The words “Persia” and “Persian” have long conjured images of the land we now call Iran. Derived from the Greek “Persis” and popularized by figures like Herodotus, these terms recall the grandeur of the Persian Empire, founded by Cyrus the Great (590-529 BC). While “Persia” often evokes a sense of ancient history, “Iran” reflects the modern identity of the country. This distinction becomes especially vivid when we talk about food.
Iranian cuisine, deeply rooted in its Persian heritage, has evolved from centuries-old traditions while embracing influences from neighboring cultures like Turkey, Armenia, and Iraq. With over 400 varieties of dishes and desserts, Persian cuisine is remarkably diverse, relying on the masterful blend of grains, legumes, vegetables, and proteins. Essential spices like saffron, turmeric, and cinnamon infuse the food with a rich, aromatic flavor.
From succulent kebabs to fragrant stews, today’s Persian food continues to honor its centuries-old traditions. And we can’t wait to take you into the world of an Iranian restaurant right here in Frankfurt and sample some of their iconic dishes.
Restaurant Profile
- Name of the Restaurant: Restaurant Kish (incl. menu)
- Adress: Leipziger Str. 16A, 60487 Frankfurt am Main
- Style: Persian/Iranian Cuisine
- Price: around 25 – 35 EUR per Person (incl. Drinks and Tips)
Kish’s decor is nothing short of stunning, with dazzling chandeliers filling the ceilings, casting a radiant glow over the room. The walls are adorned with intricate, elegant paintings. Every detail exudes opulence, reminiscent of the “Diamond Palace” or the Shah Cheragh Shrine in Shiraz – a breathtaking mosque where walls and ceilings are covered with thousands of tiny, glittering mirror tiles. The shimmering, jewel-like effect makes the entire space feel ethereal and otherworldly.
As you descend to the B1 floor, you can’t miss a striking sight—a life-sized giant stuffed tiger. Symbolizing strength and power in Persian culture, the tiger adds a touch of mystique and majesty to the place.
Before diving to the main courses, we’d like to recommend 2 refreshing and unique Persian drinks. First up is Sharbet Sekanjebin. Often described as Persian mint and vinegar lemonade, this cooling beverage is served chilled, with freshly grated cucumber and a hint of mint floating on top.
The drink has a bright flavor, with the vinegar lending a gentle tartness that contrasts with the subtle sweetness of the syrup, while the cucumber adds a fresh, crisp texture. It’s a delicious way to refresh the palate between rich, meat-focused dishes.
Next up is Sharbet Safran Chia, a homemade saffron drink mixed with chia seeds and a touch of mint. This unique blend combines the rich, earthy aroma of saffron with the light, slightly gelatinous texture of chia seeds, giving it a fun, subtle pop in every sip.
The saffron adds a deep, aromatic quality, while the drink itself remains mildly sweet and soothing—much like Chinese cold tea, with floral and herbal undertones. Refreshing and fragrant, it’s the perfect way to balance the richness of a meal.
Before the main dishes arrive, the staff will bring you a complimentary starter that’s on the house. It includes Persian Yellow Split Pea Soup, soft layered flatbread, and a fresh Sabzi Khordan—a medley of parsley, mint, cherry tomatoes, reddish, sliced carrots, and mild Panir cheese.
The soup, made from yellow split peas, turmeric, and spices, is bright in color and slightly tangy in flavor. It’s smooth and silky, lightly spiced yet very comforting. Adding fresh herbs to the soup can bring out the flavors even more.
Wrap the fresh herbs, vegetables, and cheese inside the flatbread, and optionally dip into the soup if you like. With its two thin layers, the flatbread is ideal for wrapping and dipping.
The wrap alone, combining bright, herbaceous parsley and mint with juicy, sweet tomatoes, slightly bitter and peppery reddish, crisp carrots, creates light yet flavorful bites. The Panir cheese provides a subtle, creamy richness, tying everything together for a well-balanced and delicious start to the main meal!
Now for the main course! Zereshk Polo ba Mahicheh is a classic Iranian dish, made with slow-cooked lamb shank (mahicheh), topped with cilantro and served alongside saffron basmati rice (zereshk polo) with barberries.
The lamb shank is braised in a rich saffron sauce, which absorbs the deep flavors of the lamb marrow. The meat is tender, almost falling off the bone. With the marrow adding a rich, velvety depth to the flavor and a buttery, luxurious texture, every mouthfeel becomes thicker and more intense, with an almost umami richness. It’s a combination of melt-in-your-mouth meat and a sauce that’s both hearty and silky, beautifully complementing the fragrant saffron rice and the tangy burst from the barberries.
The accompanying salad adds a refreshing crunch, balancing out the richness of the lamb. This dish exemplifies Persian cuisine’s love for combining rich, hearty flavors with bright, refreshing accents.
Baghali Polo ba Morgh is a dish of tender chicken thighs served with fragrant dill-saffron rice and broad green beans. A personal favorite of mine, it’s topped with fresh cilantro and accompanied by a crisp salad.
The juicy chicken is bathed in a rich sauce that boasts luxurious aroma and color. With earthy, slightly floral depth, and a hint of warmth from spices, each bite is packed with flavors. The meat itself is mild but so tender, especially the part near the bone.
There’s a delicate, almost gelatinous layer known as the cartilage, which is incredibly rich and flavorful, adding a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
The fluffy basmati rice, speckled with freshly chopped dill, is a hidden highlight of the dish. The dill gives the rice a refreshing, herbaceous flavor, while the broad green beans lend a mild sweetness. A golden touch of saffron on top creates aromatic, earthy notes that pairs well with the delicate grassy taste of the dill. Even on its own, the rice is so delicious and interesting that you’d never get bored.
Grill dishes are a cornerstone of Persian cuisine, and no exploration of Persian food is complete without these iconic grills.
The Hauptgerichtplatte/Main Course Platter for Two is a sumptuous Persian grill platter that brings together savory meats, aromatic rice, and fresh vegetables on one plate. It features a large skewer of finely spiced lamb, a skewer of tender chicken breast, and a skewer of marinated lamb loin.
Accompanied by fluffy white rice, saffron rice with barberries, and an array of grilled vegetables like tomatoes, long bell peppers, and a crisp salad, this platter is a feast for the senses.
A standout is the dark green, herb-based sauce (sabzi). Its refreshing zest and vibrant herb flavors brighten the smoky, grilled meats. The rich, deep flavor of the lamb, enriched by the fresh, herby sauce, delivers a balanced, vibrant taste experience, while mild, tender chicken, absorbing the herbaceous flavors, bursts with freshness and a subtle complexity.
This dish perfectly encapsulates the best of Persian grilling, but you can also order each type of skewer separately. From lamb to chicken to beef, Kish has a wide variety of grill offerings. Marinated in rich, aromatic spices that seep into every juicy morsel, and paired with fresh vegetables, a tangy yogurt sauce or an herb-based sauce, each option is a flawless fusion of flavors, layered and beautifully balanced.
Tea holds a special place in Iranian daily life and culture, often enjoyed in the afternoon with sweets or dried fruits for a moment of relaxation. At Kish, they sometimes offer complimentary tea and small desserts after the meal. Iranian tea, served in small, elegant glass cup, has a rich, deep aroma and smooth, earthy taste. It’s slightly bitter with subtle floral undertones – quite invigorating.
One of the treats is Halva, a fragrant Persian dessert made with rice flour, rosewater, saffron, and sugar, topped with almonds. It has a soft, rich texture with a smooth, almost melt-in-your-mouth consistency. The saffron and rosewater add a floral sweetness that’s warm and comforting. What a great way to end a meal!
At Kish, the menu goes beyond grilled and braised dishes, offering hearty stews and fresh fish to comforting soups and vegetarian options like falafel and salads. Iranian cuisine is not only delicious, but also balanced and healthy, with fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes at its core.
Persian culture seamlessly intertwines art, tradition, and culinary mastery, creating a unique dining experience. The delicate plating, exquisite flavors, and rich aromas reflect Persia’s deep-rooted love for beauty and refinement. Dining at Kish is like an immersive journey into the enchanting, exotic and colorful world of Persian cuisine.
