Walking into Diwan, you are immediately transported to another part of the world. The décor is made up of decorated wooden panels that were hand-carved and painted in Damascus back in 1799. Sitting by the window at Diwan, you're able to have a stunning view of the gardens of Aga Khan Park (which we totally frolicked around in afterwards). The floor to ceiling windows really make it the perfect spot to spend an afternoon.
Chef Mark McEwan is the mastermind behind the menu at Diwan. With the menu focused around using innovative approaches to Middle Eastern, North African, and South Asian cuisine, we knew we were in for a treat. But with summer in full effect, it comes with no surprise that Diwan would open up their patio and launch a new summer menu. It features a range of sharing plates with flavours from Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, North Africa, and Turkey. Below are the items that we got to taste (a combination of their regular lunch menu + the new menu).
• Sweet Onion Bahji with tamarind chutney
• Advieh Spiced Calamari with Aleppo aioli
• Borani-e-Bademjan, a yogurt and eggplant dip with naan
• Lamb Kofta Meatballs with corn, and coconut curry
• Chicken Shwarma Salad with shawarma-spiced chicken breast, romaine, quinoa, tomato, cucumber, onion, chickpea puree, egg, tahini yogurt, and naan
• Grilled Octopus and Chickpea Salad with Moroccan olives, stewed sweet peppers, and Aleppo aioli
• Walnut and Pistachio Filo Rolls with honey lavender syrup topped with fig gelato
• Strawberry Cheesecake Panna Cotta topped with raspberries and meringue
• Walnut and Pistachio Filo Rolls with honey lavender syrup topped with fig gelato
• Strawberry Cheesecake Panna Cotta topped with raspberries and meringue
Out of the items that we tasted, my favourites were definitely the lamb kofta meatballs and the grilled octopus. The lamb kofta meatballs were swimming in the most delicious corn and cocunut curry. I smothered as much curry as I could on those meatballs! The grilled octopus is actually cooked three times - boiled, baked, and then grilled until cooked to tender perfection. A surprise favourite was the bahji. We actually didn't order it but our waiter highly recommended for us to give it a try, and I'm so glad we did. It was the perfect crunchiness of a fried sweet onion when dipped in a delectable chutney sauce. See below for photos from our dining experience.
On another note, if you've never been to the Aga Khan Museum, you have to make your way over here. The space is just stunning, including the gardens of the Aga Khan Park. Tell me what you think of it!
I mean... Can anyone not like this place?! Open for lunch on Tuesdays through Sundays (11:30am to 2:30pm), I'd suggest for you to make this into an afternoon affair. Come and relax in this gorgeous garden, and walk through the museum. At the end of your exploration, sit out on the patio & order a couple delicious dishes at Diwan. You won't regret it!
On another note, if you've never been to the Aga Khan Museum, you have to make your way over here. The space is just stunning, including the gardens of the Aga Khan Park. Tell me what you think of it!
I mean... Can anyone not like this place?! Open for lunch on Tuesdays through Sundays (11:30am to 2:30pm), I'd suggest for you to make this into an afternoon affair. Come and relax in this gorgeous garden, and walk through the museum. At the end of your exploration, sit out on the patio & order a couple delicious dishes at Diwan. You won't regret it!
