Behjat “BJ” Kanani, aged 23 and an Iranian national, runs the Casa Blanca Iranian food restaurant on Prachanukhro Road with her brother and sister, importing ingredients directly from Iran.
Miss Behjat says that food from her homeland, once the centre of the vast Persian empire, has a unique style of cuisine and mix of ingredients, including rice, saffron and broad beans.
It is an old wives’ tale that saffron is good for your health, and makes you happy if you eat it, therefore it is a common ingredient in Iranian cuisine.
“Iranian people always cook and have a meal together. I always cook with my family members and we have very happy moments when we eat,” she says.
Miss Behjat told The Phuket News that she has lived in Phuket for around seven years and the restaurant has been open for the last three.
“I really want to introduce Phuket people and international tourists to Iranian food, as many have not tried it before,” she says.
“Many people do not know much about Iranian food, but people should know it is very good for you. Iranian chefs generally don’t use lots of oil – that means the food is much healthier.”
Miss Behjat said there was a small group of around 25 Iranian expats living in Patong and Phuket Town, many of whom visit her restaurant for special occasions.
The first starter presented to The Phuket News was salad shirazi, made from cucumber, tomato, onion, bell pepper and basil. Then it’s topped with cheese – delicious.
Next up was kashko bademjan, an eggplant dish made with garlic and sweet onion, and topped with home made yoghurt.
For the mains, which start at B230, the Baghali Polo Ba Mahiche comes recommended. It is a traditional meal made from broad beans, saffron rice, tomatoes and cooked lamb shank.
Also served was the “Jooje” kebab, one of the most popular Iranian dishes – made from marinated chicken with saffron, and grilled lamb. These are served with basmanti rice topped with saffron.
Next up was Zereshk Polow ba Morgh, which is large pieces of chicken in a tasty stew, served with a special Iranian drink – a yoghurt soda drink with mint.
Beyond just a great meal, dining at Casa Blanca is a great way to learn more about Iranian food, especially with Miss Behjat on hand to offer in-depth explanations about her delicious creations.
Casa Blanca restaurant is located at 34/5,6,7 Prachanukhro Road, Patong, opposite the Honda centre. For more information call 082-282-5615 or email Miss Behjat on bjbehnam@yahoo.com