Stew in Iran, grilled fish in Cambodia – a globetrotting Filipino’s favourite restaurants
- When in Tehran, Kitty Go goes to a 100-year-old restaurant that has only one dish on its menu – a slow-cooked local goat stew
- In Phnom Penh, she likes to visit a speakeasy that’s hidden behind a retro Coke vending machine, and the traditional French bistro next to it
Kitty Go, originally from the Philippines, is an art and impact investor of EKC Art Asia and United Yoga Asia (UYA). She has previously worked as an editor and writer, and is the author of the book When Chic Hits The Fan (2005).
Apart from last year, there are three trips that I look always forward to – Tehran, to buy contemporary Iranian calligraphy art, and Phnom Penh and Siem Reap to visit my charities in Cambodia, some of which, like UYA, are now impact ESG (environmental, social and governance) businesses.
Then there is Megève in the French Alps, where I have a chalet and where I spend summers and winters with my two dogs.
I think Iran has the best food for both vegetarians and carnivores, with its sumptuous and varied cuisine. It is the most amazing country that, between the food and the sights, you really would like to celebrate – but without alcohol, unfortunately.
Inside a multilevel home inspired by the Safavid era (a dynasty that ruled from 1501-1736) that has balconies on every floor is Mestooran Restaurant (Niavaran Square Villa Turan, North Side, Bahonar Street, Tehran, tel: +98 21 2611 6700). Although everything is great, the tahdig – a traditional saffron rice served in pastry – is not be missed.
There are other draws to this place aside from the food. The entrance was a carriage port but is now used for baking the local bread, sangak. Since wine is not allowed, they offer juice pairings.
