Food is one of the best ways to discover a country, and Iran is no exception. From world-famous kebabs and aromatic Persian rice to flavorful stews, traditional desserts, and refreshing beverages, Iranian cuisine offers a rich variety of tastes shaped by centuries of history and culture.
Join us on a delicious journey and experience the authentic flavors of Iran.

IRANIAN FOOD & CUISINE

Iranian cuisine is one of the most diverse and flavorful culinary traditions in the world, shaped by thousands of years of history, culture, and regional influences.
From traditional Persian dishes and local specialties to modern international options, Iranian restaurants offer a wide variety of choices for every taste. Each region of Iran has its own unique flavors, ingredients, and cooking traditions, reflecting the country’s diverse geography and cultural heritage.
Depending on the region, Iranian cuisine includes a wide range of ingredients such as lamb, beef, chicken, turkey, fish, shrimp, and other seafood. Pork is not served in Iranian restaurants due to religious and cultural reasons.
Iran also offers many delicious vegetarian dishes, making it easy for vegetarian travelers to enjoy authentic Iranian flavors. Fresh herbs, vegetables, rice, legumes, nuts, and aromatic spices play an important role in Persian cooking.
With hundreds of traditional dishes across different regions, it is impossible to introduce them all here. Below, we highlight some of the most popular and must-try Iranian foods that every traveler should experience during their journey in Iran.

PERSIAN KEBABS: A TASTE OF IRAN

Kebab is one of the most famous and beloved dishes in Iranian cuisine. Chelow Kebab, consisting of saffron-steamed Persian rice (chelow) served with grilled meat, is considered one of Iran’s national dishes and a must-try experience for visitors.
Iranian kebabs come in different varieties, each with its own unique flavor, ingredients, and cooking style.

✔️Kebab Barg
Kebab Barg is a traditional Persian kebab made with thin slices of high-quality lamb or beef tenderloin, marinated with ingredients such as onion and olive oil. It is known for its delicate texture and rich flavor.

✔️Kebab Koobideh
Kebab Koobideh is one of the most popular Iranian kebabs. Made from seasoned ground lamb, beef, or a combination of both, it is grilled over charcoal and usually served with saffron rice, grilled tomatoes, and fresh basil.

✔️Kebab Shishlik
Shishlik, often considered one of the most luxurious Persian kebabs, is made from tender lamb ribs. Known for its juicy texture and delicious taste, it is especially popular for special occasions and traditional gatherings.

✔️Jujeh Kebab (Chicken Kebab)
Jujeh Kebab is a classic Iranian dish made with marinated pieces of chicken grilled over charcoal. It is often served with saffron rice, grilled tomatoes, and fresh lemon.

✔️Kebab Bakhtiari
Kebab Bakhtiari is a delicious combination of Jujeh Kebab and Kebab Barg, combining pieces of chicken and lamb or beef tenderloin on the same skewer. It represents the rich culinary traditions of the Bakhtiari people of Iran.

PERSIAN STEWS (KHORESH)

Khoresh is one of the most important and traditional categories of Persian cuisine. The word Khoresh refers to a variety of flavorful stews that are usually served with polo (Persian rice).
Iranian stews are known for their rich flavors, aromatic herbs, slow cooking methods, and the unique combination of sweet, sour, and savory tastes. Each region of Iran has its own special variations, using different ingredients that reflect local traditions and flavors.

✔️Ghormeh Sabzi
Ghormeh Sabzi is one of Iran’s most famous and beloved traditional dishes and is often considered a symbol of Persian cuisine. This aromatic herb stew is made with a mixture of fresh herbs such as parsley, coriander, and fenugreek, along with red kidney beans, onions, dried limes, and tender lamb.
The combination of herbs and dried limes creates its distinctive and unforgettable flavor.

✔️Fesenjan
Fesenjan is a rich and flavorful Persian stew made with ground walnuts and pomegranate paste. Traditionally prepared with chicken or duck, it can also be made with meatballs.
With its unique sweet-and-sour taste, Fesenjan is one of the most special and luxurious dishes in Iranian cuisine.

✔️Qeymeh
Qeymeh is a popular Persian stew made with lamb or beef, yellow split peas, tomatoes, onions, turmeric, and dried lime. It is traditionally served with crispy thin-cut potatoes on top.

A popular variation is Qeymeh Bademjan, which includes fried eggplant and offers a different taste experience.

TRADITIONAL PERSIAN DISHES

Iranian cuisine includes a wide variety of traditional dishes that reflect the country’s long history, regional diversity, and rich culinary traditions. Beyond kebabs and stews, many authentic Persian dishes are prepared with unique combinations of herbs, legumes, grains, spices, and local ingredients.

✔️Aash
Aash is one of the most traditional Iranian dishes, similar to a thick and hearty soup. It is usually prepared with a combination of herbs, legumes, grains, and sometimes noodles, creating a nutritious and flavorful meal that is enjoyed throughout Iran.

✔️Aash Reshteh
Aash Reshteh is one of the most famous types of Aash in Iran and a popular vegetarian dish. It is made with reshteh (thin noodles), beans, lentils, fresh herbs such as parsley, spinach, dill, and spring onions, along with onions, garlic, dried mint, and kashk (a traditional fermented dairy product).
This rich and nutritious dish is especially popular during traditional celebrations and gatherings.

✔️Abgusht (Dizi)
Abgusht, also known as Dizi, is a traditional Persian slow-cooked stew served in a special stone pot. It is made with lamb, chickpeas, white beans, potatoes, tomatoes, onions, turmeric, and dried lime.
Traditionally, the broth is separated and enjoyed first with bread, while the remaining ingredients are mashed together and eaten as a flavorful combination. Dizi is considered one of the most authentic Iranian culinary experiences.

✔️Kufteh (Persian Meatballs)
Kufteh is a traditional Iranian meatball dish made with a mixture of ground meat, rice, herbs, onions, and spices. Different regions of Iran have their own versions of Kufteh.
One of the most famous varieties is Kufteh Tabrizi, a large stuffed meatball from the city of Tabriz, usually filled with ingredients such as dried fruits, nuts, and herbs.

✔️Tahchin (Persian Saffron Rice Cake)
Tahchin is one of the most beautiful and popular dishes in Persian cuisine. Known as a Persian saffron rice cake, it is made with layers of saffron-infused rice, yogurt, eggs, and usually chicken or lamb.
The golden crispy layer, known as tahdig, is the most appreciated part of this dish and gives Tahchin its unique texture and flavor.
Often decorated with barberries, almonds, and pistachios, Tahchin is a perfect combination of Persian flavors, colors, and traditional cooking techniques.
✔️Popular varieties:
Tahchin Morgh (with chicken)
Tahchin Goosht (with lamb or beef)
Vegetarian Tahchin

PERSIAN DESSERTS

Iranian desserts are an important part of Persian culinary culture, offering a wonderful combination of flavors such as saffron, rose water, cardamom, nuts, and traditional ingredients. From refreshing cold desserts to delicate rice-based sweets, Persian desserts reflect the country’s rich history and regional diversity.

✔️Sholeh Zard
Sholeh Zard, meaning “yellow pudding,” is a traditional Persian rice dessert known for its beautiful golden color, which comes from precious Iranian saffron.
Made with rice, sugar, saffron, rose water, and aromatic spices, it is usually decorated with cinnamon, sliced almonds, and Iranian pistachios. Since it is prepared without dairy products, it is also suitable for many lactose-intolerant and vegan travelers.

✔️Faloodeh Shirazi
Faloodeh is one of Iran’s most famous traditional cold desserts and originally comes from Shiraz. It is made with thin starch noodles mixed with a semi-frozen syrup made from sugar and rose water.
Usually served with fresh lime juice and sometimes topped with ground pistachios, Faloodeh Shirazi is a refreshing dessert, especially popular during warm seasons.

✔️Saffron Ice Cream (Bastani Sonnati)
Bastani Sonnati, also known as traditional Persian saffron ice cream, is one of the most beloved Iranian desserts.
Made with milk, egg yolk, sugar, saffron, rose water, vanilla, and pistachios, this unique ice cream has a distinctive Persian flavor. It often contains pieces of frozen clotted cream, adding a rich and traditional taste.

TRADITIONAL IRANIAN BEVERAGES

Traditional Iranian beverages are an important part of Persian hospitality and culinary culture. Many traditional drinks are made with natural ingredients such as fruits, flowers, herbs, seeds, and aromatic plants.
Most Iranian traditional beverages are refreshing and often sweet, while Doogh, a popular yogurt-based drink, has a unique salty and tangy flavor and is commonly served with traditional meals.

✔️Sharbat(Persian Syrups)
Sharbat is a traditional sweet and refreshing drink popular across Iran and many other Middle Eastern and South Asian cultures. It is prepared by mixing fruit, flower, or herb-based syrups with cold water and is usually served chilled.
Popular Iranian sharbats include flavors such as sour cherry, quince, lemon, orange blossom, and strawberry.

✔️Sharbat-e Sekanjebin
Sekanjebin is one of the most famous and beloved traditional Iranian drinks, especially during hot summer days. Made from a syrup of mint, vinegar, and sugar, it has a unique sweet and refreshing flavor.
Traditionally, Sekanjebin is often served with cucumber and fresh mint, creating a cooling and memorable summer experience.

✔️Khak-e Shir
Khak-e Shir is a traditional Iranian drink made from basil seeds (often known as teff or khak-e shir seeds), rose water, sugar, and water.
With its refreshing taste and pleasant texture, it is especially popular during warm seasons and is considered one of Iran’s classic homemade beverages.

✔️Herbal Distillates (Araghiyat)
Iran is famous for its traditional herbal distillates, known as Araghiyat, which are made by distilling aromatic plants and flowers.
These natural beverages are especially popular in central Iran, particularly in Shiraz, where visitors can experience a variety of fragrant herbal drinks made from plants such as rose, mint, and other local herbs.