Damansara Heights has no shortage of cafés, but it is rare to find one that changes personalities depending on the time of day. At Fari & Ali, mornings smell like baked Persian pastries and brewed coffee. When evening arrives, the same space becomes Nooshe Jan, a warm spot serving home-style Persian dishes that are hard to find in KL.
It is one address with two dining experiences, both rooted in Persian flavours and worth exploring for different reasons.
The idea began with Samira, who worked in a corporate role for five years after completing her master’s degree. Baking, however, was the one constant she always returned to.
During the first MCO, she felt a pull to reconnect with her Iranian roots, so she began practising Noon Khamei, a Persian cream puff filled with lightly sweetened cream. After several attempts, one batch finally captured the flavour she remembered from her childhood. That moment pushed her to take baking more seriously while still working full-time.
Orders soon grew, and managing both a corporate job and a home kitchen became unrealistic. Samira eventually left her job and invited her cousin, Athirah, to join her. The business expanded steadily from 2020, and by 2023, they decided it was time for a permanent space.
They named it after their late grandparents, Fari and Ali, who shaped their understanding of home and hospitality. For Samira, who grew up in Malaysia with an Iranian mother and Malaysian father, the name holds both memory and identity.
The daytime crowd at Fari & Ali
Image Credit: @fari.and.ali on Instagram
In the daytime, Fari & Ali runs as a neighbourhood bakery and deli with items such as their signature Noon Khamei cream puffs, filo pastries, scones, cakes and their well-loved saffron chicken sandwich.
There are also fuller plates like the Persian Omelette, Shakshuka, and Kashke Bademjan (a Persian eggplant dip), along with sweeter options including the Pistachio Pancake and daily homemade cakes. Everything pairs easily with their brewed coffee or a cup of Persian Chai.
Nooshe Jan after dark
Once evening sets in, Fari & Ali transforms into Nooshe Jan. The lighting softens and the team greets diners with a phrase that translates to “nourish your soul”. Their aim was to create the feeling of a quiet dinner at someone’s home, and the atmosphere reflects that intention.
Running two concepts is not without challenges. Although their journey began as a home-based business in June 2020, moving into a physical space required them to adapt to staffing and operations.
Sourcing ingredients is another hurdle. Many of their key supplies, such as pomegranate, spices and pickles, come directly from Iran. Conflicts and shipment delays occasionally disrupt their supply chain, and the team has to adjust without compromising flavour.
My first Persian dining experience
The meal began with the Mezze Platter (RM68), a generous selection of dips that highlighted different textures and flavour profiles. The spread included creamy roasted eggplant, a smoky tomato-and-eggplant mix, marinated olives, yoghurt with cucumber and a caramelised onion hummus. Each dip offered its own balance of richness and acidity, and the warm Persian bread tied everything together.
Gheyeh Bademjan (RM54) followed, a comforting stew of lamb, eggplant and split peas in a tomato and dried lime sauce. The eggplant was soft, the lamb tender, and the dried lime added a rounded citrusy depth that lifted the entire dish without overpowering it.
The standout was the Joojeh Kabab (RM48). Saffron-marinated chicken is grilled over an open flame until lightly charred on the outside and juicy within. The flavours are warm, aromatic and satisfying, especially when paired with the accompanying bread.
For vegetarians, Adas Polo (RM36) offers a balanced option. The dish features fluffy basmati rice cooked with lentils, dates and raisins, creating a natural sweetness that plays well against the earthiness of the lentils.
The meal ended with the Pistachio Dream (RM26), a soft sponge cake layered with pistachio cream. It is light, nutty and not overly sweet, making it a fitting conclusion to a rich and flavourful spread.
The space remains cosy throughout the night, with small Persian touches in the décor. It is calm without being quiet, and easy to settle into.
When I asked Samira about their future plans, she shared that they are taking things slow. Their focus for now is to introduce more people to Persian food and culture while staying true to their grandparents’ spirit. Growth will come naturally as long as they keep their foundations intact.
It is a sweet journey to witness, and I hope to see their plans unfold steadily.
Fari & Ali’s Kitchen and Nooshe Jan
Address: 65, Jalan Medan Setia 1, Bukit Damansara, 50480 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours:
Fari & Ali’s Kitchen: Monday to Saturday (8am-5pm)
Nooshe Jan: Thursday to Saturday (6.30pm to 10pm)
Status: Halal
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