AHMAD'S PERSIAN CUISINE
Hoppen Hierarchy:★★★⭑
District: Dundee
Mediterranean plates, kabobs, and meze
Perfect For: Casual Dining; Lunch; Date Night
Standout Dishes: Fessen Jun; Kabob Kubideh; Tehran Chicken; Baba Goo Nooj
At the heart of every restaurant are people; they define not only the cuisine, but the heart and soul of what the establishment is. That’s especially true at Ahmad’s Persian Cuisine, where owner Ahmad Nazar’s DNA is intertwined with every aspect of his restaurant.
And that’s why Ahmad’s has not only been around for over 30 years, but it’s established itself as a beloved part of Omaha’s restaurant scene.
To encapsulate the type of person Ahmad is, consider my interactions with him on my first two visits. During my maiden meal, Ahmad not only walked me through the menu—which has a number or Iranian dishes most guests might not understand—but also gave me a glass of Persian tea because it was a cold day and he wanted me to try it (the black tea, with just a touch of honey-induced sweetness, was delightful).
About a month later, I returned with my family. I can’t even fathom how many guests Ahmad served in between those visits, but he instantly recognized me and not only remembered my name, but also:
- what table I sat at
- the entree and appetizer I ordered
- the fact that I’d promised to return with my wife because I knew she’d love the food (I was right)
That level of attention to one guest is unreal. But that’s what makes Ahmad one of a kind. And if you think someone who’s giving each guest that much attention and care isn’t putting some serious devotion and love into this food… well, you need to visit this place.
The menu consists mostly of rice dishes with heavily-spiced meats, kabobs, and stews, but each brings its own unique personality to the table. If you come Ahmad’s expecting a standard rice bowl, your tastebuds are in for an awakening that could register on the Richter scale.
The rice itself is soft and buttery with notes of floral saffron. Each plate comes with a blistered tomato, a side salad, and slices of banana that Ahmad instructs to use as a palate cleanser between bites. Odd as that might sound, the bananas are very sweet and provide a bright, light note in the midst of the rice and meat.
The Kabob Kubideh features a hefty skewer of grilled beef/lamb meat marinated in onions and Persian spices. The meat is wildly flavorful; it’s rich and savory, but also has an underlying sweetness that at first surprises but then delights the more you dig in.
That’s a familiar through line throughout Ahmad’s menu. These dishes may contain beef, chicken, and other familiar proteins, but they don’t taste like any version you’ve had before. Among the other dishes that’ll delight your palate:
- Tehran Chicken: Marinated in saffron and lime, the chicken is moist but with a pleasant grilled crust. I can’t begin to guess what the “12 Persian spices” the menu says dust this chicken are, but they make some magic.
- Fessen Jun: Arguably the sweetest savory dish I’ve ever eaten, but in the best way. Shredded chicken is coated in an addictive walnut pomegranate sauce that adds a sweetness that’s first makes one lift an eyebrow, then dive in for forkful after forkful.
- Jujeh Khoresht: Tender hunks of chicken receive a bright citrus punch from the lemon sauce.
The appetizers, too, all carry unique traits. Every version of Falafel I’ve ever encountered is presented in round form… expect for Ahmad’s, which instead presents deep-fried discs of ground chickpeas, fava beans, garlic, and spices. Crispy and fatty, these flavor frisbees have a welcome sidekick in the nutty hummus.
The Baba Goo Nooj is similarly addicting, as you’ll find yourself fighting your fellow diners for another taste of this dip. The puréed grilled eggplant is creamy, smoky, and rich with a nice garlic flavor, and the tender lavash flatbread is the perfect dipper.
Feel intimidated by some of the unfamiliar menu items listed above? No worries. Ahmad will carefully explain any dish to you, as well as provide recommendations based on your personal preferences.
The portion sizes are more than large enough to satisfy an appetite at Ahmad’s, but do your best to save room for dessert. The Chocolate Cake is delightfully decadent, with a healthy drizzle of thick chocolate syrup and mini chocolate chips studded throughout.
With a menu full of unique, delicious dishes, it’s no surprise that Ahmad’s gained a passionate during its 30 years in the Old Market. The restaurant relocated to Dundee, just off 50th and Dodge, in 2020, and its loyal customers were happy to follow Ahmad to the new digs.
The restaurant doesn’t look like much from the outside, but you get a sense of Ahmad’s welcoming, vibrant personality from the moment you walk in. The walls are a vibrant blue that injects life into the restaurant, and the unique artwork provides interest.
But the highlight is Ahmad himself, who’ll come bounding out of the kitchen to greet you. He’ll not only take your order, but he’ll hear your story (if you want to tell it) and do his best to create the perfect personalized dining experience for you and your party.
The care and personal attention Ahmad shows each customer is awe-inspiring, and it’s what makes Ahmad’s Persian Cuisine a special restaurant.