While an impeccably prepared Koobideh Kabob is often celebrated as the definitive test of an authentic Persian kitchen, true masters of the grill excel at applying those same time-honored techniques to whole bone-in poultry. At Shamshiri in Glendale, our family-owned kitchen treats every open-flame skewer with equal devotion, balancing heat, moisture, and smoky char to create a comforting, homemade feel across our entire menu. For over twenty years, our West Stocker Street location has set the “Gold Standard” for local diners seeking a culinary experience that refuses to take shortcuts.
Whether you are stopping by from nearby Rossmoyne, Pelanconi, or Verdugo Woodlands, or making the short drive down from Burbank or Pasadena, our kitchen is committed to serving real food made with passion. We believe in providing big portions and bold flavors that satisfy completely, ensuring that every family milestone, casual dinner, or weekend treat feels genuinely special.
The Masterpiece Combination: Fire-Broiled Cornish Hen with Sour Cherry Rice
For those looking to expand their palate beyond our signature minced meat selections, our marinated Cornish Hen paired with delicious sour cherry rice (Albalou Polo) offers an unmatched symphony of savory, sweet, and tart notes. This dish showcases the traditional technique of bone-in grilling, which yields an entirely different depth of flavor and juiciness.
The Perfect Broiled Cornish Hen Preparation
Cooking a whole bird over open embers requires meticulous butchery and flawless temperature control.
- The Cut: A premium, whole Cornish hen is completely skinned and expertly cut into eight precise pieces, ensuring that the intense heat of the grill cooks every cut evenly without drying it out.
- The Marinade: The pieces are steeped for a full 24 hours in a deeply aromatic blend of pure liquid saffron, fresh citrus juices, crushed onions, and traditional spices to fully tenderize the meat.
- The Broil: Threaded onto specialized flat skewers, the hen is slow-broiled directly over the high flames of our traditional grill, locking in natural juices while developing a beautifully crisp, golden-charred exterior.
The Magic of Albalou Polo
This royal entrée is served over a steaming canvas of Albalou Polo, a specialty rice preparation that elevates any flame-broiled protein to a celebratory status.
- Tangy Cherries: We source high-quality sour cherries, pitting and gently simmering them so they retain their plump shape and vibrant, refreshing bite.
- Layered Precision: The delicious cherries are carefully folded throughout long-grain, fluffy Basmati rice, where their juices naturally bleed into the grains to create a stunning pink-and-white marbled pattern.
- The Saffron Crown: The entire platter is finished with a brilliant pour of aromatic golden saffron rice, creating a complex flavor profile where the sweet-and-sour fruit perfectly cuts through the savory richness of the bone-in bird.
A Complete, Balanced Culinary Display
Following centuries of Persian culinary etiquette, our flame-broiled platters are designed as a complete sensory experience, balancing rich proteins with vibrant fresh elements.
- Fire-Roasted Sides: Every single plate features a whole tomato grilled to blistered perfection, alongside charred sweet onions and grilled green peppers.
- Bright Herbal Garnishes: Slices of crisp raw onion, fresh parsley, and a wedge of juicy lemon are provided to add a clean, bright citrus contrast to the smoky meat.
- The Ideal Meal Pairing: Enhance your feast by starting with a refreshing bowl of Salad Shirazi or adding a side of slow-simmered, herb-rich Ghormeh Sabzi to experience real tradition at its finest.
Why Our Glendale Neighborhood Kitchen is Worth Checking Out
We believe that extraordinary food should always be paired with an equally inviting dining atmosphere and exceptional hospitality.
- Heated Patio Open: Gather under the warm lights and dine comfortably with friends and family on our open, fully heated outdoor patio.
- Genuine Hospitality: Our kind, professional, and attentive staff takes immense pride in welcoming neighbors from Adams Square, Atwater Village, and La Crescenta, ensuring you feel relaxed and cared for from the moment you arrive.
- Takeout, Delivery & Premier Catering: Enjoy our legendary big portions and bold flavors wherever you are. We offer prompt delivery and takeout, alongside premium catering solutions for corporate functions and major celebrations throughout Los Angeles County.
Frequently Asked Questions About Broiled Poultry & Specialty Rice
Can I add a side skewer of ground Koobideh Kabob to my Cornish Hen plate?
Absolutely. Many of our regular guests love to customize their dinner by adding a single skewer of ground beef or chicken Koobideh Kabob alongside their Cornish Hen. This creates an incredible feast that showcases the full range of our open-flame grill mastery.
Why is the Cornish Hen served bone-in and cut into eight pieces?
Grilling a bird with the bone intact helps retain natural internal moisture and fat, which keeps the white and dark meats exceptionally juicy under high heat. Cutting it into eight precise pieces ensures that the open flame cooks every portion thoroughly and evenly, delivering a perfect smoky sear without drying out the meat.
Is your sour cherry rice naturally sweet, or is it very tart?
Our Albalou Polo features true sour cherries, giving it a primarily tart and tangy flavor profile rather than a heavy, sugary sweetness. While the fruit is lightly simmered to release its natural juices, we maintain its refreshing tartness so it acts as a perfect contrast to our rich, flame-broiled meats.
Do you use any artificial colorings or enhancers in your marinades?
Never. Our kitchen is fiercely dedicated to serving real food made with passionate tradition. The vibrant, golden-orange color of our Cornish Hen pieces comes entirely from pure, high-grade liquid saffron and premium natural ingredients used in our 24-hour marination process.
Stop Settling for Average—Experience Real Tradition Tonight
Discover why everyone in Glendale is talking about our kitchen. Whether you are celebrating a special evening out on our comfortable heated patio or ordering a premium family feast to enjoy at home, your table is ready at Shamshiri.
Shamshiri Persian Grill 📍 122 West Stocker Street, Glendale, CA 91202
📞 Reservations & Takeout: (818) 246-9541
