OCTOBER 2017

Shabestan #01-13 The Pier at Robertson, 80 Mohamed Sultan Road 6836 1270 | shabestan.sg

What’s cooking? Halal-certified Persian cuisine, with charcoal grilled meats taking centre stage. What’s on the table? The appetiser platter ($35) is a great way to start, as you’ll get to taste five different apps of your choice; we especially loved the muhamara – a delicious dip made from walnuts, pomegranate, molasses, olive oil, toasted bread crumbs, roasted peppers and spices, served with Iranian bread, and kash-e-bademjan – a mixture of sautéed eggplant, onion and mint (almost like baba ganoush ). The Shirazi salad ($12) of chopped cucumbers, tomatoes and onions is super fresh, and another great accompaniment to the meal.

Grilled meat platter

From the charcoal grill, there are loads of different lamb, chicken, beef and fish options, from kebabs and masti (meat cubes marinated in yoghurt and Persian herbs) to a range of mixed meat platters. We shared the Shabestan platter for two ($95) to try some variety, as it includes beef fillet, lamb, chicken, fish and prawns. Though everything was fantastic, I particularly loved the perfectly flavoured beef and the super-succulent prawns –

delish! We paired the platter with a mixed rice plate ($12) that included zereshk rice with barberries and pomegranate, and bahala rice with lima beans and dill. To round things off, be sure to finish with some baklava ($10). What else? Don’t miss the belly dancer on Friday nights from 8.30pm! – Amy Greenburg halloumi with honey-glazed carrots and Thai basil ($22). Next came the kale fattoush ($18), an unusual but very yummy dish – a homemade “feta burrata” served with kale croutons and herbs. Next came the brassica tabbouleh ($18) – perfectly cooked Brussels sprouts with raw cauliflower grains, red cabbage and pickled onions, the amazing hot skillet prawns ($38) in green harissa and cream, 100-day aged short rib with Turkish coffee barbecue sauce ($36) and slow-roasted lamb shoulder ($38), which melted in our mouths. Artichoke has a great selection of beers, wines and ciders, and can make pairing recommendations, too. What else? We loved this place. It’s busy and buzzing, with a great vibe and great music – a lot of fun. It’s also quite casual, so a perfect place to unwind. Dinner is served Tuesday to Saturday from 6.30pm, with an awesome brunch on weekends from 11.30am. – Jacqui Young

Artichoke 161 Middle Road 6336 6949 facebook.com/artichokesg

We started with a selection of mezzes including chickpea and tahini hummus ($8), smoked eggplant, pomegranate and teriyaki babaganoush ($8) and roasted red pepper muhammara ($8), all served as dipping plates with soft pita bread ($4.50). The caramelised cauliflower ($8) was one of my favourites, tossed in a tahini and dill sauce, as was the squeaky

What’s cooking? Fun Middle Eastern food with a twist.

What’s on the table? The food here is amazing. It’s all about shared platters – and lots of them!

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OCTOBER2017