Konj–a taste of Persia

Persian decor complements the menu

Persian cuisine has always fascinated me. Ingredients like saffron, rose petals, and pomegranate evoke beauty, romanticism, and rich flavours. Authentic Persian food, however, is not easy to find in our part of the world, so I was delighted to see Konji Café open its doors on Grindlay Street. Previously located in Tollcross, the café has moved to the former Zucca Italian restaurant.

The high ceilings and the combination of white and teal blue create a calm and inviting atmosphere. The Persian rug draped over the spiral staircase and the ornaments on the walls add a touch of the Orient.

The menu offers an enticing selection of small plates, chef’s specials, kebabs, Persian coolers, and teas. Drawn to the traditional drinks, we order sour cherry coolers; sweet, sour, and refreshing.

For food, we opt for Mirza Ghasemi, a smoky aubergine dish topped with eggs; Ghormeh Sabzi, Iran’s national dish; and Ghalieh Maygoo, a South Iranian tamarind and herb stew. The aubergine of our starter is earthy and rich, reminiscent of a Sicilian caponata, while the eggs on top make it the perfect comfort food for a cold winter’s day. The Sangak bread, a flatbread topped with sesame seeds, completes the dish.

Saffron rice is bountiful

Our mains arrive with a generous portion of saffron rice, which, as our waitress tells us, is never served in small amounts in Iran. The tamarind stew is tangy yet balanced with pomegranate and buttery prawns. Meanwhile, the Ghormeh Sabzi has a mild yet aromatic flavour, with the lamb cooked to tender perfection.

I couldn’t leave without trying a slice of Persian Love Cake—its enchanting notes of cardamom and rose water make for a perfect ending to the meal.

Overall, the experience is delightful, though the bill leans towards the pricey side.

Persian Love Cake

That said, the warm and welcoming staff are more than happy to share stories about their food and traditions, adding an extra layer of authenticity to the visit.

It’s also worth noting that they are quite strict with their cancellation policies, so be sure to plan accordingly when making a reservation.

Would I go back? Yes!

Konji Café: 15 - 17 Grindlay Street, EH3 9AX

Open Wed-Sun with dinner Thu-Sat