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At first, Mr Gran Canaria Local toiled as a veggie on GC. Then he found Restaurante Tehran. The answer to his prayers.
In 2004, two 30somethings moved to LP de GC. One from London to care for his youngest son. His name? Matthew Hirtes aka Mr GCL.
The other from Holland to take over Restaurante Tehran, which his aunt and uncle opened in 1998. His name? Ramin Samie Fanny. 10 years later, we return to a family fave. Where we learn/remember three facts:
- Spanish and Persian food are alike
- Kebabs aren’t just for meat eaters
- Flowers aren’t only for show
1. Spanish and Persian food are alike
Spanish and Persian food don’t share much flavour wise. But the mezze we start with recall tapas nights out. Yet they’re even more vegetarian-friendly, with the smoky berenjena al ajillo (garlic aubergine) boasting a kipper-like hit.
Another parallel’s the cooking time. An authentic paella‘s a two-hour job. And Ramin concedes that it breaks his heart when diners ask for something quick, explaining that everything’s cooked to order at Restaurante Tehran.
Tabuli
Who said salads were boring?
Nice rice
A meatless kebab
Three’s the magic number
Poetry in motion
Flan de naranja
The past, present, and future’s orange
2. Kebabs aren’t just for meat eaters
Veggies eat food in burger or kebab form. Why miss out on a charcoal grill? So, Restaurante Tehran offer a meat-free back-up for main courses.
Take adas polo. Here, chicken or lamb kebab’s paired with a rice made with lentils, raisins, and dates. And the kitchen will switch the chicken or lamb for carne vegetal (vegetable meat).
3. Flowers aren’t only for show
Flowers turn up everywhere at Restaurante Tehran. In vases, rice, and desserts. The flan (créme caramel) is a Spanish classic, although we prefer Restaurante Tehran’s more complex riff on this dessert. Throwing orange and roses into the mix.
Similarly, the dancers from Nuyum‘s troupe are no shrinking violets. Matching style with substance, they’re a whirlwind of poetic motion. Nuyum founder Anisa Aysel takes centre stage to deliver a belly-dancing master class.
If you’re after a dinner (belly) dance, it’s best to do some forward planning. They tend to be held on weekend nights. Ramin posts details of forthcoming events on the restaurant’s Facebook page.
Disclaimer: Mr and Mrs Gran Canaria Local ate for free in exchange for a review. But we’ll return as paying guests. Of that, you can be sure.
Contact details: Calle de Bernando de la Torre 1, 35007, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. 928 222 817. website.
Opening hours: Sunday to Friday (closed Tuesdays) 12:00pm – 4:30pm and 8:00pm – 12:00am and Saturdays 12:00pm – 4:00pm and 8:00pm – 12:00am.