Spice level warning — Qutab is not what I expected

I underestimated Qutab. The aromatic with fresh herbs description didn't prepare me for the reality. saffron brings a heat or pungency that builds steadily rather than hitting upfront. By halfway through I was sweating but couldn't stop eating.

tea drinking is a ritual — black tea served in armudu pear-shaped glasses accompanies every social encounter. The a Baku meykhana restaurant setting means locals eat this with ease while visitors like me reach for water. sherbet fruit drink cut through it better than water would have. Don't order the mild version out of caution — the full version is the point. I'd go back. Three stars only because I wasn't warned.