Cover Inside the function room of the awaited Hossein’s Persian Kebab Gateway 2, Cubao branch (Photo: courtesy of Hossein’s Persian Kebab)
Inside the function room of the awaited Hossein’s Persian Kebab Gateway 2, Cubao branch (Photo: courtesy of Hossein’s Persian Kebab)
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For nearly four decades, Hossein’s Persian Kebab has been a beloved food destination, consistently delivering an exceptional culinary experience for people who enjoy the flavours of the East. Here’s what they have in store for Filipinos this Christmas season
Established in 1985, Hossein’s Persian Kebab knows precisely what the Filipino market needs: an authentic dining experience featuring all the best dishes from the Middle East. The restaurant, which has been the go-to place for Persian, Arabic, Indian, and Mediterranean cuisine, uses authentic cooking techniques that have been handed down from one generation to the next.
Considered one of the first pioneering Middle Eastern cuisine restaurants in the Philippines, Hossein’s is now open in three locations across the Metro—Makati Avenue, Greenbelt, Serendra—and soon, Gateway 2, Cubao.
Additionally, Hossein’s branch in Serendra has been reimagined with a modern aesthetic, providing guests with a more refined and inviting dining atmosphere. The newly designed space seamlessly blends Persian architectural elegance with contemporary design elements, evident in the walls adorned with peach-hued bricks reminiscent of the fortresses in Persia.
In case you missed it: Hossein’s Persian Kebab: From Humble Eatery to Dining Institution
Above A sneak peek into Hossein's latest branch in Cubao, Quezon City (Photo: courtesy of Hossein's Persian Kebab)
A sneak peek into Hossein's latest branch in Cubao, Quezon City (Photo: courtesy of Hossein's Persian Kebab)
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Diners will first be greeted by eye-catching stained glass windows in shades of ruby and sapphire that cast a kaleidoscope of light around the room. They will also enjoy the plush seating, upholstered in luxurious fabrics and ornate wood carvings as they indulge in their meal.
Chef Hossein’s son and principal architect at ARDA Architecture Arash Sohrabi reveals that the Serendra branch reflects the restaurant’s ongoing dedication to excellence. “It stays true to its roots,” he affirms. “Both architecture and cuisine must always be deeply rooted in culture.”
Its upcoming branch in Gateway 2 is no different as it will feature the same well-loved menu. While most of its locations are in Makati and BGC, Hossein’s observed that a big number of diners come from Quezon City. “It felt only right to bring our mission of sharing authentic Persian cuisine closer to them. Gateway 2, Cubao, with its dynamic and diverse audience, is the perfect location for us to connect with even more diners who value the flavours and culture we bring to the table. This way, we can expand our reach in this part of the Metro.”
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Above Chicken kebab kubideh by Hossein's (Photo: courtesy of Hossein's Persian Kebab)
Above Hossein's Mega Kebab (Photo: courtesy of Hossein's Persian Kebab)
Chicken kebab kubideh by Hossein's (Photo: courtesy of Hossein's Persian Kebab)
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Among the dishes Hossein’s patrons can enjoy are its mouth-watering chicken kebab kubideh, juicy ground chicken mixed with Persian spices and herbs, grilled to perfection on skewers, and the Ghormeh sabzi, a traditional Persian stew made with fresh herbs, tender beef, and red kidney beans, slow-cooked with dried limes to create a uniquely tangy flavour. This dish is a staple in Persian cuisine, known for its deep, earthy taste and fragrant aroma.
Don't miss out on their saffron fish kebab either, with delicate white snapper fillets marinated in aromatic saffron and traditional Persian spices and then grilled to perfection. This kebab features a tender, flaky texture with a subtle yet rich flavour, offering a refined and elegant take on classic Persian seafood.
The brand’s dedication to introducing Persian dishes to younger diners prompted the adoption of innovative strategies, such as leveraging social media to promote the business and share Persian values, stories, and traditions.
“We’ve also seen a growing interest from younger customers eager to explore new cultures, and we are proud to remain a window to Iran for these curious diners. We’ve embraced modern tools and techniques to continue fulfilling this role as a cultural showcase. While we remain rooted in tradition, we adapt to changing times, ensuring Hossein’s remains a place where food and culture come together for generations,” Sohrabi says.
Related: What Are the Differences Between Indian and Persian Cuisine?
Above Hossein's Serendra branch (Photo: courtesy of Hossein's Persian Kebab)
Hossein's Serendra branch (Photo: courtesy of Hossein's Persian Kebab)
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In the coming years, Hossein’s seeks to ensure that its customers will continue to enjoy the same exceptional quality in every dish. To achieve this, the establishment has invested in a commissary that enables the standardisation of processes, ensuring consistent flavour and quality across all locations.
“Beyond that, they can expect to see a few more locations and even new brands that build on the foundation we’ve established over the past 40 years.”
Discover why Hossein’s Persian Kebab has been a beloved culinary destination for nearly 40 years. Visit their branches at Makati Avenue, Greenbelt, and Serendra or join us soon at their newest location in Gateway 2, Cubao.
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Jove holds a degree in Journalism and is currently pursuing graduate studies in Philosophy at the University of the Philippines–Diliman. She has flair for in-depth, interview-driven stories that explore politics and culture, shaped by her background in national broadsheets.
When she’s not on assignment, Jove spends her days painting, sipping lemonade, and walking her dog, Jupiter. She can often be seen in Escolta with a film camera in hand, browsing novelty shops in search of rare memorabilia. For leads, reach her at Jove@tatlerphilippines.com.
