If there’s one thing Goa can boast about it surely is the varied kinds of cuisines it hosts. Adding some new flavour to the mix is Darvish — a Persian restaurant in Vagator. We found out that the restaurant has been around for close to a year now, and it’s a pity we missed it thus far. Run by the delightfully pleasant couple — Aienla and Paul, the restaurant was started by the two sisters — Aienla and Tali, who have a penchant for the Persian cuisine. Most of their herbs and ingredients are brought in from Iran, so it’s no wonder that the food tastes so authentic, and is quite the contender for inducing food coma!
Set in a nice cosy environment of warm wooden tables and chairs, lit by by cane and fairy lights, the kebabs is what will bring and keep you here — the joojeh kebab which is a skewer of grilled chicken pieces marinated in saffron, yoghurt and lemon juice are exquisitely delicious, while our favourite the kebab kobdeh came with minced beef skewers, grilled tomatoes, pickled olives and a choice of saffron infused basmati rice or persian bread. They also have a host of vegetarian options (the patatas bravas are yum!) and are also expanding the menu to include a bunch of vegan, vegetarian and meat platters. The alcohol menu is equally exciting, in its fun, experimental but rich tastes — we tried the Darvish Vice which came with a rum base, some coconut cream and rich pineapple taste. We finished off with some warm Persian Herbal tea, which to our delight comes with 12 different kinds of herbs and flowers. Add a generous helping of warm honey, which is very cutely presented in small transparent Persian cauldrons, and follow Aienla’s instructions to take a sip and chew on the warm flowers that’re floating atop your cup, and you’re sure to slowly seep into a cocoon of warmth.
The restaurant is also shortly opening up their rooftop space, for events and music performances. With an extensive menu of food that’s rich in its taste, but light on the stomach, delish cocktails and music that reminiscent of Iranian culture, it’s safe to say that you’ll surely catch us spending several evenings there!