Tehran, Baghche Restaurant
In northern Tehran, Tajrish Bazaar is one of the oldest and most vibrant traditional markets. Tajrish Bazaar has been a key trading center for centuries, playing a significant role in the economic and social life of Tehran. The market has retained its traditional charm despite the modernization of the city, making it a popular destination for those looking to experience the old-world charm of Tehran.
Baghche restaurant is one of the best traditional dining spots that one can find in the heart of Bazaar.
Ambiance
The restaurant is situated near the bustling Tajrish Bazaar and the picturesque Tajrish Square, making it a popular destination for both locals and tourists. The restaurant's ambiance is enhanced by its garden setting, which provides a serene dining experience amidst the city's hustle and bustle.
After a pleasant chat with two customers and the assistant manager of the restaurant, I realized that a decoration change had recently happened. Although the customers did not mind the new setting and decoration, I could enjoy the coziness, traditional setting, and atmosphere of the restaurant.
The restaurant has three floors. Immediately after the entrance on the ground floor, there is a reception with a beautiful, well-made wooden desk. The list of foods and beverages is written on a wooden board with perfectly carved wooden letters. A variety of Persian handcrafts on the reception desk easily got my attention. On the right side, there are the stairs up to the first floor.
The first floor presents almost all the elements of a ‘‘Sofreh Khaneh’’, which refers to the most traditional Persian restaurants: square-shaped raised platforms with Persian carpets and cushions, intricate wooden panels, carved furniture, handmade Persian tablecloths, and miniature paintings.
Back to the ground floor! You can enjoy a delightful dining area with the same atmosphere and decoration, plus water features (a fountain and an aquarium).
The old water fountain
The kitchen is located back in the dining hall. I had a warm greeting with the young and well-experienced chef of the restaurant as well. Everything was clean and well organized.
I also had the chance to have a friendly chat with two customers. They were two middle-aged ladies, enjoying their meal and talking about their rooted satisfaction with the restaurant. They lived in Sa’adat-Abad, which is a region in Tehran a bit far away from Tajrish. However, in order to enjoy their favorite cuisine, ‘Gheymeh Nesar’’, they spend the time to get to Baghche restaurant. They also talked well about the atmosphere of the restaurant and the friendliness of its staff. Although the ladies loved the new decoration (apparently they had made a slight change recently), their hearts were still with the last one. :)
Menu
The Baghche restaurant is particularly appreciated for its fresh ingredients and flavorful dishes following the traditional Persian recipes.
Let’s have a quick look at their menu. :)
Breakfast
They offer different types of Iranian flatbread, honey and cream, omlet (a simple dish made with eggs, tomatoes, and sometimes onions and herbs), Adasi (a warm lentil soup flavored with spices), Sosis-omlet (sausages cooked with eggs and typically combined with tomatoes and spices), and drinks.
Chai-Nabat
Honey and fresh cream with Naan_Barbari
Omlet
Appetizers and side dishes
Seasonal salad, Shirazi salad, mixed pickled vegetables, Mast-borani (a flavorful combination of yogurt with cooked vegetables, most commonly spinach or eggplant), Zeytoon Parvardeh (marinated olives mixed with pomegranate paste, walnuts, garlic, and aromatic herbs), soup of the day.
Main dishes
Traditional Persian kebabs (Koobideh, Joojeh, Chenjeh, Barg, Soltani, vaziri, negindar), different types of cooked rice (Cholo, Lubia-polo, Baghali-polo), stews (Potato-Gheymeh, Aubergine-Gheymeh,Ghormeh), and Dizi Sangi.
Bevrages
Baghche offers common soft drinks like a variety of colas, sodas, non-alcoholic beers, and mineral water, plus Iranian traditional beverages like special homemade Baghche Doogh (a traditional yogurt-based drink, often seasoned with mint), Persian black tea with saffron, and herbal tea (served in traditional style).
Wonderful, right? Now let's see what I ordered. :)Dizi Sangi
also known as ‘‘Abgoosht’’, is a traditional Iranian stew that has a rich history and cultural significance. The dish is named "dizi" after the special stoneware pot in which it is traditionally cooked, and "sangi" means "stone" in Persian. This dish has been a staple of Persian cuisine for centuries, particularly favored for its simplicity, heartiness, and flavorful ingredients.
Origins: Dizi Sangi has its roots in ancient Persia, where it was a common meal among nomadic tribes and rural communities. The dish's simplicity and the use of readily available ingredients made it an ideal meal for those on the move or living in remote areas.
Main Ingredients: The primary ingredients of Dizi Sangi include lamb (or beef), chickpeas, white beans, potatoes, tomatoes, onions, and a variety of spices such as turmeric, salt, and pepper.
Cooking Process: Traditionally, the ingredients are slowly cooked in a stone pot. The stew is cooked until the meat is tender and the flavors are well combined. The slow-cooking process ensures that the meat and legumes absorb the flavors of the spices and tomatoes.
Serving: Dizi Sangi is served in two parts. First, the broth is separated and served as a soup. We make the bread into small pieces with our hands and leave them in the soup to get soaked a little bit, then we enjoy it with our favorite side dish(es). The remaining solid ingredients (meat, potatoes, beans, etc.) are then mashed together using a tool called a "Goosht-koob" (meat masher); now it is called ‘‘Goosht-koobideh’’ (mashed meat) and eaten with flatbread, pickles, and fresh herbs and onions. From my childhood memory, I love to order fresh onions and a piece of fresh lemon as side dishes. I also ordered Zeytoon Parvardeh (marinated olives).
Social Aspect: Dizi Sangi is often enjoyed as a communal dish, emphasizing the importance of sharing and togetherness in Iranian culture. It is common for families and friends to gather around a large pot of Dizi, taking turns mashing the ingredients and enjoying the meal together.
For me, like many Iranians, Abgoosht is more than just a meal; it's a cornerstone of my family life and all the related childhood memories. My uncles and my father with their families and children gathered in our grandparent’s house (from different cities); our mothers helped in the kitchen, and we played in the yard. Our fathers would enjoy a chat or repairing the house. When the comforting aroma of Abgoosht filled the house, we knew that the delicious meal was on its way, and it was time for all of us to sit together and enjoy the meal. My grandma poured the soup into our bowls, then one of our fathers took the bones out from the rest of the food and mashed them. It was usually served with fresh onions, herbs, yogurt, and for sure love. :)
"Baghche" (باغچه) is a Persian word that means "small garden" or "backyard garden." It is a diminutive form of "bagh" (باغ), which means "garden" or "orchard." In Iranian culture, a baghche typically refers to a small, often private garden space that is part of a home.
* In Iranian culture, having a baghche is a way to stay connected to nature and the outdoors, especially in urban areas where large gardens may not be feasible.
* A baghche often serves as a social space for families to gather, have tea, and enjoy each other's company. It is a place where many childhood memories are made.
* Growing herbs and vegetables in a baghche can provide fresh ingredients for home-cooked meals, integrating gardening with culinary traditions.
Regarding it all, I think a great name for the restaurant has been chosen.
In summary, Baghche Restaurant in Tajrish, Tehran, is a place where culinary excellence meets cultural heritage. Its combination of traditional Persian cuisine, serene garden-like ambiance, and cultural significance makes it a cherished spot for both locals and visitors.