Heidar Baba

Heidar Baba Restaurant Review:

Although Glendale and Pasadena have an abundance of Armenian and Lebanese eateries, most authentic Persian restaurants are located on the Westside. But Heidar Baba is a delightful exception. This halal restaurant employs strict dietary laws related to cleanliness and quality --- the Islamic equivalent to keeping kosher. Kebabs, made with proteins such as lamb, chicken, salmon and filet mignon among others, are served with a mountain of saffron-tinted rice. Stews are highlighted by fesenjoon (walnuts and chicken breast in pomegranate sauce) and gheimeh bademjoon (sautéed eggplant with tomato sauce, yellow peas and lamb shank). Rice pilaf dishes include albaloo polo, studded with sour cherries and chicken; and baghali polo, scented with dill and mixed with lima beans. For dessert, there is rosewater ice cream. The students from Pasadena City College need only cross the street to get here, but this authentic Persian fare is worth a short drive.