A culinary journey capturing the essence of traditional Persian flavours was experienced by Lawson Misquitta at Alounak.

Nestled within Water Garden City, the lively new waterfront destination that’s quickly become a favoured escape from the bustle of the city, shines a hidden gem serving up some really delightful Persian cuisine – Alounak.

On arrival, we first took the time to enjoy a leisurely stroll around the waterfront hub, the calm afternoon offered a serene contrast to its vibrant evening atmosphere. Following this, we eventually made our way to Alounak with our appetites kindled and eager to dive into the culinary experience ahead.

Once inside, we were warmly welcomed by the staff and led to our seats. The restaurant’s design showcases a contemporary aesthetic, combined with authentic touches paying homage to its Persian heritage. It also boasts an inviting ambience with an expansive indoor space, a vast first-floor area and a cosy outdoor section. We chose a lovely spot by the window, overlooking where the sparkling waters of the Arabian Gulf danced in the sunlight, creating a mesmerising backdrop for our meal. Picture perfect!

At our table, we were visited by Bobi Trajkovski, the Group General Manager. A charming host, he shared insights about the restaurant and gladly recommended some of the chef’s standout dishes that we simply couldn’t miss.

Our meal kicked off with a procession of cold and hot starters, the first of which was a splendidly colourful plate of Alounak Salad. A bed of fresh romaine lettuce, juicy tomatoes and cucumber was crowned with a flourish of pomegranate seeds and crunchy walnuts, while cubes of deliciously salty feta lent more vibrancy to every bite.

It was soon followed by a plate of Mirza Ghasemi, a velvety purée of smoked eggplant blended with a mix of savoury tomato sauce and fragrant garlic and then combined with eggs cooked in at the last minute, creating an immensely flavourful morsel. Next came portions of Kashk Bademjan and Nargesi. The former – a smooth and creamy dip of mashed eggplant coupled with ground walnuts, fried onion (bringing a delectable, caramelised flavour) and mint, that’s finally topped with a drizzle of kashk, a tangy fermented yogurt. The latter – a dish where spinach is sautéed in butter with aromatic spices and garnished with mint and more fried onion to achieve a very pleasant balance of flavours. Served with warm Arabic bread, each mouthful was a pure delight and had everyone at the table savouring every bite.

Closing out the appetisers on a truly high note was the wholesome bowl of Ash Rashteh. A deeply flavourful and thick soup packed with chickpeas, vegetables, aromatic herbs, reshteh (Persian noodles) and kidney beans that’s then garnished with crispy fried onions and kashk. A simple and quintessentially Persian preparation, every spoonful delivered a wave of comforting nourishment, it quickly became a favourite at the table.

For the main course, our table was first graced with the lavish Alounak Mixed Grill – a beautifully presented abundance of grilled meat perfection. This generous feast was more than enough to share among four to seven people, making it a centrepiece that truly captured the spirit of communal dining. The platter included Kabab Koobideh, skewers of marinated minced lamb meat that were bursting with flavour, and Joojeh Kabab, chunks of the tenderest and juiciest chicken marinated with saffron, turmeric and yoghurt. Adding to that feast were the Tekka Masti Ghost, chargrilled cubes of beef intensely flavoured with black peppercorn and lemons. And to top it off, we indulged in the exquisite Shishlik, a delectable Persian lamb chop that was simply irresistible. The serving was tastily complemented with onions, pickles, red cabbage and grilled tomatoes and served with Arabic bread, creating the ultimate feast for both the eyes and the palate.

Next came the Ghormeh Sabzi with saffron rice. The stew was a harmonious blend of earthy fenugreek and a medley of other herbs, further complemented by the unique tartness of dried Persian lemons, which added a flavourful depth and complexity. Tender chunks of lamb rounded out this exquisite creation. Paired with the fragrant steaming rice, each spoonful was exceptionally fine!

Throughout our meal we steadily sipped on rounds of highly refreshing and tasty drinks from which I particularly loved the Passion Fruit Mojito, a lime and passion fruit concoction, and the Healthalious, a delicious drink made with berries, oranges and apple juice.

For the last two dishes, we first dove into the Tahchin Morgh – a dish that resembles a cake yet surprises with its savoury layers of chicken and caramelised onion nestled within fragrant saffron rice. This masterpiece is beautifully bound by a mix of seasoned yogurt and egg and then baked. Served with a sprinkle of Zereshk (Persian barberries) and pistachio, creating a sumptuous contrast that elevates each bite.

The final main, the Baghali Polo Ba Mahicheh, presented us with a slow-cooked lamb shank boasting meat so tender that it practically fell off the bone. Paired with dill rice and broad beans, each bite provided a ravishing burst of flavour that melted in our mouths.

As we concluded our sumptuous meal, we savoured the gorgeous views while indulging in a generous portion of halwa and a delightful cup of saffron ice cream, a satisfying finale that hit all the right notes. ✤

GO: CALL 1722 8666 FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO MAKE A RESERVATION.