Heidar Baba

I have a new Mediterranean favorite and it’s called Koobideh! It’s absolutely delicious and the meat is so tender. Koobideh is essentially grilled minced meat kabobs and beef or lamb is my preferred choices. I first learned about this by work but one day was craving it on a non-​working day. So I Unilocaled it and found this place near home that had it.
I came here for lunch and found street parking okay. The place is pretty easy to find, across the street from PCC right on Colorado. Inside, there was no wait and plenty of tables. Service was a little slow but the food made up for it. They have a lunch special which includes one koobideh with rice and choice of salad or French fries for about $ 8.95. Such a steal! The koobideh with the rice already fills me out, but if you get French fries, let me tell you, it’s a plate full of them!
I only wish they at least included some hummus or a small sauce cup of it would be nice. Koobideh with the rice by itself wasn’t as flavorful as if you had some tzatziki or hummus mixed it. But that’s just in my opinion. A side of hummus will run you about an additional $ 5.50 but you get a huge bowl enough for maybe 8 people to share.
A lot of people ordered take out here and the lunch special prices apply for take out also. It’s not just dine in.

I only get the dark meat chicken lunch special. I liked it better when it was 7.95 but it’s 8.95 now. The chicken is so tender and juicy. They should include a little bit of hummus in the lunch special.
The service is more like 2 stars. The wait time is like 1 star. It’s a long wait to get food. One time one of my friends had to ask for a grilled tomato that was missing from the plate. Come on guys… let’s get it together.

I would highly recommend this place for a casual Persian meal. Their ghaymeh and kebobs are excellent. On top of that, they give you SO MUCH food! The food is always very fresh. The service is excellent — always very courteous and prompt. The kitchen is clean too! Overall, a great «go-​to» place for a night where you can’t bring yourself to cook (especially if you are craving Persian food!)

Definitely would recommend this place for lunch! Their lunch special is super worth it. Lunch special comes with your choice of salad, soup or fries, and the portions themselves are really generous without tasting heavy. The appetizer is 4 slices of bread that’s fresh and hot!
Got the shish kabob; meat was tender, veggies were grilled until they’re slightly charred but not burnt (perfection, basically) and the basmati rice is ridiculously soft without being mushy!
It’s kinda weird but I really like the fries here LOL they’re among the crispiest fries I’ve ever had and fried until golden brown heaven (take note, McDonalds).
Price is a bit steep for a PCC student to have this on the regular, but the value is there, the taste is flavorful without being crazy, portions are good, and its different! A good switch up from the other restaurants near the college. I would recommend this to people in the area, not just students!

Great food and very friendly employees. The portions are huge (1 plate enough for 2)

We have been coming here for many years.
The quality of the meat is very good
The different types of rice gives one a good variety to choose from.
Some reviews were critical of the delays but we think that this is because meals are done as ordered. And the barbecue takes time to be done right.
Nothing is pre-​cooked. The staff appear to be doing their best to accommodate.
We also order takeouts but for the same reasons, we allow ourselves extra time to get the orders ready.
Today We had Chicken Kabob, and Koobideh A la Cart and everything was just perfect.
Very reasonable price too.

The best halal meat I’ve had in Cali. Lentil soup is nourishingly tasty. Beef and chicken koobideh and chicken kabob are heavenly. Thanks for holding it down peeps!

Have been here three times over years. Last was about a week ago. Really excellent flavored kabob. I ordered dark chicken and asked for zereshk in my rice. They were happy to oblige and it was excellent. Others ordered chicken and beef koobideh, steak kabob and the lamb shank. My father loved the lamb shank and ate it ALL — something he never does. The barley soup was very thick and the cucumber salad had a strange flavor. Persian tea had bergamot. Portions were very large. We don’t normally take home food, but this food was so good we couldn’t resist — all kabob and rice were enough for two meals.
The service was warm, but spotty. Lunch specials are probably the best choice, but really well priced and high quality at any time.
All my Persian friends in Pasadena eat here, because it’s really good and reliable. Let me know if there is better Persian food in Pasadena!

Really poor phone order service. Tried it twice and have always experienced a delay in receiving my order.
My last experience with them, I placed a phone order for two koobideh plates. They told me over the phone that it would be thirty minutes until my food was ready. Fourty minutes later, I arrive and when I went up to pick up my food they told me that they haven’t gotten to my order yet. They said that it would be another half hour. They were unable to do anything but tell me to cancel my order and find food elsewhere or wait another half hour.
I wasn’t the only one on that day that experienced this. I chatted with several other patrons were going through the same thing (both dine in and take out). After I finally got my food, the fries were soggy, the soup was cold and the meat was undercooked. Terrible experience.

This place is a diamond in the rough! Awesome service ! Phenomenal food ! Worth your time

Great food, been here a couple of times. Chicken, salmon and steaks are all delicious. Veggies are steamed to perfection. Service is good. They also have Persian ice cream which is highly recommended. Not too busy for a Saturday night either.

I came here to meet up with the beautiful Nadia Q! I am so glad she chose this place!!! A week later and I still can’t get the delicious taste out of my mouth!!! I am salivating just writing this review. I had the all white chicken kabob plate! It was so juicy and tender and sooooo flavorful! The basmati rice was so buttery like and I added the purple powder to everything which just brought even more flavor out! I am very grateful that Nadia taught me that trick! I also had a delicious cup of coffee and even sipped some of Nadia’s delicious Persian tea! So much flavor in one sip! Definitely not for the faint hearted, but I definitely recommend trying it at least once! I will most likely be returning with my husband very soon! The parking is in the back in a small lot. The restaurant has a Mediterranean charm and I think it went delightfully well with the delicious food!!! I can’t wait for next time!

Heidar Baba is and has always been my favorite restaurant. The food is consistently delicious and filling, there is always enough for leftovers. The portions are HUGE, so come hungry! I highly recommend the salmon or the shish kabob. There’s also a lunch special on weekdays, if you’re ever in the mood to save some money. They do dine in and carry out orders too, if you’re on the go. They prepare the food to order, and it doesn’t take any more than 15 or 20 minutes.
Even better than the food is the service! All the waitresses are attentive and 100% helpful. They answer any questions you have about the menu and really try their hardest to give you the best possible service. These girls work their tails off, and they are sweet and kind as well. All the staff is!
I highly recommend this restaurant, it’s one of Pasadena’s best. And they have parking in the back.

Parking: Plenty of free street parking and in the rear.
Service: It was a bit imbalanced. The staff was very attentive in the beginning, but nowhere to be found later on.
Food: The food was actually pretty good, but it took FOREVER to come out. Maybe it was a particularly busy night for them, or the food I ordered might have been a special item that takes longer to cook? I ordered the shrimp kebab plate and the ghormeh sabzi, and if those are expected to take longer to cook, then that definitely should be announced in the beginning.
Portions: HUGE
Overall, I was mostly bummed by the wait time. I feel like their kitchen needs to be streamlined better? But this place seems to do good business, so maybe I just came on a night when they were overworked?

Best persian food restaurant in the area and one of the best in the greater los angeles
Food is delicious and staff are friendly

There was a famous actor turned into failed Governor of the State Of California who once said «Ay beee backkk»” Well Heidar Junam, I say I will be back too cause you rock!
PARKING:
Street parking and also they have parking in the rear. I came on Sunday and the parking was not an issue. I don’t know how it is during the weekdays.
AMBIANCE:
Nice place with plenty of seating. Clean with nice vibes to it. The booth were I was seated was very comfortable. The place felt a little warm in such a hot day. I am sure the A/​C was on but was not enough to cover the entire restaurant.
CUSTOMER SERVICE:
FIVE STARS for lovely two young ladies that took care of me. They were so polite, respectful, accommodating and friendly. Every time they asked me if I needed more Tea, they would bring me fresh filled cup. Three time this happen, wow, love it. Also at one point I asked if I can have the Pita bread heated up. I was told she will bring me fresh heated bread instead. Wow again! Great job ladies, thank you so much!
THE FOOD:
CHICKEN SOLTANI===Pounded chicken breast and skewer of chicken kobideh. Portion was huge enough for two people no kidding, but I killed it all. Both were so juicy, tender and flavorful. I really enjoyed this very much. If I have to say, I will say this is way much better than Raffi and my favorite spot in Granada Hills, Ali Baba.
BASMATI RICE===Huge portion of hot fresh delicious rice. Just melt the butter on top, squeeze with lime and wow, do good. ALL GONE!
BARLEY SOUP===I read Nadia’s review on Unilocal she recommended to ask for extra cream, I did. It was so refreshing and delicious. GONE IN 60 SECONDS! Thanks Nadia for the recom.
Now all of the above was included in the meal. For $ 18 this was worth every penny. No kidding you can make a meal for two out of this and save.
THE TEA===3 refills of delicious tea. I could have drank more but that was plenty enough. All refills are free. What a deal for $ 2.50!
I am going to be regular at this place. I just loved everything about it. I want to try the Beef Soltani next time and the lamb chops… Do yourself a favor and give them a try and say I told you so!
This is going to my FIVE STARS+ VAULT.

It was Sunday evening and I was looking for something to eat that was filling and wholesome. Heidar baba is best known for its range of Iranian (Persian) cuisine, including chicken, beef, lamb, salmon, shrimp, and veggie kabobs and much more! The meat is halal which means the animal was fed a natural diet and slaughtered humanely. If you have enough room after the generously portioned entrees, then make sure to try out their yummy baklava and top it off with some treasured gelato!!!
The environment of this eatery makes you feel welcome because of the lovely staff and eloquent décor.
I would thoroughly recommend Heidar Baba to anyone with a hunger for exceptionally high quality food in the Greater Los Angeles Area.

You can agree to disagree, but this is thee best persian food. One of the top 3 persian eateries in LA area. Says who? I do!!!
Heidar Baba Resturant offers fresh yummy plates with your choice of: beef, lamb, chicken (white meat/​dark), salmon, and vegetarian options. Each plate comes with a choice of a fresh garden salad or barely soup. It’s a hard choice because both are so delicious.
(Request the barely lentil soup with extra cream).
For starters, they will be bring out complimentary white pita bread in a nice basket. Along with a plate of mint, pickles, pepperocinni, and butter. (Pair this along with a hot persian tea, while you wait for your order)
I recommend the Zereshk Polo!!! That’s my all time favorite. A bed of white and yellow rice, topped with sour berberies (they look like cherries). On the side, sits the grilled white meat chicken so perfect and juicy, just begging to be eaten. Squeeze your lemon all over your dish before digging in. And yes there is a burgundy colored powder in your salt shaker… sprinkle some on the rice for a bit more flavor.
Eat and drink away. The tea has UNLIMITED refills.
This is my favorite place to let go. Forget your worries, as you cozy into a booth. Peer at the window, and watch cars floating by on Colorado Blvd. You get a beautiful view of Pasadena City College. Enjoy your meal!
If you come in the afternoon you will be amazed at the prices. About $ 7.99 for a chicken plate. Mmm. Otherwise, a dinner plate is slightly higher priced but usually big enough to share.
My fav dessert: Bameh-​these small, sweet, soft, and syrupy balls that are so delicious with the tea. Also, comes with a funnel looking dessert which can be replaced with all dessert balls if you ask.
Back inside, they have more than one restroom. Which is great. They are located towards the back entrance. They also have a prayer room. It’s a bit hidden… but ask the staff they will point you in the right direction.
Free lollipops upfront. Grab a few… on the way out. They are pretty yummy.
–Street parking upfront.
–Private parking in back.
–They do cater for events
–Can seat large groups
We have had a wedding reception here. They rented out a section of the resturant to us. We were well taken care of with no worries. If you’re interested in hosting an event, give Heidar Baba a try.

Not 1, not 2 but 3 damn butters in my saffron rice.
Get the chicken kebab dark meat. Super delish. Also read that story about why they are named Heidar Baba on the back of their menu… then find the enchanted door.
Mystified?! Well go eat here and then realize what Im talking about… poof…

Great chicken and the best basmati rice around!
Come between 11 am to 4 pm for their lunch specials.
My favorite is the dark chicken kabob on rice.
Parking in the back.