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PERSIAN HEAVEN 1, Lane 61, HeJiang St move to: 6, NanJing E. Rd, Sec. 5, 2F (02) 2767-1661 Hours: 11:30 am-2 am Credit cards accepted. 10% service charge. www.persianheaven.com.tw

--By Josie Wu, translated by Cara Steenstra

With years of trading business experience in Taiwan, Mohsen Amini finally decided to cross over into the restaurant business. Besides being homesick for Persian food, Mohsen also enjoyed dining with his family, friends and clients, but couldn't find any Persian restaurants in Taipei despite a good selection of other exotic cuisine. So, recruiting his two sons and a group of Middle Eastern chefs to help out, Mohsen has opened Taiwan's first and only Persian restaurant, Persian Heaven Halal. His eldest son, Ali, a young man in his twenties, is often seen going in and out of the new establishment and speaks Chinese as well. The set meals here are priced around NT$250. The "Chelo Kebab Kobydeh" Barbecued Minced Lamb Meat (available in original & spicy flavors for NT$220) is a traditional dish, not to mention the owner's personal favorite. The Ghormeh Sabzi Haricot with Iranian Assorted Vegetable Rice (NT$200) is another well-known traditional dish very popular in Europe and America. Imported haricot is first soaked for six to 12 hours, then five kinds of finely chopped vegetables and dried lemon are added and lamb--marinated in special sauces--is slow cooked at a low heat for four to five hours until well-done. Ali also has a soft spot for the Filly Loghmei Kabab BBQ Tenderloin Chicken Breast with Rice (NT$220) and the after-dinner Baked Pudding (NT$75). If you're looking for authentic Persian cuisine, this is the only place in Taiwan to get a taste.