Tucked inside the Aswaaq community centre, in the heart of popular but peaceful Al Mizhar, is Persian-inspired Barbeque Kabab Restaurant. Al Mizhar, which literally means ‘blossom’ in Arabic, lives up to the beauty and tranquillity of its name, hidden away from the congestion of Dubai’s city centre and offering a private, family-friendly community.
The restaurant is located in the community hub, a lively and fun place to enjoy a shared meal. An extensive menu is provided to diners, with options from the eponymous flame-grilled kebabs, to salads, rice, and stews. Sharing is emphasised, with large mixed grill platters and supreme fish rubbed in spices bring particular menu highlights. Middle Eastern flavours and regional recipes are championed, and the master barbeque chef, who has won awards from the Emirates culinary guild, hand-picks the fresh ingredients which he utilises later that day.
Expect to find dishes such as bukhari rice, a popular, traditional Saudi Arabian recipe packed with aromatic flavours and spices like cumin, cardamom, cinnamon, and cloves, or zereshk polo, a sweet and sour barberry rice dish which is a staple of Persian cuisine. Other options include khoresh bamieh, a Persian okra stew, ghormeh sabzi, a beef and kidney bean stew flavoured with fenugreek and loaded with spinach, and classics such as spicy chicken tikka kebabs, and lamb chops. Sides such as hummus, fattoush salad, and pilaf rice are on offer, to complement the richness of the charcoal-grilled meats. Raw kebabs are also available, for those who want to recreate the barbeque at home.
The drinks selection is just as ample as the food, with a delightful choice of uniquely-flavoured fresh juices. You may try juices ranging from banana, strawberry, and pomegranate, to avocado, kiwi, and sweet melon. Teas are also on offer, with classic green tea alongside sweet and fragrant karak tea, and spiced black sulaimani tea. The abundance in the menu continues into the decor, which boasts white tablecloths, ornate silver dishes, and gold-accented serving stations to create a glamorous dining atmosphere.