Iran: Shayan

There is a new(ish) Persian place on the block in north London. Well I knew of it but only got round to visiting it for the first time a month ago. And I returned to it for the second time yesterday.

Shayan serves typical Persian grub like Chelow Kebabs (Iran's national dish) with rice and butter, grilled tomatoes as well as other variations of grilled lamb and chicken.

I went straight for my favourite, the Chelow Kebab which costs the bargainous sum of £5.50. My mum ordered hers with naan bread. We also ordered the Salad Shirazi (finely sliced cucumber, tomatoes, onions, tomatoes and herbs).

It's such a simple marriage yet so satisfying. The kebabs were tender and grilled perfectly, and the rice melted in the mouth.

Service was super-fast though the atmosphere was somewhat lacking (the restaurant was empty on Saturday night). This was disheartening and worrying, as the food is wonderful but the fear a local gem might close looms. I really hope this won't be the case as Persian restaurants for me are usually quite far away or difficult to travel to.

Shayan has a take-away and delivery branch in Barnet too (154 Lancaster Road, Barnet, EN4 8AL, Telephone: 020 8441 0222). The Edgware restaurant also does take-aways.

Address: 311 Hale Lane, Edgware, HA8 7AX
Telephone: 020 8958 1480
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday, 12:00pm - 10:00pm
Tube: Edgware (Northern line)
Bus: 221, 240, 113, 186, 142, 251, 303, 292
Car: Pay & Display Monday to Saturday from 8:00am - 6:30pm, free after 6:30pm, Sundays and Bank Holidays.
Link to google map