A Journey Through Persian History A jewel of Qazvin’s culinary heritage, Shirin Polow has its roots in the courtly traditions of the Safavid and Qajar eras. Qazvin was once a royal capital of Persia, where sophisticated court cuisine flourished. Once reserved for grand celebrations and wedding feasts, this luxurious Persian rice dish combines saffron, candied bitter-orange peel, pistachios and almonds in a delicate harmony of fragrance, sweetness and colour. At Zaferuw, we prepare it with our own Ferdows saffron, Kerman pistachios and candied bitter-orange peel from Shiraz, served with slow-cooked boneless New Zealand lamb shank. If you have ever wondered what people might have eaten centuries ago in a royal Persian capital, let Shirin Polow take you on a journey through time — through the flavours, aromas and traditions of historic Iran. More than a dish, it is a taste of Persian history