



Chapter oneSaffron, first.
Every dish here starts with a pinch of saffron bloomed in warm water. It colors the rice, perfumes the chicken and turns a plain table into a celebration.
Chapter twoThe crust worth fighting for.
Tahdig is the golden layer at the bottom of the pot. We cook it slowly in heavy pans and flip it whole at the table, so the first crack is yours.
Chapter threeOver open flame.
Koobideh, joojeh and lamb are skewered by hand and grilled over charcoal, then laid across saffron rice with blistered tomato and fresh herbs.
Chapter fourTea, slowly.
The meal ends the way it should: strong black tea from the samovar, sugar on the side, and no one in a hurry to leave.






