Although you might have trouble finding traditional Persian cuisine in most US restaurants, the Monday night food pop-up at Porcena's wine bar in New York City is the place to go.
Author of The New Persian Kitchen chef Louisa Shafia put together a series of dishes after Persian meals like Lakh Lakh Polo, a meal that also inspired the name of the temporary restaurant. Dining at Lakh Lakh takes you on a culinary trip across the country of Persia, from Indian and African-inspired flavors off of the Gulf to seafood dishes that remind of the Caspian Sea. Over the course of the fall, the menu will be ever-changing so that diners can come back time and time again and experience a variety of new and unfamiliar flavors—especially since dishes are priced between $5 and $7.
Persian Food Pop-Ups
Chef Louisa Shafia's Lakh Lakh Pop-Up Brings Exotic Flavors to America
Trend Themes
1. Persian-cuisine Pop-ups - The trend of temporary Persian-cuisine pop-ups provides emerging chefs with the opportunity to showcase exotic flavors, inspire gastronomic creativity, and test the market demand.
2. Culinary Diversity - The growing demand for diverse foods provides a platform for traditional, albeit underrepresented, cuisines like Persian to flourish in the marketplace with new pop-ups and restaurants.
3. Pop-up Restaurants - Pop-up dining experiences provide a disruptive opportunity for entrepreneurs to test new dishes and concepts while minimizing overhead costs as they build their brand and customer base.
Industry Implications
1. Food and Beverage - The Food and Beverage industry can take advantage of the trend of pop-up dining experiences to showcase emerging international flavors through dynamic and eye-catching marketing strategies.
2. Hospitality - The Hospitality industry has an opportunity to add a unique and compelling element to its offerings by partnering with pop-up restaurants and local chefs, providing an innovative guest experience and supporting a local food culture.
3. Entrepreneurship - The growing demand for diverse culinary experiences creates new entrepreneurship opportunities in the foodservice industry, particularly with pop-up restaurants, where emerging chefs can showcase their talents and introduce new flavors to a wider audience.