A Persian Gem Hidden Among Commercial Buildings
Famous Persian poet Omar Khayyam wrote “If one may have a loaf of the flower of wheat - a two Maund jar of wine - a thigh of mutton - seated with a heart’s darling in a ruined place – that is a pleasure that is not the attainment of any Sultan.” You don’t have to be a Sultan to find 3 out of the 4 (bread, wine and mutton) at this Persian Kebab restaurant.
Shamshiry is tucked away on a street behind Tyson’s Corner Mercedes dealership. It is at the ground level of a commercial building with a side entrance. Very moderately decorated, small restaurant is effectively made to look much bigger with wall-to-wall mirrors. As it is customary in most Persian restaurants, we were served sliced flat bread (in Ziploc bags) with butter. In other Persian restaurants we visited, we have seen cheese, herbs and white onion being served, but Shamshiry charges $2.99 for Panir Sabzi.
We ordered Baghali Polo which is crispy golden rice served with fava beans. After the rice is cooked, a layer of golden rice sticks to the bottom of the pan. This tasty, crisp crust is called “tah digue” and the reputation of Persian cooks often rests on the quality of the “tah digue.” Ours was very delicious and certainly upheld the reputation of Shamshiry’s cook. We then ordered Chelo Kabob Barg which is supposed to be the finest Persian meat dish and Chicken Kabob. Barg is made of tender Filet Mignon strips cooked over open fire with skewers. It is one of the most delicious meals you can have if you are a meat lover. You may even start to crave it rather than a good steak. Chicken Kabob is made with breast meat that has been marinated in a Saffron and cooked over open fire with skewers. It is your chicken shish kabob on steroids. The tenderness, juicy flavor and the taste cannot be replicated at home. We know, we tried. Sahmshiry is a great little Persian restaurant that will not fail you.
8607 Westwood Center Drive
Tyson’s Corner, Virginia
www.shamshiry.com
Phone: 703.448.8883
Everyday 12PM to 11PM
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