Image
By
Hamed Allahyari
Abstract
In Iran, we have very hot summers so people traditionally have a nap after lunch for 30 minutes to one hour. Many restaurants close at 2pm and then reopen at 3.30pm. A dish that is very popular at this time of year is abdoogh khiar (water, yoghurt drink, cucumber). It is a light and cooling dish and we believe it keeps your blood pressure down, and helps you to feel sleepy so that you can get a good rest. This is our summer dish; we eat it at least weekly and I love it.
Hamed Allahyari is a Persian chef who fled Iran as a refugee. He now runs Café Sunshine and SalamaTea in Melbourne where he offers fellow refugees employment opportunities.Read More
