I love Middle Eastern food. My fascination with this region came when I briefly had an apartment in the Arabic sector of old Nicosia; it was here that I became passionate about the enchanting smells and taste of Lebanese cuisine. So, after putting off a mental appointment with a Persian restaurant in Larnaca for the past year, I finally visited last weekend.
1001 Persian Nights, near the Oroklini seafront, is well known for its lively music and belly dancing. However, once you are inside it becomes apparent that it has a less-than-enticing ultra plain interior, but it is slightly brightened up by a fountain and set of plastic flashing disco lights – so don’t worry about pressing your best cardigan when visiting here – it’s truly local style for those who seek good food and company.
Thankfully, what’s lacking in décor is made up for in actual human warmth, as the waiters and waitress are exceptionally polite. Sadly, I have bemoaned before that it has become apparent that friendly service at many Larnaca restaurants is on the brink of extinction, so when I receive it I’m left enchanted.
In a restaurant where Persia is the key, it was such fun to be treated to a background selection of melodies from English, Arabic and Greek singers on the music system – I imagine the owner was looking for a “we aim to please everyone” mix.
In typical Iranian style, the starters offer a whole range of aubergine based dishes, however purely out of curiosity I choose the beautifully named Kookoo Potatoes – a mix of scrambled eggs and potatoes fried into a bahji-type ball. That got proceedings off to a really super start (€2.99). The kookoos had a wonderful spicy kick and sat perfectly with the delicious freshly baked bread.
The menu isn’t too far from Lebanese, but the flat naan bread, at just €1.50 a piece, was especially impressive, it had no traces of fat or grease on it. The baked bread in many restaurants tastes like it was cooked in the same oil as your dinner many months before. But here, the naan dipped in fresh houmos was beautiful.
I have come to the conclusion that bread, which is so widely offered in Cyprus, does not make a good opener to a meal. As I get older and rounder, I always feel full before the main course, swearing that I’ll never order a starter again.
There’s so much delight in Persian food, with its herbs and dried fruits, delicately spiced meat and grain and nut salads, it’s amazing how little we see of it here in Cyprus.
With that in mind I was mildly disappointed when the mains arrived at the table.
Expecting to continue as we had begun, I ordered the lamb kebab (€9.99), which in short was a skewer of marinated, diced, tender lamb fillet served with a small mountain of pilau rice, a cooked tomato and surprisingly three roast potatoes. Sadly, there were no green peppers, herbs or dips with the dish leaving my expectations of a Persian treat dashed. That said, what was on the plate was nice – no complaints. It’s good value, but I want to see a wider range of dishes.
As I mentioned above, weekends see the restaurant packed with expats, tourists and those locals who have become hooked on the taste of the Middle East and the live music and dance shows. The atmosphere is not shouty and drunk, it’s fun and friendly.
All together the meal for two, including starters and two bottles of beer came to €33. Not bad. Salem – no question, we will be back.
VITAL STATISTICS
SPECIALITY Iranian food
WHERE 1001 Persian Nights, Larnaca – Dhekelia Road
CONTACT 24 648001
PRICE From less than €20 per head
