
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