Koobideh
Two skewers, charcoal-grilled, with grilled tomato and saffron rice. The order.
Persian · Willowdale
Sheherzade
Persian kebab and saffron rice in Willowdale, with tea poured all evening
PersianWillowdale, Toronto$$Details being confirmed
The review
Persian food in Toronto lives mostly along Yonge north of Sheppard, and Sheherzade is one of the rooms that has kept the standard where it should be — a charcoal grill, saffron used generously, and stews given the whole day they need.
Koobideh is the default and the correct one, two skewers arriving over saffron rice with a blistered tomato. Ghormeh sabzi is what to order when you already know the menu — herb-heavy, sour, dark. Ask for tahdig early in the evening, because it is gone by eight.
Honest notes: the room is dated, and service slows when the grill backs up. The tahdig genuinely runs out. Portions are large enough that two people can share three dishes comfortably.
What to order
Ghormeh Sabzi
Herb and lamb stew, sour and dark. The dish to order if you already know the menu.
Tahdig
The crisped rice from the bottom of the pot. Ask, because it runs out.
What works
- Charcoal grill rather than gas
- Stews are cooked properly, not reheated
- Portions are large and shareable
What doesn’t
- Tahdig sells out early
- Room is dated
- Slower service when the grill is backed up
Verdict
Koobideh, ghormeh sabzi, and tahdig ordered the moment you sit down.