Middle Eastern food is a diverse and flavorful cuisine that reflects the region’s rich history and cultural diversity. I had the pleasure of trying out a new Persian restaurant located in Sandy Springs, Ga called, Zafron, so good!
Middle Eastern cuisine is known for its bold and aromatic flavors, often achieved through the use of spices and herbs like cumin, coriander, cinnamon, cardamom, mint, and parsley.The cuisine varies significantly across the region, from the Levant (Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, and Palestine) to the Arabian Peninsula, Iran, Turkey, and North Africa. Each area has its own unique dishes and culinary traditions.
Fresh vegetables, fruits, legumes, grains, and nuts are staples in Middle Eastern cooking. Ingredients like tomatoes, cucumbers, eggplants, chickpeas, lentils, and olives are commonly used. Mezze is a popular way of serving food in the Middle East, consisting of a variety of small dishes and appetizers meant to be shared. Popular mezze dishes include hummus, baba ghanoush, tabbouleh, and falafel.
I liked the fact that Zafron meats, particularly lamb, chicken, and beef, is often grilled or roasted. Kebabs, shawarma, and kofta are well-known meat dishes. The cooking methods highlight the natural flavors of the meat while adding a smoky, charred taste.
Middle Eastern cuisine includes a variety of savory and sweet pastries. Savory pastries like samosas and kibbeh are often filled with meat, cheese, or vegetables. Sweet pastries, such as baklava and kunafa, are rich with honey, nuts, and spices.
Rice and grains play a central role in many dishes. Pilafs and rice dishes like biryani and maqluba are often seasoned with spices, herbs, and sometimes mixed with nuts, fruits, or vegetables. We had rice with our entrees and it was tasty and flavorful, yes!
Bread is a staple in Middle Eastern cuisine, with varieties like pita, flatbread, and lavash. Bread is often used to scoop up dips, wrap around meats, or accompany meals.
Middle Eastern desserts are typically sweet and rich, often featuring ingredients like dates, nuts, and honey. Popular desserts include baklava, ma’amoul, and halva. We enjoyed the baklava, yummy!
Middle Eastern food is a harmonious blend of textures, flavors, and aromas that come together to create a memorable and enjoyable culinary experience. My date and I both agreed that Zafron was a place that we plan on visiting again! The atmosphere was superb, the customer service and the food, all amazing! The portions were plentiful, we left with to-go boxes. The price point for 2 guests will run you about $125 and that did not include cocktails. There’s also complimentary self-parking. See a few snaps inside…
Mediterranean Salad
Zafron Wings
Rack of Lamb with Lentil & Raisin Rice
Fire Roasted Salmon with Rice
Raspberry Cake
Baklava
Zafron
236 Johnson Ferry Road NE
Sandy Springs, Ga 30328