Persian Chef Mo, Tableview

Updated: 21-02-2025

HOUSE REVIEW: February 2025

Every now and then you meet someone so passionate about their cooking and the authenticity of how it is presented that it is quite simply inspiring. I chatted to Elham Ghanbari, one half of the duo behind Persian Chef Mo, to learn about traditional Iranian food and the exclusive experience they offer patrons at their guesthouse and restaurant.

Located just a block away from the ocean in the picturesque Bloubergstrand in Cape Town, Elham first established an intimate guesthouse before opening up the restaurant to the public as well.

The guesthouse offers 9 rooms catering for two and four sleepers. The finishes are modern and relaxed with each room having its own colour scheme and aesthetic. The inside courtyard has a pool and a small seating area.

The dining area is fresh and inviting. The blues and greens in the chandeliers and décor echo the colours of the ocean, bringing the essence of the seaside town indoors. The use of teal and shades of peacock blue is prevalent in Iranian culture and comes through in the traditional pottery from their homeland displayed on the walls as well.

Elham comes from a travel and tourism background, and after fifteen years in South Africa decided to be on the other side of the business. She opened Ocean Views Guesthouse, and invited her cousin Mohammed to join her and run the restaurant which they have called Persian Chef Mo.

Mohamed specializes in the grills and kebabs while Elham shines in the more traditional and complex dishes. She feels it is important for South Africans to experience quality Iranian food and brings many of her ingredients from Iran.

I got to taste a few of the dishes available on the menu, and learn more about the ingredients that make the flavours so unique. Unlike Turkish and Syrian food, Iranian (Persian) food has a slightly different flavour profile. Sumac and Saffron are used extensively in much of the cooking adding that element of luxury to every dish.

The kebab plate included beef kebab and chicken kebab. The beef had minimal spices but lots of condiments such as roasted tomato, red onion, fresh mint, basil, tzatziki and chilli paste adds so much flavour. I enquired about the Tsaziki which was liberally dressed with a pink powder. The pink powder was in fact crushed rose petals call “Gol Mohamedi”. It is rare and harvested only at night. Elham brought out a jar of the tiny roses so I could smell firsthand the intoxicating aroma. The chicken kebab is marinated overnight before being grilled to perfection. It is all served with generous side of rice flavoured with saffron.

We also tried Ghorme Sabzi, a traditional curry or gravy dish made with lamb, red beans and herbs and infused with the distinct dry lemon. The flavour is delicious and reminds me of an Indian dish called Oeloni that I grew up with. Elham explains that they only use the male lamb in their cooking as the meat is more tender than that of the female. Even the rice is brought in so they use only Persian rice for their cooking.

Tachin is another speciality dish made with Persian rice cooked with eggs, yoghurt and saffron creating a golden crust. The chicken that it comes with uses minimal spices but because of the length of cooking it is incredibly tender, flavourful and simply fell off the bone. It is garnished with slivered almonds and what looked like pomegranate ariels but is in fact burberries, which is used is Persian cooking. They were softer, sweet and did not have a seed. This was probably my favourite dish.

While we were trying these dishes from the menu Elham slipped away and returned with a traditional rice snack that she had quickly whipped up in the kitchen, to give us a taste of Persian home food. It’s aromatic cooked Persian rice toasted in a pan till it becomes crisp on one side. It’s crunchy and soft at the same time. It makes me think of the morning after Eid Saanna, when you fry the leftover Saanna in butter for breakfast.

A meal at Persian Chef Mo is an experience. They take time to connect with their guests and make your experience as homely and authentic as possible. That’s why they are only open on weekends for pre-bookings. Give them a try for something distinctly different and out of the norm. I know I will be returning.

So what else can you expect? Think traditional and unconventional dishes that you won’t find elsewhere:

Lamb Shahlik Kebab, tender and delicious pieces of meat, infused with the aroma of saffron and authentic spices… or

Koofteh Tabrizi, a masterpiece of authentic Iranian cuisine, combines ground meat, rice, and special spices to bring delightful flavors and a lasting culinary experience to your table… or

Baghali Polo with lamb shank, an unforgettable aroma and taste, perfect for gatherings and wedding celebrations.

And of course, nothing beats a refreshing Faloodeh Shirazi with saffron ice cream in the peak of summer heat. Faloodeh Shirazi is an Iranian ice dessert with thin starch noodles and the aroma of rosewater; refreshing and perfect for those meltingly hot days!

This is a mere sample of their menu. Vegetarians can also expect to be well catered for as Iranian food is very vegetarian friendly.

The venue is ideal for functions and events. Enjoy special surprises for birthdays, wedding anniversaries, marriage proposals and more. Every detail is planned with love and care. With Persian Chef Mo, create unforgettable moments for your loved ones!

Plan ahead with advanced bookings only.