How to Pronounce Persian & Mediterranean Dishes
Never feel embarrassed ordering again. Here's your guide to pronouncing every dish on our menu.
Why this guide helps more than pronunciation
Guests usually land here because they want to avoid the awkward pause when a dish name looks unfamiliar. But once you know how to say koobideh, ghormeh sabzi, fesenjan, tahdig, or joojeh, ordering becomes easier for a second reason: you start recognizing which dishes belong together and which ones should anchor the first meal.
If you want the words and the table plan at the same time, pair this page with the menu or the broader Mediterranean glossary. This page is the fastest confidence boost; those pages are the deeper ordering tools.
Complete Pronunciation Guide
Koobideh
koo-bee-DEH
Ground beef/lamb kebab
Koo as in "cool", bee as in "bee", DEH with emphasis
Ghormeh Sabzi
gor-MEH sahb-ZEE
Herb stew with lamb
Gor rhymes with "more", MEH like "meh", sahb-ZEE
Fesenjan
feh-sen-JAHN
Pomegranate walnut stew
Feh-sen-JAHN with the "j" soft like in French
Tahdig
tah-DEEG
Crispy rice crust
Tah like "ta-da", DEEG rhymes with "league"
Joojeh
JOO-jeh
Saffron chicken kebab
JOO like "juice", jeh soft
Zereshk Polo
zeh-RESHK po-LOW
Barberry rice
Zeh-RESHK po-LOW
Baba Ganoush
BAH-bah gah-NOOSH
Smoky eggplant dip
BAH-bah gah-NOOSH
Fattoush
fah-TOOSH
Lebanese bread salad
Fah-TOOSH, rhymes with "swoosh"
Tabouleh
tah-BOO-leh
Parsley bulgur salad
Tah-BOO-leh
Dolma
DOHL-mah
Stuffed grape leaves
DOHL like "doll", mah
Shawarma
sha-WAR-mah
Spit-roasted meat
Sha-WAR-mah
Hummus
HOOM-us
Chickpea dip
HOOM (not "HUM"), us
Pro Tips
- GH sound: In Persian, "gh" is a soft guttural sound, like a French "r". If unsure, just say "g".
- Emphasis: Persian words usually stress the last syllable.
- Don't worry: Our staff appreciates any effort - and we're happy to help!
Best next steps after this page
Guide FAQs
What should I prioritize first in the Pronunciation guide?
Start with the top sections and reservation timing guidance, then use the jump links to focus on the parts most relevant to your plan.
How far ahead should I plan for pronunciation?
For weekend visits, plan and reserve 2-5 days ahead. For major holidays or private events, planning 2-4 weeks ahead gives you better availability.