Lunch at Berenjak or a Trip to Tehran?
An editor from Cake The Mag was invited to dinner at Berenjak located in Dar Wasl, Dubai. Here’s their take.
When I first heard that London’s beloved Berenjak had opened in Dubai just over a year ago, I was intrigued but a little skeptical. This is no shortage of buzzy new restaurants claiming authenticity, but few truly capture the soul of what they’re inspired by. Still, curiousity (and a craving for Persian food) led me to their Dar Wasl branch for lunch and by the end of the meal, I understood why people in London fell in love with it in the first place.
From the moment you walk in, there’s a distinct warmth. The interior design is a beautiful curation of Persian art and architecture—mosaic tiles, carved wooden panels, softly arched doorways, and warm lighting that glows like it’s been filtered through honey. It’s the kind of space that makes you want to stay a little longer than you planned. The atmosphere is completed by a playlist that immediately sets the tone: Moein, Mohammad-Reza Shajarian, and other legends playing softly in the background. It’s not loud or performative but it’s familiar, nostalgic, and somehow grounding.
What makes Berenjak special is that it doesn’t try to be overly traditional. Instead, it delivers a contemporary twist on Iranian favourites, celebrating the comfort and flavour of Persian cuisine while experimenting just enough to feel exciting. The menu reads like a mix of nostalgia and curiousity with recognisable names coming together with a new interpretation.
The Salad Olivieh infused with truffle was an instant hit at our table. It’s a classic Iranian potato salad elevated with truffle, creamy yet fresh, and almost too easy to finish. It’s one of those dishes that reminds you why simple comfort food can be so luxurious when done right. The Mirza Ghassemi, a smoky aubergine dip with eggs and garlic, followed and honestly, it could convert anyone into an aubergine lover. The richness, the balance of flavours, and that deep smokiness made it one of the standouts of the day.
We also tried a few grilled dishes, and while everything was well executed, it was the smaller plates that truly shone. Each one felt like it carried a story, a memory, or a little piece of home. And that’s where Berenjak wins you over. It’s not just about the food but it’s about how it makes you feel.
By the end of the meal, we were completely stuffed but in that satisfied, comforted kind of way that only certain meals can deliver. Walking out into the bright Dubai sun, it genuinely felt like we had disappeared into Tehran for an hour or two.
Berenjak Dubai doesn’t feel like just another London import. With the thoughtful space, familiar music, and dishes, it’s not trying to reinvent Persian cuisine but it’s reintroducing it with heart, warmth, and just the right amount of modern flair.
