Society

Shabestan: over 40 years of Persian culinary excellence in Dubai

Shabestan continues to captivate diners in the historic Deira district, earning international acclaim for its authentic cuisine.

Team Shabestan with Chef Middle East CEO Steve Pyle and Radisson Blu Hotel Dubai Deira Creek Manager Lahcen Saadaoui, celebrating the restaurant's Michelin Bib Gourmand award. [Radisson Blu Hotel Dubai Deira Creek]
Team Shabestan with Chef Middle East CEO Steve Pyle and Radisson Blu Hotel Dubai Deira Creek Manager Lahcen Saadaoui, celebrating the restaurant's Michelin Bib Gourmand award. [Radisson Blu Hotel Dubai Deira Creek]

By Pishtaz |

Located on the Deira side of Dubai Creek, Shabestan has quietly built a culinary legacy spanning four decades.

Since opening in 1984 at the Intercontinental Hotel, the restaurant -- now at Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Deira Creek -- has become a testament to family recipes, tradition, and unwavering commitment to Persian authenticity.

The restaurant's enduring success stems from its foundation in three generations of family recipes, carefully preserved and passed down through the years.

Shabestan has earned international recognition, including the Michelin Bib Gourmand distinction in July, which celebrates restaurants offering "good food at moderate prices."

"This recognition from Michelin is not just an honor, it's a responsibility -- to uphold our culinary heritage, to cook from the heart, and to make every guest feel the warmth of Persian hospitality," said Chef Abolfazl Shirazipour.

The menu showcases this generational wisdom through dishes like the Persepolis Feast, featuring carefully prepared chicken and lamb specialties, and the Kabab Barre, a marinated rack of lamb grilled over charcoal.

Classic Persian rice dishes, infused with saffron, broad beans, and dill, alongside the signature Shabestan Specialty Platter with its array of succulent kebabs, demonstrate why the restaurant continues to command such devotion from its patrons.

Cultural heritage

Along with its culinary offerings, Shabestan has transformed its space into an authentic Persian sanctuary.

Custom-made tables from Esfahan, Iran, handmade brass lighting, and traditional Persian carpets create an atmosphere that transports diners from the bustling streets to the heart of ancient Persia.

Persian art and calligraphy grace the walls, completing an immersive cultural experience that extends far beyond the dining table.

For its loyal clientele, the restaurant represents more than exceptional food; it serves as a cultural bridge where Persian heritage meets Dubai's cosmopolitan spirit.

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