Stepping into Caspian Restaurant is like embarking on a culinary journey through the vibrant flavors and rich traditions of the Caspian region. Known for its exquisite blend of Persian, Azerbaijani, and Northern Iranian cuisines, the menu at Caspian Restaurant offers a diverse array of dishes crafted with fresh, high-quality ingredients and a passion for authentic taste.
Whether you are a seasoned lover of Middle Eastern flavors or exploring this cuisine for the first time, the menu promises an experience filled with aromatic spices, tender meats, and delightful accompaniments that celebrate the heritage and culture of the Caspian Sea basin.
The atmosphere here perfectly complements the food, inviting diners to savor each bite while enjoying warm hospitality and elegant presentation. From hearty appetizers to decadent desserts, every dish is thoughtfully prepared to highlight the natural flavors and textures that define this unique culinary region.
The menu’s balance of traditional recipes and modern twists makes Caspian Restaurant a destination for those seeking both comfort and culinary excitement in every meal.
With a focus on authenticity and freshness, Caspian Restaurant’s menu is a testament to the rich tapestry of flavors that characterize the Caspian coastal cuisine. Each section of the menu tells its own story, inviting you to explore the depth and diversity of this remarkable culinary tradition.
Appetizers and Mezze
The appetizer section at Caspian Restaurant sets the tone with a selection of vibrant mezzes and small plates designed to awaken the palate. These starters are perfect for sharing and showcase a variety of textures and flavors, from creamy dips and crisp vegetables to smoky grilled items.
Each appetizer is prepared using traditional methods and fresh, locally sourced ingredients where possible. Emphasis is placed on balancing flavors to create dishes that are both inviting and satisfying.
Whether you prefer tangy, spicy, or mild, the appetizers offer something for everyone.
Highlights include the iconic Mirza Ghasemi, a smoky eggplant and tomato dip that is both hearty and fragrant. Another favorite is the Sabzi Khordan, a platter of fresh herbs served with radishes and walnuts, perfect for cleansing the palate and preparing the taste buds for more robust flavors.
- Kuku Sabzi: A herb-packed frittata bursting with fresh parsley, cilantro, and dill
- Dolmeh: Grape leaves stuffed with a savory mixture of rice, herbs, and spices
- Paneer and Sangak Bread: Fresh Persian cheese served with traditional whole wheat flatbread
“The appetizers at Caspian Restaurant capture the essence of the region’s culinary soul—fresh, lively, and irresistibly flavorful.” – Food Critic Review
Soups and Salads
Soups and salads at Caspian Restaurant provide a refreshing and nourishing complement to the richer dishes found elsewhere on the menu. These items prioritize seasonal ingredients and wholesome preparation, creating light yet flavorful options that balance the meal.
Each soup is made from scratch daily, using traditional recipes passed down through generations. The salads emphasize crisp vegetables, fresh herbs, and zesty dressings, enhancing the natural flavors without overwhelming them.
One standout is the Ash Reshteh, a thick and hearty noodle and bean soup garnished with fried onions and kashk (fermented whey). It’s a warming dish that perfectly exemplifies the layered flavors characteristic of Caspian cooking.
Signature Soups
Other notable soups include the Sholeh Ghalamkar, a slow-cooked porridge-like soup with meat, lentils, and rice, offering a comforting and filling starter. Each soup is carefully spiced with turmeric, cinnamon, and freshly ground pepper to enhance its health benefits and taste profile.
Fresh Salads
Salads such as the Shirazi Salad combine diced cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, and herbs tossed in a tangy pomegranate molasses dressing. Another favorite is the Beet and Walnut Salad, which balances earthiness with crunch and subtle sweetness.
| Soup/Salad | Main Ingredients | Flavor Profile |
| Ash Reshteh | Beans, noodles, herbs, kashk | Hearty, tangy, herbal |
| Sholeh Ghalamkar | Meat, lentils, rice, spices | Comforting, savory, spiced |
| Shirazi Salad | Cucumber, tomato, onion, pomegranate molasses | Fresh, tangy, crisp |
| Beet and Walnut Salad | Beets, walnuts, lemon juice | Earthy, crunchy, sweet |
Main Courses – Grilled and Stewed Specialties
The main course offerings at Caspian Restaurant highlight the region’s mastery of grilling and slow cooking. These dishes showcase a variety of meats, including lamb, beef, and fish, prepared with meticulous care and an expert balance of spices.
Grilled kebabs and stews form the backbone of the menu, each with distinctive seasoning and accompaniments that represent the culinary heritage of Caspian coastal communities. The chefs use traditional marinades and cooking techniques to ensure tender, flavorful results.
Among the favorites is the Joojeh Kabab, saffron-marinated chicken grilled to perfection, offering a smoky aroma and juicy texture. Another classic is Ghormeh Sabzi, a stew rich with fresh herbs, kidney beans, and tender chunks of meat simmered slowly to develop deep, complex flavors.
- Fesenjan: A luxurious walnut and pomegranate stew served with duck or chicken
- Shishlik: Marinated lamb chops grilled over open flame for a smoky finish
- Seafood Platter: Fresh Caspian fish grilled and served with herbed rice and seasonal vegetables
“The main dishes at Caspian Restaurant are a celebration of tradition, each bite telling a story of heritage and passion.” – Renowned Chef
Rice and Side Dishes
Rice is a fundamental component in Caspian cuisine, and the restaurant offers a variety of rice preparations that elevate every meal. These side dishes complement the main courses perfectly, providing balance and texture.
From fluffy saffron-infused rice to crispy tahdig (the golden crust at the bottom of the pot), the rice section is crafted to suit every preference. Each preparation highlights subtle nuances of flavor and technique that are hallmarks of the region.
Common side dishes include Sabzi Polo, a herb rice mixed with dill, parsley, and cilantro, ideal alongside fish or chicken. The Adas Polo, a lentil and raisin rice, adds a sweet and earthy contrast to richer meat dishes.
Rice Varieties
- Tahdig: Crispy rice crust that forms at the bottom of the pot, prized for its texture and flavor
- Baghali Polo: Rice cooked with fava beans and dill, often served with lamb
- Shirin Polo: Sweet rice with nuts and orange zest, perfect for festive occasions
Vegetable Sides
Vegetables are also given special attention, with dishes like roasted eggplant, sautéed greens, and pickled vegetables. These sides provide a refreshing contrast and highlight the freshness of the local produce used.
| Side Dish | Ingredients | Best Paired With |
| Sabzi Polo | Dill, parsley, cilantro, rice | Fish, chicken |
| Adas Polo | Lentils, raisins, rice | Lamb, beef stews |
| Tahdig | Rice, butter, saffron | All main courses |
| Roasted Eggplant | Eggplant, garlic, tomato | Grilled meats |
Breads and Traditional Pastries
Bread holds a special place in Caspian dining, and the restaurant offers a selection of freshly baked breads and pastries that evoke the region’s rich baking traditions. These items are perfect accompaniments or can be enjoyed on their own as snacks or light bites.
The breads are typically made using traditional ovens and recipes, resulting in textures that range from soft and fluffy to crisp and chewy. Pastries mix sweet and savory elements, often incorporating nuts, spices, and fruit preserves.
Popular breads include Sangak, a whole wheat flatbread baked on hot pebbles for a unique texture, and Barbari, a thicker, chewier bread with a golden crust. Pastries such as Baghlava and Nan-e Nokhodchi offer sweet finishes to the meal.
- Lavash: Thin, soft flatbread often used to wrap kebabs
- Koloocheh: Date-filled cookies with a delicate crumb
- Shirini Napoleoni: Layered pastry with cream and powdered sugar
“Every bite of bread at Caspian Restaurant is a reminder of centuries of culinary craftsmanship and cultural pride.” – Bakery Expert
Desserts and Sweets
The dessert menu is a delightful conclusion to the Caspian dining experience, featuring a variety of sweets that balance sweetness with aromatic spices and natural ingredients. These desserts reflect the region’s love for nuts, fruits, and floral flavors like rosewater and saffron.
Many desserts are prepared using recipes that have been passed down through generations, preserving the essence of traditional Caspian confectionery. The textures range from flaky and crunchy to creamy and soft, satisfying every craving.
Favorites include Faloodeh, a refreshing rosewater and vermicelli sorbet perfect for cleansing the palate after a rich meal. Zoolbia and Bamieh are fried pastries soaked in saffron syrup, offering a sweet and sticky treat that pairs wonderfully with tea.
Traditional Sweets
- Sholeh Zard: Saffron rice pudding garnished with cinnamon and pistachios
- Gaz: Persian nougat made with pistachios and rosewater
- Baklava: Layers of phyllo pastry filled with nuts and honey syrup
Fruit-Based Desserts
Seasonal fruits often find their way into desserts, such as poached quinces or baked apples infused with cinnamon and cardamom. These lighter options provide a refreshing balance to the richer sweets and are celebrated for their natural sweetness and aroma.
| Dessert | Main Ingredients | Texture/Flavor |
| Faloodeh | Rosewater, vermicelli, lime juice | Light, refreshing, floral |
| Sholeh Zard | Rice, saffron, sugar, rosewater | Creamy, aromatic, sweet |
| Zoolbia and Bamieh | Flour, syrup, saffron | Crispy, sticky, sweet |
| Gaz | Pistachios, rosewater, sugar | Chewy, nutty, fragrant |
Beverages and Specialty Drinks
Caspian Restaurant’s beverage menu is thoughtfully curated to accompany the diverse flavors of the food. From traditional teas and infusions to modern drinks and fresh juices, the selection offers something to suit every taste and occasion.
Tea is a central part of the dining culture, often served in delicate glasses or ornate pots. Herbal infusions made from local plants such as mint, thyme, and rose petals provide soothing and aromatic options to relax the palate.
For those seeking something different, the menu includes specialty drinks like Doogh, a refreshing yogurt-based beverage flavored with mint and salt, which pairs particularly well with grilled dishes and rice.
- Persian Black Tea: Rich and robust, served plain or with sugar cubes
- Pomegranate Juice: Freshly squeezed and naturally sweet
- Herbal Infusions: Mint, chamomile, and rose blends
“A sip of Doogh at Caspian Restaurant is not just a drink, but a cultural experience that perfectly balances the meal.” – Beverage Connoisseur
Conclusion
The Caspian Restaurant menu is a vibrant tapestry of flavors that honors the culinary heritage of the Caspian Sea region with authenticity and creativity. Each section, from appetizers to desserts, offers carefully crafted dishes that reflect the rich agricultural bounty, cultural diversity, and time-honored cooking traditions of this unique area.
Dining here is more than just a meal; it is an immersive experience that engages all the senses. The restaurant’s commitment to fresh ingredients, expert preparation, and thoughtful presentation ensures that every bite is memorable.
Whether indulging in the smoky grilled kebabs, savoring the aromatic rice dishes, or finishing with the delicate sweetness of a traditional dessert, guests are invited to explore a world of taste and tradition.
For those eager to discover or revisit the flavors of the Caspian region, this menu offers a comprehensive and satisfying journey. It is a celebration of culture, craft, and community, inviting diners to connect with the essence of Caspian hospitality in every dish served.
