Rumi Palace

Fabulous lunch had here today! The service was attentive, and although the food was quite slow in arriving, our waiter had forewarned us, so we used the time to chat over a persian chai. The meal was worth the wait — wonderfully complex spices overlayed every single bite and the lamb fell apart in our mouths. Décor is beautifully fitted out, in the style of an Ottoman coffee house, which sounds kitsch, but is actually pleasant and inviting. No hesitation in recommending this excellent establishment for a good value Sunday lunch.

When a new restaurant get’s two five star reviews after opening, it must be good! When I arrived I was surprised to see where it was located, in the entry of the Norwood Wallis cinema complex. But this is definitely a great addition to the other restaurants in the area. I will go here before any of the rest!
I really love Afghan food. It just tastes so homely. Like most Afghan restaurants, you will notice a family working together and producing some amazing meals. You can see the time and effort they have put in to plan their restaurant. There is a little «special» seating area set up in the back with pillows on the floor and a round table for groups. They have also really tried to lift the space with some traditional looking tiles that are so colourful and vibrant!
It was hard to make a decision with this menu, there are some great choices. I also could see that they offer special meals on certain days of the week. I recall seeing a special lamb shank; I look forward to return to try that one.
Afghan dumplings and traditional chicken kebabs were too good not to order! If you have not already tried an Afghan dumpling, you need to. They are generally filled with the most delicious vegetarian fillings and served with lamb sauce and cream. Oh, these were just perfect! Beautiful bundles of lentils and vegetables covered in perfectly seasoned tomato and lamb based sauce. Nice work!
The Chicken Kebab was different to what I expected. The meat was cut in a lot larger portions and it was served on top of pita bread. With some additional bread and salad to the side. I thought this would be served to make a wrap, but no worries. The chicken was so full of flavour, cinnamon, turmeric, onions, and vegetables. Not sure on the other spices, but it was not hot. It tasted so fresh!
Yup, I agree with the other reviews, you need to check this one out when you are in Norwood! My only suggestion to the owners would be to look at offering some banquet options with different pricing! I think a lot of customers would love that option. It is the type of cuisine that you want to just try a little bit of everything!

A new place situated in the franchisey precinct of Norwoood cinema, yet this is a lovely genuine Persian/​Afghan restaurant. The dining area, staff, and kitchen are clean and immaculate. Rumi Palace is run by and cooked by a Genuine Muslim Afghan family. It’s not a true romantic restaurant location but it’s not a food court or chain restaurant either.
The flavours and tastes are amazing. The food is more on the Persian end of Afghan food but it’s distinctive. It’s not greasy or salty and whilst some dishes have chilli, most have great subtle flavours and aromas coming from turmeric and other flavours. Try the dumplings! The lamb shanks are also divine.
They are a little slow but that’s because most dishes are made from scratch and prepared on the spot without microwaves or Bain Marie’s.
Great, simple but fine flavoured meat (lamb mostly) and vegetable dishes and nice deserts. BYO only due to Muslim owners but there is BWS at Norwood shopping arcade open till 8 every night.