Chelow kebab

(Chelo kebab, Chelo kabab, چلوکباب)

Chelow kebab consists of fragrant, saffron-spiced rice, grilled tomatoes, and kebab, which can be prepared with minced or sliced meat. It is believed that the dish originated among the Caucasian people, who passed down the recipe to the Iranians.

The serving of chelow kebab is a unique experience: rice and tomatoes are served first, followed by meat, while the final touch is a dollop of butter that is placed on the top of saffron rice. The dish is commonly enriched with sumac, a spice native to the Middle Eastern area, and is best paired with doogh—Persian sour yogurt.

Iran

WHERE TO EAT The best Chelow kebab in the world (according to food experts)

Lonely Planet and 22 other food critics.

"This phenomenally popular Kolkata institution is best known for its Iranian-style chelo kebabs (barbequed fingers of spiced, minced meat on buttered rice)."

Peachy Adarne and 9 other food critics.

"The buttered rice was very rich. The beef strips were cooked just right and were still juicy."

Shaahin Pishbin and 2 other food critics.

"Where To Find The Most Delicious Chelo Kebab In Tehran: Alborz Restaurant - Another upmarket, historic restaurant, aficionados of Alborz will insist you look no further for the best kebabs in Tehran. A meal at this sophisticated venue doesn’t come cheap, but the portions are notoriously generous and consistently delicious."

Matthew Norman and 3 other food critics.

"The very word “kebab” is of Persian origin, so we majored in grilled meat – the two dishes we ordered were sensational."

Newsoholic

"Eat a kebab at the famous restaurant Sharaf El Islam or at Moslem Restaurant both at Grand Bazar. Traditional atmosphere and very friendly. “Chelo Kabab”, “Djoujeh” or "Tahchin" are all recommended."

Filza Jawad Hai

"Kolachi restaurant has never failed to disappoint their customers. The overall combination of juicy kebabs, grilled tomato and basmati rice topped with Nurpur butter is excellent."