{"id":8557,"date":"2016-10-13T19:17:55","date_gmt":"2016-10-13T19:17:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/?p=8557"},"modified":"2026-11-02T22:41:53","modified_gmt":"2026-11-02T22:41:53","slug":"10-best-persian-foods-try","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/10-best-persian-foods-try\/","title":{"rendered":"Persian Food: 10 Iranian Dishes and What to Order"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Persian food<\/strong> is built on rice, fresh herbs, slow-cooked stews and grilled kebabs, with sour notes from dried lime, barberries and pomegranate. It is rarely hot with chilli. Flavour comes from saffron, turmeric, dried lime and fresh herbs instead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Below are 10 dishes you will see on menus from Tehran to Shiraz, with where to find each one and whether it works for vegetarians.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Each one links to a full recipe, if you want to try it at home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"what-persian-food-is-like\" class=\"index-title\"><\/div><div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_89 counter-flat ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/10-best-persian-foods-try\/#what-persian-food-is-like\" >What Persian Food Is Like<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/10-best-persian-foods-try\/#building-blocks-of-persian-cuisine\" >Building Blocks of Persian Cuisine<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/10-best-persian-foods-try\/#how-a-persian-meal-is-served\" >How a Persian Meal Is Served<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/10-best-persian-foods-try\/#10-persian-dishes-to-try\" >10 Persian Dishes to Try<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/10-best-persian-foods-try\/#1-khoresht-e-fesenjan\" >1. Khoresht-e Fesenjan<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/10-best-persian-foods-try\/#2-zereshk-polo\" >2. Zereshk Polo<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/10-best-persian-foods-try\/#3-khoresht-e-ghormeh-sabzi\" >3. Khoresht-e Ghormeh Sabzi<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/10-best-persian-foods-try\/#4-sabzi-polo\" >4. Sabzi Polo<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/10-best-persian-foods-try\/#5-kabab-koobideh-and-other-kebabs\" >5. Kabab Koobideh and Other Kebabs<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/10-best-persian-foods-try\/#6-khoresht-e-gheimeh\" >6. Khoresht-e Gheimeh<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/10-best-persian-foods-try\/#7-tahchin\" >7. Tahchin<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/10-best-persian-foods-try\/#8-abgoosht-dizi\" >8. Abgoosht (Dizi)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/10-best-persian-foods-try\/#9-mirza-ghasemi\" >9. Mirza Ghasemi<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/10-best-persian-foods-try\/#10-baghali-polo\" >10. Baghali Polo<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/10-best-persian-foods-try\/#vegetarian-persian-dishes\" >Vegetarian Persian Dishes<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/10-best-persian-foods-try\/#unusual-iranian-dishes-for-adventurous-eaters\" >Unusual Iranian Dishes for Adventurous Eaters<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/10-best-persian-foods-try\/#where-to-eat-persian-food-in-iran\" >Where to Eat Persian Food in Iran<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/10-best-persian-foods-try\/#what-to-drink-with-persian-food\" >What to Drink with Persian Food<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/10-best-persian-foods-try\/#persian-cookbooks-for-further-reading\" >Persian Cookbooks for Further Reading<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-20\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/10-best-persian-foods-try\/#where-to-start\" >Where to Start<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-21\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/10-best-persian-foods-try\/#persian-food-faqs\" >Persian Food: FAQs<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"what-persian-food-is-like\"><\/span>What Persian Food Is Like<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Food has a central place in Iranian hospitality. A common saying calls the guest &#8220;the beloved of God&#8221; (<em>mehman habib-e khodast<\/em>), and hosts tend to serve far more than a guest can eat. Recipes vary by region: fish and rice in the Caspian provinces, spicier and more sour dishes on the Persian Gulf coast, and rich meat dishes in the northwest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:100px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-background\" style=\"background-color:#f9f9f9\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\"><div class=\"wp-block-image\">\r\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;6af427b0ef80e&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"6af427b0ef80e\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-lightbox-container\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1376\" height=\"768\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--pointerdown=\"actions.preloadImage\" data-wp-on--pointerenter=\"actions.preloadImageWithDelay\" data-wp-on--pointerleave=\"actions.cancelPreload\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Building-Blocks-of-Persian-Cuisine.webp\" alt=\"Building Blocks of Persian Cuisine\" class=\"wp-image-91161\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Building-Blocks-of-Persian-Cuisine.webp 1376w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Building-Blocks-of-Persian-Cuisine-780x435.webp 780w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Building-Blocks-of-Persian-Cuisine-1024x572.webp 1024w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Building-Blocks-of-Persian-Cuisine-768x429.webp 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1376px) 100vw, 1376px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-bind--aria-label=\"state.thisImage.triggerButtonAriaLabel\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.thisImage.buttonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.thisImage.buttonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div id=\"building-blocks-of-persian-cuisine\" class=\"index-title\"><\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-building-blocks-of-persian-cuisine\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"building-blocks-of-persian-cuisine\"><\/span>Building Blocks of Persian Cuisine<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Rice (chelow and polow)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Long-grain rice is the base of most meals. <em>Chelow<\/em> is plain steamed rice, often topped with saffron rice. <em>Polow<\/em> is rice cooked with other ingredients such as herbs, beans or barberries. The crisp layer from the bottom of the pot, <em>tahdig<\/em>, is the part people compete for.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Bread (nan)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Sangak<\/em>, <em>lavash<\/em>, <em>barbari<\/em> and <em>taftoon<\/em> are the main flatbreads. Bread is eaten at breakfast with cheese, herbs and jam, and alongside dishes such as abgoosht and kebab. See our guide to the <a href=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/unique-iranian-breakfast\/\">Iranian breakfast<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Meat and fish<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Lamb, beef and chicken dominate. Fish is common on the Caspian and Persian Gulf coasts. Meat is often marinated with onion, yoghurt or lemon, then grilled or stewed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Herbs, sour notes and spices<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Parsley, coriander, dill, fenugreek and chives appear in large quantities. Dried lime, barberries, pomegranate molasses and verjuice add sourness. <a href=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/visit-iran-for-iranian-saffron\/\">Saffron<\/a> and turmeric are used in most kitchens.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:100px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-background\" style=\"background-color:#f9f9f9\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\"><div class=\"wp-block-image\">\r\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;6af427b0f0d02&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"6af427b0f0d02\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-lightbox-container\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"572\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--pointerdown=\"actions.preloadImage\" data-wp-on--pointerenter=\"actions.preloadImageWithDelay\" data-wp-on--pointerleave=\"actions.cancelPreload\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Signature-Dishes-and-Their-Cultural-Context-1024x572.jpg\" alt=\"Signature Dishes and Their Cultural Context\" class=\"wp-image-91162\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Signature-Dishes-and-Their-Cultural-Context-1024x572.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Signature-Dishes-and-Their-Cultural-Context-780x435.jpg 780w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Signature-Dishes-and-Their-Cultural-Context-768x429.jpg 768w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Signature-Dishes-and-Their-Cultural-Context.jpg 1376w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-bind--aria-label=\"state.thisImage.triggerButtonAriaLabel\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.thisImage.buttonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.thisImage.buttonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div id=\"how-a-persian-meal-is-served\" class=\"index-title\"><\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"how-a-persian-meal-is-served\"><\/span>How a Persian Meal Is Served<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Restaurant menus in Iran are usually built around a few formats. Knowing them makes ordering easier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Kebab (kabab)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Served with rice (<em>chelow kabab<\/em>) or bread, plus grilled tomato and raw onion. Kebab houses are the easiest place for a first meal in any city.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Stews (khoresht)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Slow-cooked stews served with plain rice, ordered as <em>chelow khoresht<\/em>. <strong>Ghormeh sabzi<\/strong>, <strong>gheimeh<\/strong> and <strong>fesenjan<\/strong> are the ones you will see most often. More in our guide to <a href=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/best-chelo-khoresh-dishes-must-try-iran\/\">chelow khoresh dishes<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Ash (thick soups)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Ash reshteh<\/strong> is a thick soup of noodles, beans, lentils and herbs, topped with <em>kashk<\/em> (fermented whey), fried mint and onion. It is often made for <a href=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/nowruz-persian-new-year\/\">Nowruz<\/a> and other gatherings, and sold in small ash shops.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Side dishes<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Mast-o khiar<\/em> (yoghurt with cucumber), <em>salad shirazi<\/em> (tomato, cucumber and onion), <em>torshi<\/em> (pickles) and a plate of fresh herbs (<em>sabzi khordan<\/em>) arrive with many meals. <em>Dolmeh<\/em>, vegetables or vine leaves stuffed with rice and herbs, appears as a starter or main.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:100px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"10-persian-dishes-to-try\" class=\"index-title\"><\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size\" id=\"h-top-10-traditional-persian-foods-you-must-try\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"10-persian-dishes-to-try\"><\/span>10 Persian Dishes to Try<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"1-khoresht-e-fesenjan\" class=\"index-title\"><\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-1-khoresht-e-fesenjan\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1-khoresht-e-fesenjan\"><\/span>1. Khoresht-e Fesenjan<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\r\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/1-Khoresht-e-Fesenjan.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/1-Khoresht-e-Fesenjan-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Khoresht E Fesenjan\" class=\"wp-image-63290\" title=\"Khoresht E Fesenjan\" srcset=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/1-Khoresht-e-Fesenjan-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/1-Khoresht-e-Fesenjan-780x521.jpg 780w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/1-Khoresht-e-Fesenjan-768x513.jpg 768w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/1-Khoresht-e-Fesenjan-704x470.jpg 704w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/1-Khoresht-e-Fesenjan-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/1-Khoresht-e-Fesenjan.jpg 1500w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Khoresht-e Fesenjan: a classic blend of pomegranate, walnuts, and tender meat, served with aromatic rice.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\r\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Fesenjan<\/strong> is a thick, dark stew of ground walnuts and pomegranate molasses, usually made with chicken. Traditionally it was also made with duck, and on the Caspian coast it is sometimes made with fish.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The taste is sweet and sour, depending on the cook and the region. It is slow-cooked so the walnut oil separates and the sauce turns almost black. It is a classic dish for weddings and family celebrations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Where to try it:<\/strong> Traditional restaurants in most cities, and in homes for special occasions. It is less common on everyday kebab-house menus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Vegetarian?<\/strong> Usually no, it is made with chicken. Meat-free versions exist, so ask, but do not expect them on menus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe title=\"Khoresht Fesenjan (Pomegranate and Walnut Stew) - Cooking with Yousef\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/SissyTsabMo?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/khoresht-e-fesenjan-recipe\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Cook Fesenjan Tutorial<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:100px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"2-zereshk-polo\" class=\"index-title\"><\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-2-zereshk-polo\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2-zereshk-polo\"><\/span>2. Zereshk Polo<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\r\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Zereshk-Polo.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"686\" src=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Zereshk-Polo-1024x686.jpg\" alt=\"Zereshk Polo\" class=\"wp-image-69053\" title=\"Zereshk Polo\" srcset=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Zereshk-Polo-1024x686.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Zereshk-Polo-780x523.jpg 780w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Zereshk-Polo-768x515.jpg 768w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Zereshk-Polo-701x470.jpg 701w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Zereshk-Polo.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Zereshk Polo with Chicken: Juicy chicken meets tart barberries and saffron-infused rice, a harmony of flavors.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\r\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Zereshk polo<\/strong> is saffron rice scattered with barberries (<em>zereshk<\/em>), small red berries with a sharp, sour taste. It is usually served with chicken, often <em>zereshk polo ba morgh<\/em>, chicken braised with onion, tomato and saffron.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It is a favourite for weddings and large gatherings because it looks impressive and is easy to cook in quantity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Where to try it:<\/strong> Traditional restaurants and many lunch menus. Southern Khorasan, around Birjand, is the main barberry-growing region.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Vegetarian?<\/strong> The rice itself is vegetarian. Ask for it without the chicken, or pair it with yoghurt and salad.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe title=\"Zereshk Polo ba Morgh (Traditional Persian Barberry Rice with Chicken) - Cooking with Yousef\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/KAF-KQf4QeY?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/zereshk-polo-ba-morgh\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Cook Zereshk Polo Tutorial<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:100px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"3-khoresht-e-ghormeh-sabzi\" class=\"index-title\"><\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-3-khoresht-e-ghormeh-sabzi\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3-khoresht-e-ghormeh-sabzi\"><\/span>3. Khoresht-e Ghormeh Sabzi<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\r\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;6af427b0f2181&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"6af427b0f2181\" class=\"wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--pointerdown=\"actions.preloadImage\" data-wp-on--pointerenter=\"actions.preloadImageWithDelay\" data-wp-on--pointerleave=\"actions.cancelPreload\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/3-Khoresht-e-Ghormeh-Sabzi-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Khoresht E Ghormeh Sabzi\" class=\"wp-image-63293\" title=\"Khoresht E Ghormeh Sabzi\" srcset=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/3-Khoresht-e-Ghormeh-Sabzi-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/3-Khoresht-e-Ghormeh-Sabzi-780x520.jpg 780w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/3-Khoresht-e-Ghormeh-Sabzi-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/3-Khoresht-e-Ghormeh-Sabzi-705x470.jpg 705w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/3-Khoresht-e-Ghormeh-Sabzi-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/3-Khoresht-e-Ghormeh-Sabzi.jpg 1500w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-bind--aria-label=\"state.thisImage.triggerButtonAriaLabel\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.thisImage.buttonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.thisImage.buttonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Ghormeh Sabzi is a savory stew of fresh herbs, kidney beans, and succulent meat, served with steamed rice.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\r\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Ghormeh sabzi<\/strong> is a herb stew of parsley, coriander, chives and fenugreek, slow-fried and then cooked with red kidney beans, dried limes and lamb or beef. Many Iranians call it the national dish.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Recipes vary by region. Some cooks in Iranian Azerbaijan use black-eyed beans, and some southern recipes add more garlic and chilli. Fenugreek gives it a distinctive aroma.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Where to try it:<\/strong> Almost every traditional restaurant serves it as <em>chelow ghormeh sabzi<\/em>, often as a lunch dish.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Vegetarian?<\/strong> No, it is cooked with meat. Some homes make a meat-free version, but restaurants rarely do.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe title=\"How-To Make Khoresh-e Fesenjan\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/Ty7ML0WC5SE?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/khoresht-e-ghormeh-sabzi-recipe\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Cook Ghormeh Sabzi Tutorial<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:100px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"4-sabzi-polo\" class=\"index-title\"><\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-4-sabzi-polo\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"4-sabzi-polo\"><\/span>4. Sabzi Polo<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\r\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/4-Sabzi-Polo.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"851\" src=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/4-Sabzi-Polo-1024x851.jpg\" alt=\"Sabzi Polo\" class=\"wp-image-63294\" title=\"Sabzi Polo\" srcset=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/4-Sabzi-Polo-1024x851.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/4-Sabzi-Polo-780x648.jpg 780w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/4-Sabzi-Polo-768x638.jpg 768w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/4-Sabzi-Polo-566x470.jpg 566w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/4-Sabzi-Polo-300x249.jpg 300w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/4-Sabzi-Polo.jpg 1500w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Sabzi Polo with Fish: Fragrant herbs in fluffy rice, paired with perfectly seasoned fish.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\r\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Sabzi polo<\/strong> is rice cooked with chopped dill, parsley, coriander and chives. With fish, it becomes <em>sabzi polo ba mahi<\/em>, the traditional meal for the first days of <a href=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/nowruz-persian-new-year\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Nowruz, the Persian New Year<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In the Caspian provinces the fish is often fried; on the Persian Gulf coast it may be stuffed with herbs and baked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Where to try it:<\/strong> Restaurants in the Caspian provinces and in Tehran fish restaurants, and in homes around Nowruz.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Vegetarian?<\/strong> The rice is vegetarian. The classic dish comes with fish.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe title=\"Persian Herbed Saffron Rice &amp; Fried Fish \u0633\u0628\u0632\u06cc \u067e\u0644\u0648 \u0628\u0627 \u0645\u0627\u0647\u06cc \u0648 \u0645\u0627\u0647\u06cc\u0686\u0647 (Sabzee Polo Mahee)\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/uXfU1-TMfUk?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/sabzi-polo-ba-mahi-with-fish-recipe\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Cook Sabzi Polo Tutorial<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:100px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"5-kabab-koobideh-and-other-kebabs\" class=\"index-title\"><\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-5-kabab-koobideh-best-persian-food\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"5-kabab-koobideh-and-other-kebabs\"><\/span>5. Kabab Koobideh and Other Kebabs<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\r\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Persian-Chelo-Kabab.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Persian-Chelo-Kabab-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Persian-Chelo-Kabab\" class=\"wp-image-70814\" style=\"width:840px;height:auto\" title=\"Persian-Chelo-Kabab\" srcset=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Persian-Chelo-Kabab-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Persian-Chelo-Kabab-780x521.jpg 780w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Persian-Chelo-Kabab-768x513.jpg 768w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Persian-Chelo-Kabab.jpg 1500w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Chelo Kabab Koobideh: Juicy, grilled ground meat kebabs, served on a bed of buttery, steamed rice.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\r\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Kabab koobideh<\/strong> is minced lamb or beef mixed with grated onion, salt and pepper, pressed onto wide flat skewers and grilled over charcoal. Served with saffron rice and grilled tomato, it is <em>chelow kabab koobideh<\/em>, the dish most visitors order first.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Other kebabs to look for: <strong>barg<\/strong> (thin fillets of lamb or beef), <strong>joojeh<\/strong> (chicken marinated in lemon, onion and saffron, sometimes on the bone), <strong>soltani<\/strong> (one barg and one koobideh skewer) and <strong>jigar<\/strong> (lamb liver, a common street food).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Where to try it:<\/strong> Kebab houses in every town. To eat with a local guide, see our <a href=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/iran-food-tour\/\">Iran food and culinary tours<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Vegetarian?<\/strong> No. Kebab houses usually serve grilled tomatoes, salad, yoghurt and bread, which can make a light vegetarian meal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe title=\"How To Make The Best Persian Kabab Koobideh | Ep 575\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/uz-FxJDukrQ?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/chelo-kabab-koobideh-recipe\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Cook Kabab Koobideh Tutorial<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:100px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"6-khoresht-e-gheimeh\" class=\"index-title\"><\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-6-khoresht-e-gheimeh\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"6-khoresht-e-gheimeh\"><\/span>6. Khoresht-e Gheimeh<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\r\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/6-Khoresht-e-Gheimeh.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/6-Khoresht-e-Gheimeh-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Khoresht E Gheimeh\" class=\"wp-image-63296\" title=\"Khoresht E Gheimeh\" srcset=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/6-Khoresht-e-Gheimeh-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/6-Khoresht-e-Gheimeh-780x520.jpg 780w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/6-Khoresht-e-Gheimeh-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/6-Khoresht-e-Gheimeh-705x470.jpg 705w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/6-Khoresht-e-Gheimeh-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/6-Khoresht-e-Gheimeh.jpg 1500w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Khoresht-e Gheimeh: A rich stew of tender meat, split peas, and tangy tomatoes, topped with crispy potato fries.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\r\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Gheimeh<\/strong> is a stew of diced lamb or beef, yellow split peas, tomato and dried lime, topped with thin fried potato sticks. Some versions add aubergine (<em>gheimeh bademjan<\/em>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The name comes from <em>gheimeh<\/em>, small pieces of meat. Before refrigeration, families preserved fried meat under a layer of fat in clay jars for the winter. Gheimeh is also the dish often cooked in large quantities and shared during religious commemorations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Where to try it:<\/strong> Traditional restaurants and lunch menus across the country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Vegetarian?<\/strong> No, it is a meat stew. A meat-free version with split peas and aubergine is easy to make at home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe title=\"Persian Khoresh-e Gheymeh \u0628\u0647\u062a\u0631\u06cc\u0646 \u062e\u0648\u0631\u0634 \u0642\u06cc\u0645\u0647 \u0627\u06cc\u0631\u0627\u0646\u06cc \u0628\u0627 \u062f\u0633\u062a\u0648\u0631 \u06a9\u0627\u0645\u0644\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/069CqZkr9aQ?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/khoresht-e-gheimeh-recipe\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Cook Gheimeh Tutorial<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:100px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"7-tahchin\" class=\"index-title\"><\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-7-tahchin-a-premier-traditional-persian-food\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"7-tahchin\"><\/span>7. Tahchin<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\r\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/tahchin.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"678\" src=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/tahchin-1024x678.jpg\" alt=\"Tahchin\" class=\"wp-image-69056\" title=\"Tahchin\" srcset=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/tahchin-1024x678.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/tahchin-780x517.jpg 780w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/tahchin-768x509.jpg 768w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/tahchin-709x470.jpg 709w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/tahchin.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Tachin or Tahchin is a saffron-infused rice cake, layered with succulent chicken and a golden, crispy crust.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\r\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Tahchin<\/strong> is a baked rice cake of rice, yoghurt, egg and saffron, with a crisp golden crust. The classic filling is chicken, but lamb, aubergine or vegetables are also used.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">At home it is often cooked with a layer of white rice above the crust. In restaurants it is usually served as a single crisp slice, often with barberries on top.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Where to try it:<\/strong> Traditional restaurants, especially in Tehran and Isfahan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Vegetarian?<\/strong> The chicken version is not. Ask whether a vegetable or aubergine version is available.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe title=\"Iranian Tahchin Is The FANCIEST Rice Ever\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/ojW2xipbTa0?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/tahchin-the-golden-layered-delight-of-persian-cuisine\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Cook Tahchin Tutorial<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:100px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"8-abgoosht-dizi\" class=\"index-title\"><\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-8-abgoosht-a-top-local-persian-food\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"8-abgoosht-dizi\"><\/span>8. Abgoosht (Dizi)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\r\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/8-Abgoosht.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/8-Abgoosht-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Abgoosht\" class=\"wp-image-63298\" title=\"Abgoosht\" srcset=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/8-Abgoosht-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/8-Abgoosht-780x520.jpg 780w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/8-Abgoosht-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/8-Abgoosht-705x470.jpg 705w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/8-Abgoosht-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/8-Abgoosht.jpg 1500w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Abgoosht: A hearty, traditional Persian broth brimming with tender meat, chickpeas, and aromatic spices, served with fragrant bread.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\r\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/abgusht-recipe-learn-how-to-make-it-today\/\">Abgoosht<\/a><\/strong> is a slow-cooked broth of lamb, chickpeas, white beans, potato, tomato and dried lime. When served in an individual stone or clay pot it is called <strong>dizi<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It is eaten in two stages. First you tear bread into a bowl and pour the broth over it (<em>tilit<\/em>). Then you mash the meat, beans and potato into a paste (<em>goosht koobideh<\/em>) and eat it with bread, raw onion, herbs and pickles. It started as a working people&#8217;s meal in teahouses and caravanserais and is still a popular lunch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Where to try it:<\/strong> Dizi houses (<em>dizi-sara<\/em>) and traditional teahouse restaurants, mostly at lunchtime.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Vegetarian?<\/strong> No, the broth is made with lamb.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe title=\"Abgoosht (Traditional Persian Lamb Stew) - Cooking with Yousef\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/TS75AuWv95Q?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/abgusht-recipe-learn-how-to-make-it-today\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Cook Abgoosht Tutorial<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:100px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"9-mirza-ghasemi\" class=\"index-title\"><\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"9-mirza-ghasemi\"><\/span>9. Mirza Ghasemi<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\r\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/9-Mirza-Ghasemi.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"827\" src=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/9-Mirza-Ghasemi-1024x827.jpg\" alt=\"Mirza Ghasemi Recipe\" class=\"wp-image-63299\" style=\"object-fit:cover\" title=\"Mirza Ghasemi Recipe\" srcset=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/9-Mirza-Ghasemi-1024x827.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/9-Mirza-Ghasemi-780x630.jpg 780w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/9-Mirza-Ghasemi-768x621.jpg 768w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/9-Mirza-Ghasemi-582x470.jpg 582w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/9-Mirza-Ghasemi-300x242.jpg 300w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/9-Mirza-Ghasemi.jpg 1500w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Mirza Ghasemi: Smoky roasted eggplant, enriched with tomatoes, garlic, and eggs, a North Iranian specialty.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\r\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/mirza-ghasemi-recipe\/\">Mirza ghasemi<\/a><\/strong> is a dish of smoked aubergine, garlic, tomato and egg from <a href=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/gilan-travel-guide\/\">Gilan<\/a> province on the Caspian coast. It is eaten with bread or rice as a starter, a light meal or part of breakfast.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Gilan has its own set of aubergine and herb dishes, including <em>baghala ghatogh<\/em> and <em>kal kabab<\/em>. Our list of <a href=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/10-best-rasht-restaurants\/\">restaurants in Rasht<\/a> is a good starting point.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Where to try it:<\/strong> Restaurants in Gilan and Mazandaran, and many traditional restaurants in Tehran.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Vegetarian?<\/strong> Yes, it is vegetarian, but it contains egg, so it is not vegan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe title=\"Persian Saffron Rice: In-depth Recipe! \u062f\u0633\u062a\u0648\u0631 \u06a9\u0627\u0645\u0644 \u067e\u062e\u062a \u0628\u0631\u0646\u062c \u0632\u0639\u0641\u0631\u0627\u0646\u06cc \u0627\u06cc\u0631\u0627\u0646\u06cc\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/GYkOrezkKW8?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/mirza-ghasemi-recipe\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Cook Mirza Ghasemi Tutorial<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:100px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"10-baghali-polo\" class=\"index-title\"><\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"10-baghali-polo\"><\/span>10. Baghali Polo<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\r\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/10-Baghali-Polo.jpeg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"711\" src=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/10-Baghali-Polo.jpeg\" alt=\"Baghali Polo\" class=\"wp-image-63300\" style=\"object-fit:cover;width:840px;height:auto\" title=\"Baghali Polo\" srcset=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/10-Baghali-Polo.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/10-Baghali-Polo-780x542.jpeg 780w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/10-Baghali-Polo-768x533.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/10-Baghali-Polo-677x470.jpeg 677w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/10-Baghali-Polo-300x208.jpeg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Baqhali Polo is a fluffy rice mixed with dill and broad beans, often accompanied by tender lamb shanks.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\r\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Baghali polo<\/strong> is rice cooked with broad beans and plenty of dill. It is often served with braised lamb shank (<em>baghali polo ba mahicheh<\/em>) or chicken.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">With its green colour, it is associated with spring and often appears at <a href=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/nowruz-persian-new-year\/\">Nowruz<\/a> and family celebrations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Where to try it:<\/strong> Traditional restaurants, especially those that serve lamb shank.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Vegetarian?<\/strong> The rice is vegetarian. Order it without the lamb shank, with yoghurt on the side.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe title=\"How to Make Baghali Polo- Persian Fava Bean and Dill Specialty Rice\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/Rm-lUtht32s?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/baghali-polo-recipe\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Cook Baghali Polo Tutorial<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:100px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"vegetarian-persian-dishes\" class=\"index-title\"><\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-vegetarian-persian-dishes\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"vegetarian-persian-dishes\"><\/span>Vegetarian Persian Dishes<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Many Persian stews and soups are cooked with meat or meat stock, even when meat is not the main ingredient. These dishes are usually meat-free, but it is worth asking. &#8220;Without meat&#8221; is <em>bedun-e goosht<\/em> in Persian.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Kashk-e bademjan:<\/strong> fried aubergine mashed with kashk, garlic, fried onion and mint.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Kuku sabzi:<\/strong> a thick herb frittata, often with walnuts and barberries. Contains egg.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Mirza ghasemi:<\/strong> smoked aubergine with tomato, garlic and egg.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Ash reshteh:<\/strong> noodle, bean and herb soup with kashk. Check that no meat stock was used.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Adasi and lentil soups:<\/strong> common at breakfast and in winter.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Borani:<\/strong> yoghurt mixed with cooked spinach or aubergine.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Dolmeh:<\/strong> stuffed vine leaves or vegetables. Some versions contain minced meat.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For more detail, read our <a href=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/guide-vegetarians-traveling-iran\/\">guide for vegetarians travelling in Iran<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"unusual-iranian-dishes-for-adventurous-eaters\" class=\"index-title\"><\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-unusual-iranian-dishes\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"unusual-iranian-dishes-for-adventurous-eaters\"><\/span>Unusual Iranian Dishes for Adventurous Eaters<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Most visitors stick to kebabs and stews, but a few regional and traditional foods surprise first-time visitors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Ash-e doogh:<\/strong> a yoghurt soup from Iranian Azerbaijan with herbs, rice and chickpeas, served hot.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Del, jigar and gholveh:<\/strong> heart, liver and kidney kebabs, a common street food. You will see jigar on the grills of eateries along the mountain path at Darband in Tehran.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Dolmeh sirabi:<\/strong> a speciality of Arak in central Iran. Cleaned tripe is filled with minced meat, onion, rice, split peas and herbs, then cooked slowly.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Kalleh pacheh:<\/strong> sheep&#8217;s head and hooves, slow-cooked overnight and eaten as an early breakfast. Specialist shops open before dawn.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Sirabi:<\/strong> lamb tripe slow-cooked with onion, garlic and lemon, often sold from street stalls in winter.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Ashpal:<\/strong> fish roe from the Caspian provinces of Gilan and Mazandaran, grilled, salted or fried with egg.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"where-to-eat-persian-food-in-iran\" class=\"index-title\"><\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-where-to-eat\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"where-to-eat-persian-food-in-iran\"><\/span>Where to Eat Persian Food in Iran<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Kebab houses (kababi):<\/strong> quick, reliable and found in every town.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Traditional restaurants (sofreh-khaneh):<\/strong> often in restored houses or caravanserais, with a wider range of stews and rice dishes.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Ash and dizi shops:<\/strong> small, local places, mostly busy at lunchtime.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Bazaars:<\/strong> good for snacks, sweets, dried fruit and nuts. See <a href=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/what-to-buy-in-iran\/\">what to buy in Iran<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Family homes:<\/strong> the best place to taste home cooking. Our <a href=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/persian-hospitality-what-to-expect-when-visiting-local-homes\/\">guide to visiting Iranian homes<\/a> explains the etiquette.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Food changes a lot from one province to the next. Mashhad has <a href=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/traditional-dishes-of-mashhad\/\">its own traditional dishes<\/a>, the Caspian coast is known for fish, aubergine and herb dishes, and Tabriz is known for its large stuffed meatballs (<em>kufteh tabrizi<\/em>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"what-to-drink-with-persian-food\" class=\"index-title\"><\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"what-to-drink-with-persian-food\"><\/span>What to Drink with Persian Food<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Doogh<\/strong>, a salted yoghurt drink, often with dried mint, is the classic partner for kebab and abgoosht. Tea follows almost every meal. Alcohol is not served in Iranian restaurants. See our guide to <a href=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/drinks-you-should-try-when-traveling-to-iran\/\">Iranian drinks<\/a> for sharbat, juices and herbal drinks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"persian-cookbooks-for-further-reading\" class=\"index-title\"><\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-best-persian-cookbooks\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"persian-cookbooks-for-further-reading\"><\/span>Persian Cookbooks for Further Reading<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you want to cook these dishes at home, these widely available books are a good place to start.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Food-Life-Ancient-Persian-Ceremonies\/dp\/193382347X\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><em>Food of Life: Ancient Persian and Modern Iranian Cooking and Ceremonies<\/em><\/a> by Najmieh Batmanglij<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Bottom-Pot-Persian-Recipes-Stories\/dp\/1250134412\/r\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><em>Bottom of the Pot: Persian Recipes and Stories<\/em><\/a> by Naz Deravian<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Saffron-Tales-Recipes-Persian-Kitchen\/dp\/1632867109\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><em>The Saffron Tales: Recipes from the Persian Kitchen<\/em><\/a> by Yasmin Khan<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Persiana-Recipes-Middle-East-beyond\/dp\/1566569958\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><em>Persiana: Recipes from the Middle East and Beyond<\/em><\/a> by Sabrina Ghayour<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Taste-Persia-Travels-Azerbaijan-Kurdistan\/dp\/1579655483\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><em>Taste of Persia: A Cook&#8217;s Travels Through Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Iran, and Kurdistan<\/em><\/a> by Naomi Duguid<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Sofreh-Contemporary-Approach-Classic-Cookbook\/dp\/0593320743\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><em>Sofreh: A Contemporary Approach to Classic Persian Cuisine<\/em><\/a> by Nasim Alikhani<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:100px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"where-to-start\" class=\"index-title\"><\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-the-bottom-line\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"where-to-start\"><\/span>Where to Start<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Order chelow kabab on your first night and ghormeh sabzi at your first lunch. After that, eat what the region does best: fish and aubergine in Gilan, dizi in Tehran, kufteh in Tabriz. If you want to cook with local families, the <a href=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/iran-tour\/iran-culinary-tour-in-14-days\/\">14-day Iran culinary tour<\/a> includes cooking classes in local homes. You can also browse all <a href=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/iran-tours\/\">Iran tour packages<\/a>, or book flights and hotels through <a href=\"https:\/\/orienttrips.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">OrientTrips<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:100px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\r\n<div class=\"wp-block-group sf-mag-cta has-border-color has-background\" style=\"border-color:#cfe3f1;border-width:1px;border-radius:6px;background-color:#f1f7fb;margin-top:40px;margin-bottom:40px;padding-top:28px;padding-right:28px;padding-bottom:28px;padding-left:28px\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-935b7d59 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\r\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"font-size:24px;font-weight:700\">Taste Iran with a local guide<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"font-size:16px\">Tasting Iran is our 14-day culinary tour, with cooking classes in local homes.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-fe48e5de wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\r\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-white-color has-text-color has-background has-custom-font-size wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/iran-tour\/iran-culinary-tour-in-14-days\/\" style=\"background-color:#0070b1;font-size:15px;font-weight:500\">View the culinary tour<\/a><\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"font-size:14px\">or <a href=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/iran-tours\/\">see all Iran tours<\/a><\/p>\r\n<\/div><\/div>\r\n\n\n\n<div id=\"persian-food-faqs\" class=\"index-title\"><\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-persian-food-faqs\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"persian-food-faqs\"><\/span>Persian Food: FAQs<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n<div id=\"rank-math-faq\" class=\"rank-math-block\">\n<div class=\"rank-math-list \">\n<div id=\"faq-question-6790c1ca393ff\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">What is the most popular Persian food?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p><strong>Chelow kabab koobideh<\/strong> (minced meat kebab with saffron rice) and <strong>ghormeh sabzi<\/strong> (herb stew) are the dishes most Iranians name first. <strong>Gheimeh<\/strong>, <strong>zereshk polo ba morgh<\/strong>, <strong>fesenjan<\/strong>, <strong>abgoosht<\/strong> and <strong>tahchin<\/strong> are also very common.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-6790c1ca39401\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">What does Persian food taste like?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Persian food is aromatic rather than hot. Typical flavours are saffron, turmeric, fresh herbs, dried lime, and sour fruit such as barberries and pomegranate. Many dishes balance sweet and sour.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-6790c1ca39402\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">Is Persian food spicy?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Generally not. Chilli is used mainly in some dishes from the Persian Gulf coast and Sistan and Baluchestan. Most restaurant food is mild.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-6790c1ca39405\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">Can vegetarians eat well in Iran?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Yes, with some planning. Kashk-e bademjan, kuku sabzi, mirza ghasemi, ash reshteh and herb or bean rice dishes are good options. Many stews contain meat or meat stock, so ask for <em>bedun-e goosht<\/em> (without meat). See our <a href=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/guide-vegetarians-traveling-iran\/\">vegetarian travel guide<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-6790c1ca39403\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">What is tahdig?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Tahdig is the crisp golden layer of rice, bread or potato from the bottom of the pot. It is served in pieces and is often the most sought-after part of the meal.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-6790c1ca39406\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">What do Iranians drink with meals?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Doogh, a salted yoghurt drink, is the usual partner for kebab and abgoosht. Water, soft drinks and non-alcoholic malt drinks are common, and tea follows the meal. Restaurants do not serve alcohol.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-6790c1ca39408\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">Where can I learn to cook Persian food?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Our magazine has step-by-step recipes for each dish in this list. In Iran, cooking classes in local homes are part of the <a href=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/iran-tour\/iran-culinary-tour-in-14-days\/\">14-day culinary tour<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Discover 10 Persian dishes, from ghormeh sabzi to tahchin. Learn what they taste like, their main ingredients, and what to order when traveling in Iran.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":83240,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[849,305],"tags":[15658,11043,374],"class_list":["post-8557","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-food","category-how-to","tag-food","tag-persian-cuisine","tag-persian-food"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/Best-Persian-Foods.jpg","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8557","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/5"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=8557"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8557\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/83240"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=8557"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=8557"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=8557"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}