Roya, which means “dream” or “vision” in Farsi, is an apt name for a business that was literally years in the making. After beginning to serve Persian food as a series of pop-ups in 2018, Amir Hajimaleki and his brother Ali have officially achieved their mission of highlighting Persian culture and cuisine with their new restaurant, located at 7858 Shoal Creek Blvd.
“I grew up here. I love the city. I love the people here. I want to create something not only to stay connected to myself, but to share my culture with others,” says Amir, who was born in Tehran but moved to Austin when he was a child. Although the pandemic derailed his plans to open a brick-and-mortar, the Anderson and Westwood High alum was dead set on trying to bring his hometown an authentic ode to his birthplace.
“Growing up in Austin, Iranian culture wasn’t something you’re around a lot, other than immediate family,” Hajimaleki says. “[So I said to myself], I got to keep this alive. Even if the restaurant never happens, I want to keep this conversation alive.”…