Greater Western Sydney, including Penrith, Rouse Hill, Merrylands, Auburn and Ryde, is home to many different communities and cuisines. Tantalise your tastebuds in this culturally rich area of Sydney, with dishes from the Middle East, the Balkans, India, Vietnam and more. We talk to Persian specialty store owner Russell Sajadi about his favourite dining experiences.
Greater Western Sydney is home to many different communities, cuisines and cultures. What do you love most about the area?
The diversity – meeting people of different cultures and orientation.
Tell us about some of the traditional Persian delicacies available at your store, Bahar Persian Foods and Art.
At Bahar Persian Foods and Art in Ryde, you will find authentic, top-grade saffron from the skirts of Iran’s Alborz Mountains, alongside nougat, barberries, wild figs and dried herbs from the Zagros Mountain chain in Iran.
Sydney is one of the world’s most multicultural cities. Where are some of the places people can enjoy traditional Persian food and purchase your favourite Persian ingredients?
Farsi Restaurant in Ryde is one of the best Persian restaurants in Sydney, with its variety of distinct traditions and flavours. My favourite ingredients are saffron, rice and dried herbs - which can all be found at my store, Bahar Persian Foods and Art.
There are many food tours people can join to taste their way around the world in Western Sydney. Do you have a favourite you would recommend?
Gourmet Safaris is my favourite food tour in the area. The tours are well organised, inclusive and led by experienced guides from many different cultural backgrounds.
You can find a huge array of restaurants in Greater Western Sydney, from the homely and cheerful to those that serve lavish banquets. What is your favourite dining experience in Western Sydney and why?
An Indian restaurant that specialises in authentic South Indian cuisine with excellent service, like Abhi’s Indian Restaurant in North Strathfield. Their wine range is excellent as well.
What are your top three must dos in Western Sydney that you would recommend to visitors?
Do you have a favourite Secret Sydney experience you can reveal?
Dine at one of the many authentic Indian restaurants in Harris Park and save yourself a trip to India.
