Parvin Sadaghiani opened the first Persian convenience store in an area of Westwood that’s now populated by so many Iranian immigrants that it’s alternately known as Little Tehran or Tehrangeles. In the early days, Parvin sold a hodge-podge that included sandwiches and live birds. In Farsi, an Attari is traditionally an herb and tea shop. A year and a half ago, daughter in law Ayla Heravi joined the family business. Due to her influence, Attari Sandwich Shop is now open later and serves kebabs. When asked to differentiate Attari from other Persian restaurants in town, Ayla said, “It doesn’t taste like restaurant food, it tastes like your mom made it.” In her case, that’s especially true. As always, Parvin makes everything from family recipes.
As for other Attari specialties, Ayla said, “We do a beef tongue sandwich that people drive from Orange County for.” Kebabs are served during the week after 4 o’clock. Instead of serving the Koobideh (ground beef), Barg (filet mignon) and Cornish game hen with rice, they partner the meats with sangak bread, a Persian flatbread that’s delivered to Attari on a daily basis. Other accompaniments are mint, basil, tarragon, radishes, onions and grilled tomatoes.
Ayla said, “The only things we don’t make in house is the dessert. All the baklavas and pastries are delivered daily.” However, saffron rice pudding is made in-house.
The family-run sandwich shop offers much more than the name lets on, in terms of both flavor and variety. Attari’s patio is one of the most inviting in town, and the food hearty, satisfying and absolutely delicious.
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