Sunday brunch in Singapore has become rather predictable: Eggs, pancakes, avocado toast or sprawling hotel buffets where the temptation is to eat far more than you intended.
Shabestan at Robertson Quay is taking a different route – quite literally.
I have eaten at the Persian restaurant several times over the years, so when I heard it was introducing a Sunday brunch inspired by the historic Silk Road, I was curious.
More importantly, I wanted to taste it.
So, on Sept 20, after an early-morning book launch, I settled in for the Silk Road Caravan Brunch, working my way through mezze, charcoal-grilled meats, seafood, saffron rice and, inevitably, Persian saffron ice cream.
My advice? Go hungry, but don’t rush.
Shabestan, which has served Persian cuisine in Singapore since 2013, has built the brunch around five culinary regions – Mediterranean Shore, Levant Valley, Persian Heartland, Caspian Highlands and Silk Coast.
Priced at S$38++ per person, the format sits somewhere between an a la carte meal and a buffet. Each diner chooses two dishes, while mezze, breads, saffron rice and ice cream are free-flow.
It works particularly well because you get variety without the excess of a conventional buffet.
I started with the mezze. The hummus was smooth and creamy, while the Muhammara delivered a deeper, nuttier flavour. But Shabestan’s homemade cheese was my favourite. Paired with warm pita bread, it is dangerously easy to keep eating and forget that the mains are still coming.
So exercise restraint.
From the charcoal grill, my recommendation is the Jujeh Masti. The chicken, marinated in Persian yoghurt and spices, was tender, with just enough smokiness from the grill.
The Chicken Kubideh, a juicy minced chicken kebab, is another safe choice, particularly for diners who prefer uncomplicated grilled flavours.
But the more interesting part of my meal came from the Silk Coast.
The Ghalieh Mahi, a Southern Persian fish stew, stood out. Coriander, garlic and tamarind give the gravy a tangy, aromatic character that cuts through the richness of the meal. Spoon it over the fragrant saffron rice, and it becomes one of the brunch’s most satisfying combinations.
Seafood lovers should also consider the Garlic Shrimp. Plump tiger prawns tossed with crushed garlic and bell pepper make it a straightforward but punchy dish.
There are plenty of other options, including shakshouka, falafel, Arayes, Shish Taouk, Ghormeh Sabzi, Halabi Kebab and fish kebab, making repeat visits quite possible without ordering the same combination.
Dessert is simple: Free-flow ice cream in vanilla, chocolate and Persian saffron.
For me, there was really only one choice.
The Persian Saffron Ice Cream was aromatic, distinctive and a fitting finish. You are in a Persian restaurant, after all.
At S$38++, the brunch also represents good value for a relaxed riverside meal at Robertson Quay.
My recommended route through this Silk Road? Homemade cheese to begin, Jujeh Masti from the grill, Ghalieh Mahi for something more adventurous, and saffron ice cream to finish.
The Silk Road Caravan Brunch is available every Sunday from 11.30am to 3pm at Shabestan, The Pier at Robertson, 80 Mohamed Sultan Road.
