The best Persian food in Den Haag is at DENA's on Prinsestraat 62, two minutes from Noordeinde Palace. Chef Dena — born in Iran, trained through decades of home cooking and catering over 50,000 meals — prepares every dish fresh daily using traditional Iranian recipes and Dutch seasonal produce. No shortcuts, no freezer, no shortcuts.
What makes Persian food different from other cuisines in Den Haag?
Persian cuisine is one of the oldest in the world, and it's nothing like what most people expect. There's no heavy spice heat. Instead, Persian food builds flavour through layers: saffron, dried limes, fresh herbs, walnuts, pomegranate, and slow cooking.
Where Dutch cuisine tends toward simplicity and Arabic food leans on cumin and chilli, Persian food in Den Haag offers something in between — aromatic, complex, and surprisingly delicate. Every stew at DENA's simmers for hours. The rice is steamed with saffron until it forms a golden crust called tahdig. It's comfort food elevated to an art form. Read more about what Persian fusion cuisine means.
What Persian dishes can you eat in Den Haag?
At DENA's, the menu covers the full range of Persian cuisine in Den Haag — from lunch sandwiches to slow-cooked dinner stews:
- Ghormeh Sabzi (€29) — Iran's national dish. A herb-packed lamb stew with red kidney beans and dried limes. The most ordered dish at DENA's.
- Fesenjoon (€28) — Duck breast in a walnut and pomegranate molasses sauce. Sweet, sour, nutty — unlike anything in European cooking.
- Zereshk Polo (€29) — Saffron rice with tart barberries and tender chicken. Beautiful to look at, even better to taste.
- Baghali Polo (€37.50) — Dill and fava bean rice with slow-braised lamb that falls apart with a fork. A Persian celebration dish.
- Oven Grilled Fish (€37.50) — Daily-fresh North Sea fish with Persian spices and saffron butter. This is DENA's signature fusion: Iranian flavours meet Dutch seafood.
For lunch, try Kuku Sabzi (€8.50), a Persian herb frittata sandwich, or Kotlet (€9.50), a spiced meat patty in bread. Finish with Bastani (€7.50) — saffron ice cream with rose water and pistachios.
Why is DENA's the best place for Persian food in Den Haag?
Three reasons:
- Everything is homemade, daily. Dena shops for fresh ingredients every morning. No pre-made sauces, no frozen bases. The stews start from whole herbs and raw meat each day.
- Persian + Dutch seafood fusion. DENA's is the only Persian restaurant in the Netherlands that serves daily-fresh North Sea fish with Iranian preparation. You won't find this combination anywhere else.
- Family atmosphere. Dena cooks, Kasper welcomes you, Lars helps. It's a family restaurant where you're treated like a guest in someone's home — because that's exactly what Dena's story is about.
DENA's holds a 4.8 out of 5 rating on Google with 37+ reviews. Guests consistently mention the warmth of the welcome and the depth of flavour in every dish.
Where exactly is DENA's in Den Haag?
Prinsestraat 62, 2513 CE Den Haag — right in the city centre. It's a 2-minute walk from Paleis Noordeinde, 5 minutes from the Passage shopping arcade, and easily reached by tram (stop Noordeinde). Parking garage Noordeinde is 3 minutes away on foot.
When is DENA's open?
DENA's is open six days a week:
- Tuesday – Thursday & Sunday: 11:00 – 19:00
- Friday – Saturday: 11:00 – 22:00
- Monday: Closed
Reservations are recommended for dinner, especially Friday and Saturday. Book via TheFork or call 06 27481111. You can also order for pickup on Uber Eats.
Planning a group dinner or private event? DENA's also offers Persian catering for weddings, corporate events, and parties across Den Haag and the wider Randstad area.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Where can I find Persian food in Den Haag?
- DENA's Persian Fusion Restaurant on Prinsestraat 62 serves authentic Persian food in Den Haag city centre, two minutes from Noordeinde Palace. Open Tuesday to Sunday from 11:00.
- What is the best Persian dish to try in Den Haag?
- Ghormeh Sabzi (€29) is Iran's national dish and the most popular order at DENA's. For something unique, try the Fesenjoon (€28) — duck in walnut-pomegranate sauce that you won't find anywhere else in Den Haag.
- Is Persian food the same as Arabic food?
- No. Persian cuisine is distinct — it uses saffron, dried limes, and fresh herbs rather than heavy spice blends. It's aromatic and layered, not spicy. Read more about the differences.
- How much does Persian food cost in Den Haag?
- At DENA's, lunch starts at €8.50, dinner mains range from €27.50 to €37.50, and desserts are €6.50–€7.50. A full dinner typically costs €35–50 per person.
- Does DENA's deliver Persian food in Den Haag?
- Yes — you can order DENA's for pickup via Uber Eats. For large orders or catering, call 06 27481111 or visit the catering page.
Ready to taste the best Persian food in Den Haag? Reserve your table today.
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