Mahdi

Time Out says

Wed Oct 17 2012

The original Mahdi was a revelation when it first opened on Hammersmith’s King Street, the authenticity of its cooking and the gargantuan portions quickly becoming talking points among the capital’s Persian expats. Our most recent visit was to the NW6 outpost, which was packed with local Iranians: always a good sign.

Great efforts have been made to emulate the feel of an Iranian chelo kebab restaurant – the windows set with coloured glass, the walls with brick arches housing Persian tapestries, a head-high samovar overlooking proceedings from one corner – but there’s an air of functionality, something not helped by the closely packed tables or the slightly frantic staff.

For all that, the menu is one of the most extensive you’ll find in London, including rarities such as tah chin (an indulgent rice-cake starter with cream, saffron, eggs and barberries) and abgoosht, a slow-cooked worker’s stew of lamb, potatoes and beans. Kebabs are wonderfully tender and bigger than a baby’s arm, while one-pot dishes such as lubia polo (rice with lamb and green beans) come in portions fit to feed a small family. Expect to leave with leftovers.