(Last UPDATED 12/27/2021) Description of take-out from Maydoon Persian Restaurant, a Persian-Iranian restaurant that opened in Midtown/Downtown Sacramento in June. NEW: See Maydoon Revisited below.
Maydoon Persian Restaurant had been on my list of restaurants to try since they opened in June. Three friends and I recently had an opportunity to check it out when there was a break in the weather.
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The multiple forest fires ravaging Northern California since mid-August have been showering Sacramento with ash. The resulting unhealthy air quality combined with multi-day heat waves has kept us all largely indoors (to the extent possible).
On this particular day the air quality had temporarily improved. The sky was blue, the air smelled fresh without a whiff of smoke, and the outside temperature was comfortable!
It seemed wise to take advantage of the first nice day we have had for quite a while. So, I invited friends to join me in trying Maydoon Persian Restaurant while dining al fresco in my backyard. A friend offered to call in our order and pick it up as well.
As the four of us were from three different households I had three tables set up in my backyard so we could maintain an appropriate distance. COVID-19 has really complicated getting together with friends!
Maydoon Persian Restaurant
The to-go menu at Maydoon Persian Restaurant offers a very nice selection of dishes – appetizers to dessert. As one would expect from a restaurant serving authentic Persian-Iranian dishes, ingredients utilized include seasonings such as turmeric, saffron, and dried lime.
Deciding what to order was difficult as everything sounded so good!
As it turns out each of us ordered the Maydoon Bowl (choice of shredded lamb, ground beef kabob or chicken kabob, served with rice, cucumber, tomato and onions, topped with pickled onions and the signature Maydoon Dressing) ($15).
Our Maydoon Bowls (three chicken and one ground beef) were piping hot when my friends arrived. Our order was accompanied by four pita bread, an unexpected bonus.
Both the chicken kabobs and ground beef kabob were declared delicious. Words my friends used to describe our meal included “flavorful”, “fresh” and “healthy”. Add to that description generous portions and Maydoon is a winner in my book.
Chopped cucumber, tomato and onions had been folded into the basmati rice which likewise was commented on favorably more than once. The rice was cooked perfectly, and the addition of Maydoon Dressing took it to the next level.
I now have a list of the Maydoon menu items I want to try next!
UPDATE
Maydoon Revisited
(11/2/2020) Friends recently invited me over to join them for lunch on their new front yard patio. The plan – I would pick up lunch for the three of us at Maydoon prior to my arrival.
I called in our order that morning after reviewing the online lunch menu. Several new lunch items had been added to the menu since I had looked it over previously.
I had passed by the restaurant when driving around town, but this was my first opportunity to check it out. The interior is light-filled and very attractive. At first glance it appears to be good-sized. I look forward to, at some point in the future, dining there. Outside of the restaurant there are a number of socially distanced tables, including barrier protected tables located on 16th Street.
I had ordered an appetizer for the three of us to share – Dolmeh (five cooked grape leaves filled with rice, split peas and fresh herbs, served with pita) ($6).
Both friends requested the Maydoon Bowl with Chicken ($15), as they had enjoyed it so much previously (see photo in original post). I decided to try something new so I ordered the Maydoon Wrap with Chicken (choice of either shredded lamb, ground beef, or chicken kabob wrapped in Javash with lettuce, tomato, cucumber, must khiar, pickled onions and topped with green sauce) ($10).
It was a beautiful day. The sun was shining and the temperature was perfect for our outdoor, socially distanced repast. The temperature in Sacramento has been about 10 degrees warmer than usual for this late in October.
Stuffed Grape Leaves
The dolmeh were tasty. An added bonus, we received seven dolmeh as opposed to the five specified on the menu!
Stuffed grape leaves are part of the cuisine of numerous countries, and the ingredients and herbs used differ. I found that there was a distinct difference between these particular dolmeh and the Greek dolmas I am more familiar with. The primary difference in texture and taste appeared to be the addition of the split peas in the dolmeh and the fresh herbs used. I can’t say that I prefer one over the other, they are just different.
Maydoon Wrap
The Maydoon Wrap was substantial. The chicken kabobs were good-sized and the must khiar (yogurt mixed with cucumber and mint) along with the other veggies made it a healthy and fresh taste treat. The wrap was also large enough for two meals.
After enjoying one-half of the wrap for lunch I took the second half home for dinner. That evening I removed the Javash (which was getting soggy), separating the “salad” component and the remaining chicken kabobs. After reheating the chicken as well as two dolmeh I added the salad back to my plate along with a pita to complete my meal.
Next on my “must try” list – the “Taste of Maydoon” (choice of protein served with mixed greens, must khiar, hummus, pita and rice) ($16-$19)!
See related blog posts: 2022 Sacramento Dine Downtown Restaurant Week 2020 Restaurant Review Recap and Sacramento Ethnic Restaurants
Comments?
What has been your experience at Maydoon Persian Restaurant? Do you have a favorite dish?
Maydoon Persian Restaurant Snapshot:
- 1501 16th Street, #111, Sacramento, CA (near P Street)
- (916) 382-4309
- Check days & hours of operation
- Outdoor Patio
- Street Parking
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