Best Persian Food and Drink with Ingredients & Price

Persian Food and Drinks Guide

Food can represent the rich customs and traditions of a nation, and eating a delicious local meal can create a sweet memory for the tourists. Thus, most people are interested in trying traditional dishes when they travel to a new destination. If you belong to this group, and even if you don’t, visiting Iran brings you a variety of traditional Persian food as well as a sweet memory.

Iran’s long history, the crossing Silk Road and Spice trade routes, and access to open waters have made a great variety in Iran foods and drinks. On the other hand, the diverse geography and climate of different Iran destinations have shaped various Iranian cuisines and ingredients. In other words, Iran foods and drinks reflect the history, culture, tradition, and lifestyle of the Iranians.

During your Iran trip, you will notice that food is very important to Iranians. As a result, the Persian table is always colorful and full of different foods and drinks. Moreover, Iranians prefer to eat their meals with the whole family at a determined time. And, despite the entanglement in modern life, this valuable tradition still stands.

There’s a vast spectrum of famous Persian dishes; Juicy stews with slices of meat, juicy barbecues with saffron, sweets filled with delicious creams are among the most famous Persian dishes. Along with food, there are different Persian drinks, including warm and cold beverages. In this regard, the typical Persian cold drink is Dugh, while the traditional warm drink is black tea.

Since as a tourist you stay in Iran for the short term, you should know the famous Persian dishes of each city to get the most out of your Iran trip. So, we have prepared a list of the most famous Iran foods and drinks you should try when visiting Iran.

Kabab (Persian Kebab)

Kebab (barbecued meat) is one of the famous Persian dishes in Iran and outside of Iran’s borders. Notably, this delicious Iranian food originally came from the Caucasus during the Qajar period, and the Persian chefs changed its cooking style. Therefore, today’s Persian Kebab is known as entirely Iranian food.

There are diverse Iranian kebab types mostly served with rice (Chelow or Kateh) in Iran. So, the famous “Chelow Kabab” is the best Persian food consisting of rice and Kebab. In addition to rice, the Kebab’s side dish is fresh basil, lemons, barbecued tomato, and a traditional Persian drink called Dough (yogurt drink). Here are the most famous Persian Kebabs.

Ingredients: A kind of meat (based on Kebab’s type), Onion, Black pepper, Sumac, Fresh lemon, Yogurt, or Saffron (based on Kebab’s type)

Kabab Koobideh

This is the most famous Persian food and a mixture of ground meat, chopped onion, salt, and pepper. Besides, It is the most popular Iranian food at weddings and parties.

Joojeh Kabab (arbecued chicken)

This traditional Persian food is made of barbecued chicken pieces. The Iranians marinate the sliced chicken in lemon juice and onions and cover them with saffron and butter.

Kabab Barg

It is another type of Persian Kebab made of lamb or beef slices. In the Persian restaurants, they marinate the sliced meat in lemon juice and onions, cover them with saffron and butter, and barbeque it.

Lari Kebab (Kabab Lari)

It is a popular Persian food, especially in the south of the country. The professional cook marinate the chopped meat (lamb, chicken, or beef) in sour yogurt and slices onions for long hours. due to the use of yogurt, The texture of Lari Kebab is softer than the other kinds of Kebab.

Shishlik (Shashlik)

It is the barbecued ribs of the sheep. You can find the best of this popular Iranian food in Mashhad. Also, it is called Dandeh Kabab in the west of the country.

Jigar Kabab (Grilled Liver Kebab)

It is the barbecued lamb liver kebab served with fresh basil and lemon. You can also try lamb kidney Kebab and lamb heart kebab in Iran.

Persian Kabab Menu

* The prices are rough and based on a qualified dish served in a popular traditional restaurant in major cities. Usually, the prices are a little lower in casual dining restaurants and in small towns.

Khoresht (Khoresh)

The Persian word “Khoresht” or “Khoresh” means a kind of stew that is mostly served with rice that is called “Chelo Khoresh.” There are numerous Persian stews, which mostly contain a kind of meat. However, you can omit the meat from the Khoresh dish and prepare a vegetarian-friendly traditional Persian food. Besides, different types of Khoresht are prepared with diverse cooking methods all over Iran with local herbs and spices. Here are the most popular Persian Khoresht dishes with their ingredients.

Khoresht-e Ghormeh Sabzi
(Ghormeh Sabzi Stew)

Khoresht-e Ghormeh Sabzi is a famous Persian dish whose unique aroma is fantastic. This stew is popular not only among Iranians but also outside of Iran's borders. It is interesting to know that Ghormeh Sabzi pizza is served in some countries.

Mainly, Khoresht-e Ghormeh Sabzi is a stew that is full of herbs and vegetables. But in each city, every cook prepares it uniquely. Insofar, you will not find two dishes of Ghormeh Sabzi with the same flavor in two different houses or restaurants. For instance, in some cities, they use tomato paste or pomegranate paste, while some add potato to this dish. Even in different cities, there are distinctions in the types of vegetables and herbs of this traditional Persian food. Finally, Iranians always serve Khoresht-e Ghormeh Sabzi with rice.

Ingredients: Sliced Lamb or Beef meat, Onion, Beans, Turmeric, Persian dried limes, Fresh Vegetables (Garlic, Fenugreek, Cilantro, Parsley, Spinach, Chives), Other Local Green Vegetables or Herbs

Khoresht-e Fesenjan
(Fesenjan Stew)

Fesenjan, one of the most famous Persian dishes, consists of sour pomegranate paste and seeds with chicken or duck meat. To prepare this dish, we cook walnuts, pomegranate paste, and onions to create a thick, fragrant sauce. This stew's cooking time is as long as Ghormeh sabzi's and should be cooked for hours to be well-simmered. However, in each city of Iran, they uniquely prepare this Iranian food. For instance, some add some sugar to make it sweet or sour-sweet while others prefer it sourer. Moreover, in some cities, the locals have some saffron or cinnamon in their traditional cuisine.

Moreover, Khoresht-e Fesenjan is one of the oldest Iranian foods. Accordingly, the archaeologists have found inscriptions belong to 515 BC containing a list of Iranian foods in the remains of Persepolis. The food list includes walnuts, chicken, and pomegranates, which are the main ingredients for cooking Fesenjan. Finally, Iranians serve Fesenjan with rice.

Ingredients: Chicken or Duck Meat, onion, Ground Walnuts, Pomegranate Juice or Paste, Cardamom, Cinnamon or Saffron (optional), Sugar (optional)

Khoresht Gheymeh
(Gheymeh Stew)

Khoresh Gheymeh (Gheimeh) is a kind of Persian stew that is cooked all around the country. And different types of Khoresht Gheymeh have become a kind of local food in different regions of Iran. Besides this traditional Persian food is served in most of the ceremonies. The Persian word “Gheymeh” means “chopped meat” which is the main ingredient of this popular Iran food. To prepare this stew, at first, they cook mutton with onions and then add split-peas to the pot. Meanwhile, they make French fries and put it aside. Afterward, they add tomato paste or chopped tomatoes and saffron to the stew and let it cook completely. Finally, they serve the stew and garnish the dish with fried potatoes. Like other Iranian stews, Khoresht Gheymeh is served with rice.

Ingredients: Mutton, Split Peas, Onion, Tomato or Tomato Paste, Potato, Saffron, Turmeric, Cinnamon (Optional)

Khoresh Bademjan
(Persian Eggplant Stew)

Khoresh Bademjan is a delicious Persian stew that you can find all around the country. However, its recipe slightly varies in different regions of Iran. For example, Some add lime juice or dried limes (Limoo Amani) to make the stew sourer. While others use sour grapes and call the dish "Ghooreh Bademjan." Sometimes, Iranians add split peas to Khoresh Bademjan and call the stew “Khoresht Gheymeh Bademjan.” Even in some cities, the locals add Alooche ( the Persian sour plum) to Khoresh Bademjan to make this traditional Persian food more flavored.

To prepare this traditional Iranian food, at first, they cook mutton with onions and spices. Meanwhile, they slice the eggplant and fry them. Afterward, they add the fried eggplants and fresh tomatoes or tomato paste, sour grapes, and saffron. Finally, they serve the stew with rice.

Ingredients: Mutton, Eggplant, Onion, Tomato or Tomato Paste, Turmeric, Abghooreh (Verjuice), or Ghooreh (Sour Grapes), Saffron (Optional)

Dizi (Abgoosht)

Dizi is a kind of stew served with Persian bread instead of rice. Although you can find Abgoosht all around Iran, its recipe varies in different parts of the country. However, the most famous one contains meat, beans, chickpeas, and potato in a delicious broth. Notably, since meat is the principal ingredient of Dizi, this traditional Persian dish is not suitable for Veg travelers. Interestingly, Iranians use a unique method to eat Dizi. Accordingly, they separate the ingredients and the broth. Then they squish all the ingredients together and call it "Goosht Koobideh." Also, they soak shattered bread in the broth and call it "Tilit." Finally, they serve Sangak bread and the greens with "Goosht Koobideh" and "Tilit."
Ingredients: Mutton, Potato, Onion, Tomato or Tomato Paste, Beans, Chickpeas, Turmeric

Khoresht Menu

Polo (Polow)

Generally, you can find rice in most Iranian cuisines. Iranians cook rice in different styles, and the most popular ones are Chelo and Polow. To cook “Chelo” or ”Chelow” the Iranians first boil the white rice with salt and oil and then brew it. On the other hand, The Persian word “Polo” or “Polow” means steamed rice mixed and cooked with other ingredients. Usually, these ingredients are herbs, meats, legumes, or different kinds of vegetables.

Numerous types of traditional Persian food have rice in their recipes, such as Zeresk Polo, Loobia Polo, Adas Polo, Baghali Polo, etc. However, you can omit the meat from Polo and prepare a vegetarian-friendly Iranian food. Also, the inhabitants of different Iran cities cook numerous Polow types with diverse cooking methods using their local herbs and spices. Here are the most famous Persian Polow dishes with their ingredients.

Baghali Polo
(Persian Rice with Fava Beans and Dill)

The Persian word “Baghali” means fava beans, and Baghali Polo is the mixture of steamed rice with fresh fava beans and dill. Usually, the People of Iran serve this traditional Persian food with chicken or lamb and call it "Baghali Polo ba Morgh" and “Baghali Polo ba Mahicheh” respectively.

To Prepare this popular Persian food, the Iranians first remove the fava beans’ skins and cook them. Meanwhile, they boil the rice in a separate pot. Next, they mix the rice with fava beans and chopped dill and brew them for about one hour. Traditionally, they garnish this Persian dish with saffron.
Ingredients: Rice, Fava Beans, Dill, Saffron

Zereshk Polo ba Morgh
(Barberry Rice with Chicken)

Zereshk Polo ba Morgh is one of the best Persian dishes, which you can find on every Iranian restaurant menu as well as ceremonies. Actually, it is a mixed rice dish (Polo) served along with the saffron chicken. To prepare this Persian food, the Iranians steam the Persian rice. In the meantime, they cook the chicken separately with saffron and tomato sauce. Next, they mix the brewed rice with Barberry (Zeresh) and golden fried onions. Finally, they garnish the dish with sliced almonds and pistachios and serve it with chicken Pieces. Traditionally they serve a bowl of chicken broth along with Zereshk Polo ba Morgh.
Ingredients: Rice, Chicken, Tomato Paste, Barberry, Lime Juice, Saffron, Onion, Sliced Almonds, Sliced Pistachios, Turmeric, Black Pepper

Morasa Polo
(Persian Jewelled Rice)

Morasa Polo is a fancy traditional Iranian food with a sweet and sour taste with a wide range of colors and flavors. The Persian word “Morasa” means jewels, and this Iranian dish is called Morasa Polo because of its colorful decorations. The Iranians fry the sliced onions, crushed pistachio, crushed almond, the orange’s peel, barberry, raisins, and the chicken filets separately to prepare this Iranian food. Some add some sugar to the barberry to give the dish a sour-sweet flavor.

Meanwhile, they brew the rice and mix a portion of it with saffron. Finally, they serve the rice and garnish it with saffron rice, sliced chickens, and other ingredients. Notably, the beautiful decoration is very important in preparing Morasa Polo.
Ingredients: Rice, Saffron, Onion, Crushed Pistachio, Crushed Almond, Orange’s Peel, Barberry, Raisins, Chicken, Sugar, Cardamom (optional)

Estamboli polo
(Persian Tomato Rice)

Estamboli polo is a popular Persian food, which looks like Spanish rice. It is a mixed rice dish (Polo) that usually contains potato and tomato. Some people make it with rice and tomato in Iran, others add potatoes to it, and some use meat and green beans to prepare it. For instance, in Tehran and some cities, the mixed rice with green beans and meat is called "Loobia Polo," while in other cities like Shiraz, Loobia Polo is a different dish. Here, we want to introduce its tomato and potato version. To make Estamboli Polo, the Iranians cook the rice with tomatoes, potatoes, and onions and brew them together. Traditionally, they serve this traditional Iranian food with Salad Shirazi or Yoghurt.
Ingredients: Rice, Tomato, Potato, Onion, Turmeric

Sabzi Polo Mahi
(Sabzi Polo Ba Mahi)

Sabzi Polo is the “Persian Herbed Rice” that is a popular Iran food especially for the first day of the Persian new year (Nowruz). Sabzi Polo Ba Mahi is a mixture of rice and chopped herbs served along with fish. To prepare this traditional Persian food, the Iranians cook the rice with fresh chopped herbs (dill, parsley, leek, and coriander). Meanwhile, they grill or fry the pieces of fish with saffron and spices. Finally, they garnish the rice with saffron and serve it with the pieces of fish.
Ingredients: Rice, Fish, Herbs (Dill, Parsley, Leek, and Coriander), Saffron, Spices

Adas Polo
(Persian Rice with Lentils)

The Persian word “Adas” means lentil, and Adas Polo is a mixture of steamed rice with lentils. Usually, the People of Iran serve Adas Polo with chicken or lamb and call it Adas Polo ba Morg and Adas Polo ba Goosht. To Prepare this popular Persian food, the Iranians first cook the lentils. Meanwhile, they boil the rice in a separate pot. Next, they mix the rice with lentils and brew them for about one hour. Traditionally, they garnish this Iran food with fried onions and raisins.
Ingredients: Rice, Lentils, Onions, Raisins

Polo Menu

Persian Soup (Ash)

Iranians are professional in making diverse kinds of soups. Also, the inhabitants of different cities in Iran different cook numerous types of soups with various cooking methods using local herbs and spices. The Persian word “Ash” includes all kinds of soups that mostly are thick and full of ingredients. Usually, these ingredients are herbs, meats, legumes and rice or a type of grain.

There are numerous “Ash” in Iranian cuisine, such as Ash Reshteh, Barley Soup, and Ash Doogh (Yogurt Soup), etc. On the other hand, the Iranians are used to prepare numerous kinds of Haleem and porridges. Here we present the most famous Iranian soups with their ingredients.

Ash Reshteh
(Persian Noodle Soup)

Ash Reshteh, a thick vegetable and noodle soup, is a famous Iran food. This traditional Persian food is usually prepared during family gatherings and some festivals in large amounts. Ash Reshteh consists of two main ingredients, noodles (Reshteh) and curd (Kashk). To make this delicious soup, Iranians cook different kinds of beans, chickpeas, and lentils. Then they add the chopped vegetables (leek, parsley, coriander, spinach) to the pot. Next, they pour the curd and the noodles into the pot and let the noodles get cooked. Finally, they serve the soup and garnish the dish with Kashk, fried onions, fried mint, and fried garlic. Notably, as there is no meat in this Iranian food, it is a nutritious vegetarian soup.
Ingredients: Persian Noodle, Legumes (Beans, Chickpeas, Lentils), Leek, Parsley, Coriander, Spinach, Kashk (Curd), Onion, Mint, Garlic

Ash-e Jo
(Persian Barley Soup)

Barley soup is one of the most nutritious and delicious traditional Iranian dishes, and the Persian barley soup is thicker than the regular barley soup. In addition to the barley, the Iranians add some legumes, fresh herbs, and sometimes curd (Kashk) to this traditional Iran food. To Prepare this traditional Persian food, Iranians first cook the beans, chickpeas, barley and then the meat. When the legumes and the meat are cooked, they add the chopped vegetables, fried onions and garlic to soup and let it cook for one hour. At the last step of cooking, they pour some Kashk to the soup (this step is optional). Finally, they decorate the dish with fried onion, fried garlic, fried mint and curd (Kashk). Notably, the Iranians either use meat in this soup or cook it without meat as a Persian vegetarian dish.
Ingredients: Barley, Chickpeas, Beans, Meat, Onions, Garlic, Mint, Leek, Parsley, Coriander, Curd (Kashk)

Halim Gandom
(Wheat Porridge)

In Iran, different kinds of Halim (Haleem) are very popular. Among them, Halim e Gandom or Wheat Porridge is a famous Iran food that is cooked in special ceremonies and during Ramadan. Also, it is consumed as a nutritious breakfast in Iran. To prepare this popular persian food, the Iranians first cook the mutton and wheat separately, and then they mix them and let it cook thoroughly. They stir the porridge until it gets thick and sticky. Finally, they serve it and garnish the dish with cinnamon, oil, and sugar. Traditionally, the Iranians eat Halim with sugar, but some people prefer it without sugar. So, if you do not like sweet food, you can order this food without sugar.
Ingredients: Mutton, Wheat, Onion, Cinnamon, Sugar

Persian Soup Menu

Iranian Side Dish (Iranian Appetizer)

In the Iranian houses, it is common to serve the appetizer as the side dish accompanying the main dish. Hence, it is not easy to draw a line between Persian appetizers, and side dishes in Iranian cuisine. However, in the restaurant, their difference is more defined on the menu. By the way, the most common Iranian side dishes are yoghurt mixed with other ingredients, salads and assorted pickles. Besides, some light meals and soups are between the Iranian appetizers.

Kashk Bademjan
(Persian Eggplant Dip)

It is almost impossible no to eat this Persian starter during your Iran trip, and you can find it in almost every Persian restaurant. Also, since there is no meat in Kashke Bademjan, it is a famous Persian vegetarian food. Kashk Bademjan is a kind of eggplant dip consists of eggplant and Kashk (curd). Traditionally, the Iranians decorate this dish with walnuts, fried onion, and fried dried mint.
Ingredients: Eggplant, Kashk (Curd), Onions, Walnuts, Dried Mint

Mast-o Khiar

Mast o Khiar or Mast Khiar is a light Persian side dish or appetizer that goes well with most Persian dishes. It is also a kind of summer dish that can be served with bread as a light meal or snack. Mast khiar is a traditional yogurt and cucumber dip flavored with black pepper and some herbs like mint. Some Iranians add sliced onions, walnut, raisins, rose petals, or all of them to this food to make it more flavorful. To prepare Mast khiar, the Iranians chop all of the ingredients and mix it with Persian yogurt. Notably, you can find Mast Khiar on the menu of all traditional Persian restaurants.
Ingredients: Yogurt, Cucumbers, Onions, Walnuts, Dried Mint, Rose Petals, Raisins, Black Pepper

Iranian Side Dish Menu

Iranian Drinks and Beverages

If you travel to Iran either in the hot summer or cold winter, you will find a suitable Persian drink. Accordingly, Iranian drinks and beverages are divided into cold refreshing summer drinks, including Sharbat, Aragh, Doogh, etc., and hot beverages such as Dam Noosh (Persian herbal tea). Usually, Iranian beverages consist of herbal extracts and are good for your health.

Here, we introduce some of the best Iranian drinks and beverages you should not miss to try on your Iran trip.

Chai Nabat
(Tea with Nabat)

Black tea is the king of hot drinks in Iran, particularly when it is served with Nabat (Persian rocky candy) and called Chai Nabat. All the Iranian grandparents, including my grandma, believe that Chai Nabat is the remedy to many pains. To prepare this Persian hot drink, pour hot water on the Persian tea leaves and brew it on the water steam for about 5 minutes. Then, put a rock candy in this hot black tea and let it slowly dissolve. After a moment, your warm and tasty drink is ready. Interestingly, Iranians sometimes add saffron, cinnamon, or ginger to the Chai Nabat and make it more delicious and more healthful. You can order Chai Nabat in almost all coffee shops or even traditional restaurants in Iran. Ingredients: Black tea, Nabat

Sharbat
(Sherbet)

Sharbat or Sherbet is a popular summer drink in the middle east and south of Asia. However, it is believed that Sharbat came from Iran and then become popular in neighboring countries.

This cold and sweet beverage is prepared from herbs, fruits, or even flower petals. There are different kinds of Sharbat in Iran, including Saffron Sharbat, Sharbat-e Sekanjabin, Sharbat-e Khakshir, Tokhm Sharbati, and more.

You can order different kinds of Sharbat in Iranian coffee shops, restaurants, and juice shops around the corner of the streets.

Ingredients: Herbs, Fruits, Flower Petals

Doogh
(Persian Yogurt Drink)

Doogh is a traditional Iranian drink consists of yogurt, water, and salt and flavored by a kind of herb, usually mint. Generally, this cold yogurt drink has two types, fizzy and non-carbonated Doogh. Also, this Persian beverage is very nutritious and goes well with most of the Iranian dishes. Accordingly, Doogh is usually served with big Persian meals. Interestingly, Doogh is not only famous in Iran, but it is also consumed in some other middle-eastern countries such as Turkey, Azerbaijan, Lebanon, Armenia, Syria, Afghanistan, etc. In Iran, there is a kind of Doogh called Doog-e Mahali that is stronger than the factory-made ones. Fortunately, you can order Doogh in all Iranian restaurants, or buy it from every supermarket in Iran. Notably, the Iranian nomads make the best home-made Doogh.
Ingredients: Yogurt, Water, Salt, Mint or other Herbs

Iranian Drinks and Beverages Menu

Persian Dessert

When you visit Iran as a foreign tourist, usually, the first thing you see on the restaurant menu is diverse kinds of kebab. But, what you should not miss when traveling to Iran are the unique Persian desserts that tourists usually like. Different kinds of Persian halva, porridges, and Persian sweets are among the best Iranian desserts. Notably, traditional Persian desserts are very sweet, and many of them contain rosewater and saffron. Below is a list of the most famous Iranian desserts that you should definitely try on your Iran trip.

Halva

Halva is one of the best and most popular Persian desserts that is usually prepared in special ceremonies. Diverse kinds of Halva are cooked in the Middle East, but Iranian Halva is different. This popular Iranian dessert has different types, but usually, it is soft and sweet, whose main base is flour, oil, and sugar. To prepare this delicious Persian dessert, Iranians fry flour and add sugar, oil, etc. Ingredients such as rosewater, cardamom, and saffron give a unique taste to this Iranian dessert that no one will ever forget. Finally, Halva is decorated with nuts. Interestingly, tourists who have tasted Iranian Halva consider it one of the most delicious Persian desserts.
Ingredients: Flour, Sugar, Oil or Butter, Rosewater, Saffron, Cardamom, Nuts, etc.

Ranginak

Date trees are abundant along the Persian Gulf and the warmer regions of southern Iran. And Ranginak is one of the best Persian desserts made from dates in the south of the country. Its Main ingredients include dates, flour, and oil. To prepare Ranginak, Iranians roast the flour until it goes golden. Then, they add oil and butter to the pot. Next, they place the dates in a dish and pour this topping on them. Finally, they decorate it with cinnamon, powdered walnut, and powdered sugar. Besides, some fill the dates with pieces of walnut.

Ingredients: Date, Walnut, Oil, Butter, Cinnamon, Powdered Sugar

Sholeh Zard
(Persian Saffron Rice Pudding)

Sholeh Zard is a kind of pudding made of saffron, sugar, sliced almond, and rice. This sweet Iranian dessert is mainly prepared during the month of Ramadan and religious ceremonies. To make this Persian dessert, Iranians cook the rice in water until it turns into a mushy form. Then they add sugar, saffron, butter, rosewater, and sliced almond and let it cook a little more. Finally, they decorate the dish with cinnamon, sliced pistachios, and sliced almonds. Interestingly, in religious ceremonies the Iranians write the name of God, the prophet or Shia Imams with powdered cinnamon on the Shole Zard dish.
Ingredients: Rice, Saffron, Sugar, Sliced Almond, Rosewater, Cinnamon, Butter

Zoolbia Bamieh

Zoolbia Bamieh is for Ramadan and can be found in all restaurants and confectioneries in Iran during this month. This Persian dessert consists of two types of very sweet Persian pastries; Zoolbia and Bamieh. Zoolbia consists of starch, yogurt, oil, sugar, and saffron. To prepare it, they mix starch and yogurt and fry it. Then they put the sweets in a syrup containing sugar, rosewater, and saffron. Moreover, Bamieh is a kind of Persian doughnut that is deep-fried and covered with the same syrup.
Ingredients: Starch, Yogurt, Oil, Saffron, Rosewater, Sugar, Egg, Flour, Lemon Juice

Traditional Persian ice cream
(Bastani sonnati)

It is said that Persians invented ice cream in 400 BC. But the present traditional Persian ice cream, known as Bastani sonnati, has been made in the 1950s by Akbar Mashti. This ice cream is a Persian dessert that foreign tourists fall in love with. Consisting of vanilla, saffron, rosewater, and pistachio along with the frozen cream pieces, this ice cream will create a sweet memory of your Iran trip. Iranian serve Bastani Sonnati alone or with ice cream bread. Besides, You can try a combination of traditional ice cream and Faloodeh. Interestingly, the legacy of Akbar Mashti, the inventor of traditional Iranian ice cream, still stands in Tehran, and now there is a small shop in Tajrish Square with the same name.
Ingredients: Milk, Salep, Cream, Saffron, Rosewater, Sugar, Sliced Pistachio

Persian Dessert Menu

Most Frequent Questions and Answers about Persian Food and Drink

What is the most popular Persian food?

Here we present the list of top ten Persian foods that you should try on your Iran tour:
1) Chelow Kabab (Persian Rice and Kebab)
2) Khoresht-e Ghormeh Sabzi (Persian Herb Stew)
3) Khoresht-e Fesenjan (Persian Chicken Stew with Walnut and Pomegranate)
4) Tahchin (Baked Persian Rice)
5) Tahdig (Crispy Rice)
6) Dizi or Abgoosht (Persian Broth)
7) Ash Reshteh (Vegetable and Noodle Soup)
8) Baghali Polo (Persian Rice with Fava Beans and Dill)
9) Khoresht Gheymeh (Yellow Split Peas Stew)
10) Zereshk Polo ba Morgh (Barberry Rice with Chicken)

What does Persian food taste like?

The diverse geography and climate of the vast country of Iran have shaped various cuisines and ingredients. So, you can find different kinds of Persian food in distinct flavors, including sweet, sour-sweet, sour, fruity, and spicy. However, there is a balance in the characters and tastes in Persian cuisine. In other words, one Persian dish doesn´t contain distinct spices and different flavors at once.

What is traditional Persian food?

Although the inhabitants of different regions in Iran have their local foods, most of the main Iranian dishes contain rice. Accordingly, the stew and rice called “Chelow Khoresht” is the most favorite Persian food. Also, Iranian’s consume a variety of flatbreads and meats (lamb, beef, chicken, fish …).

What is a Persian breakfast?

Usually, a Persian breakfast can be eggs, cheese with walnut and greens, jam or honey with butter, along with a kind of traditional flatbread. Also, the Iranians are used to drink Persian black tea with breakfast. There is also traditional Persian food that is served for breakfast, such as Kaleh Pacheh, Halim, Adasi, or Ash.

What do they drink in Iran?

The most favorite hot dink in Iran is black tea (Chai). Also, different kinds of Damnoosh (Herbal tea) are consumed in Iran.

On the other hand, there is a variety of non-alcoholic Persian drinks such as Doogh (Persian yogurt drink), different kinds of Sharbat (a drink prepared from fruits or flower petals), and Araghijat (herbal liquid extract). However, you can order Pepsi or Coca kola in all the restaurants of Iran.

Can tourists drink alcohol in Iran?

Generally, selling, serving, or drinking alcohol in Iran is illegal either for the citizens or for the tourists. It means that alcohol is not available in Iran legally. So, restaurants, cafes, or hotels do not serve alcoholic drinks. Also, there is no bar in Iran.

Is pork illegal in Iran?

The answer is Yes. Regarding Islamic law, eating pork is forbidden. So, selling, buying, serving and eating pork in Iran is illegal either for the citizens or for the tourists.

Is Iranian food healthy?

A Persian dish, especially a traditional one consists of different nutritious aliments. Iranians use rice and diverse kinds of nourishing bread in their meals. Also, they have meat, legumes, dried and fresh herbs, natural spices and dairy products such as yogurt in their diet. Moreover, Iranians are accustomed to cooking their food thoroughly to kill the bacteria of the raw ingredients.

Is beer legal in Iran?

Due to Iran regulations, all kinds of alcoholic beverages are illegal in Iran. So, drinking, serving or selling beer is banned in Iran. However, non-alcoholic beers are available in this country.

What can vegetarians eat in Iran?

Although meat plays an important role in Persian cuisine, you can find vegetarian food in Iran. Among these vegetarian Persian dishes, different kinds of mixed rice such as Adas Polo, Kate Gojeh, Loobia Polo, Baghali Polo, etc. are suitable for veg travellers. Also, vegetarians can eat Kashk Bademjan, Ash Reshteh, Mirza Ghasemi, Kookoo Sabzi, Falafel, etc. on the trip to Iran.

Persian Food and Drink

Persian Food and Drinks List

Persian Food and Drinks Guide

Kabab Koobideh

Joojeh Kabab (arbecued chicken)

Kabab Barg

Lari Kebab (Kabab Lari)

Shishlik (Shashlik)

Jigar Kabab (Grilled Liver Kebab)

Persian Kabab Menu

Khoresht-e Ghormeh Sabzi (Ghormeh Sabzi Stew)

Khoresht-e Fesenjan (Fesenjan Stew)

Khoresht Gheymeh (Gheymeh Stew)

Khoresh Bademjan (Persian Eggplant Stew)

Dizi (Abgoosht)

Khoresht Menu

Baghali Polo (Persian Rice with Fava Beans and Dill)

Zereshk Polo ba Morgh (Barberry Rice with Chicken)

Morasa Polo (Persian Jewelled Rice)

Estamboli polo (Persian Tomato Rice)

Sabzi Polo Mahi (Sabzi Polo Ba Mahi)

Adas Polo (Persian Rice with Lentils)

Polo Menu

Ash Reshteh (Persian Noodle Soup)

Ash-e Jo (Persian Barley Soup)

Halim Gandom (Wheat Porridge)

Persian Soup Menu

Kashk Bademjan (Persian Eggplant Dip)

Mast-o Khiar

Iranian Side Dish Menu

Chai Nabat (Tea with Nabat)

Sharbat (Sherbet)

Doogh (Persian Yogurt Drink)

Iranian Drinks and Beverages Menu

Halva

Ranginak

Sholeh Zard (Persian Saffron Rice Pudding)

Zoolbia Bamieh

Traditional Persian ice cream (Bastani sonnati)

Persian Dessert Menu

Most Frequent Questions and Answers about Persian Food and Drink

Shiraz Food

Shiraz Food & Drinks

Isfahan Food

Isfahan Food & Drinks

Tehran Food

Tehran Food & Drinks

Yazd Food

Yazd Food & Drinks

Kashan Food

Kashan Food & Drinks

Kerman Food

Kerman Food & Drinks

Kish Food

Kish Food & Drinks

Mashhad Food

Mashhad Food & Drinks

Qeshm Food

Qeshm Food & Drinks

Tabriz Food

Tabriz Food & Drinks