Quail, Original photo: Mark Roper

Saraban, a cookbook, is an unforgettable culinary journey through modern-day Persia.

Following ancient spice trails, Greg and Lucy Malouf discover a land of generous hospitality, of tea-houses, mosques and caravanserais.

They meet pistachio farmers and toffee makers, saffron growers and boat builders, eat in exotic restaurants, bustling bazaars and tiny soup kitchens and are invited time and again into the homes of people they meet along the way.

Lavishly illustrated throughout, Saraban offers a unique and remarkable window into a world steeped in history and tradition, and a comprehensive introduction to the delights of Persian cuisine.

Click here to buy your copy.

If you live in the UK, these masters of Middle Eastern cooking, Greg Malouf and award-winning writer, Lucy Malouf, will be visiting England in February 2011 to promote their book with a variety of events at some of their favorite London venues:

  • Dock Kitchen Dinner

Monday 7th February 2011 – from 7.00 pm

Greg Malouf will join head chef Stevie Parle and his team in the kitchen where they will prepare a Persian feast of dishes inspired by Saraban. The Dock Kitchen will then run the Persian menu for the remainder of the week.

£35 per head for 4 courses not including drinks.

Click here to purchase your ticket(s).


  • Books for Cooks Lunch

Tuesday 8th February 2011 – from 12 noon

Greg and Lucy will be hosting the Tuesday Vegetarian Lunch service at Notting Hill’s famous cookbook shop.

£5 per head per head for 2 courses not including drinks

Bookings – not taken, tables are allocated on a first come first served basis. They are always full.

Click here for more info.


  • La Fromagerie Talk and Dinner

Tuesday 8th February – 7.00 pm

A seasonal Saraban-inspired menu at the stylish and unconventional La Fromagerie in London’s Marylebone. Greg and Lucy will host a feast-like dinner with a short talk on their journey through modern-day Persia.

£65 per head includes accompanying wines

Click here to purchase your ticket(s).


  • Fortnum & Mason Talk and Evening Demonstration

Wednesday 9th February 6.30 – 7.30 pm

During an hour-long evening event at London’s centuries old, quintessentially English store Greg will show guests how to recreate his favourite Persian dishes using ingredients from the Food Hall at Fortnum & Mason.

£15 per head

Click here for tickets.


  • The Saraban Reception

Thursday 10th February – 7.00 pm

An evening talk & reception with the Iran Heritage Foundation at Made in Camden at the Roundhouse. Greg and co-author Lucy will relive their journey through the kitchens and dining rooms of modern day Iran following which Made in Camden Head Chef, Josh Katz and team will prepare some Saraban inspired light bites.

£15 per head

Click here for tickets.


  • Petersham Nurseries Demonstration and Tasting

Saturday 12th February

A talk, tasting and cooking demonstration by Greg and Lucy. Following the morning event, Petersham Nurseries’ Head Chef Skye Gyngell will cook a lunch menu based on recipes from Saraban.

Price £35 for the demonstrations and tasting or £65 for lunch

Click here for tickets.


*Click here for more details.