Iran has a rich and flavorful food culture. Iranian food is known for rice, saffron, herbs, slow-cooked stews, grilled meats, flatbreads, nuts, dried fruits, yogurt, pomegranate, and rosewater. If you want to experience authentic Iranian food, try a mix of traditional home-style dishes, kebabs, rice dishes, soups, sweets, and local drinks.
1. Chelo Kebab
Chelo kebab is one of the most popular foods in Iran. It is usually served with steamed rice, grilled tomatoes, butter, saffron, and sometimes raw onion. You can try different types such as koobideh kebab, barg kebab, joojeh kebab, and shishlik.
2. Ghormeh Sabzi
Ghormeh sabzi is a famous Iranian herb stew made with herbs, kidney beans, dried lime, and meat. It is served with rice and has a deep, slightly sour, and rich flavor. Many people consider it one of the most loved dishes in Iran.
3. Fesenjan
Fesenjan is a special Persian stew made with ground walnuts, pomegranate sauce, and usually chicken or meat. It has a sweet and sour taste and is often served with rice. This dish is very popular for family meals and special occasions.
4. Dizi
Dizi, also called abgoosht, is a traditional lamb, chickpea, bean, tomato, and potato stew. It is usually cooked slowly and served in a clay pot. The broth is eaten first with bread, and then the solid parts are mashed and eaten separately.
5. Tahchin
Tahchin is a beautiful baked rice dish made with saffron rice, yogurt, egg, and chicken or meat. It has a golden crispy outside and soft rice inside. It is a good choice if you want to try something rich and special.
6. Zereshk Polo ba Morgh
Zereshk polo ba morgh means barberry rice with chicken. It is made with saffron rice, tart red barberries, and tender chicken. The taste is colorful, slightly sour, slightly sweet, and very delicious.
7. Baghali Polo ba Mahicheh
Baghali polo is rice cooked with dill and broad beans. It is often served with slow-cooked lamb shank. This is a rich and traditional meal, especially good for lunch or dinner.
8. Ash Reshteh
Ash reshteh is a thick Iranian soup made with noodles, beans, herbs, and kashk, which is a fermented dairy topping. It is filling, warm, and full of flavor. It is a great dish to try in colder weather.
9. Mirza Ghasemi
Mirza ghasemi is a smoky eggplant dish from northern Iran. It is made with grilled eggplant, tomato, garlic, and egg. It is usually eaten with bread and is a good vegetarian-friendly option.
10. Kashk-e Bademjan
Kashk-e bademjan is a creamy eggplant dish made with fried or roasted eggplant, garlic, onion, mint, walnuts, and kashk. It is usually served as a starter with Iranian bread.
11. Kuku Sabzi
Kuku sabzi is a Persian herb omelet made with many fresh herbs, eggs, and sometimes walnuts or barberries. It is light, green, and full of flavor.
12. Dolmeh
Dolmeh is made with grape leaves or vegetables stuffed with rice, herbs, and sometimes meat. It has a soft texture and a slightly tangy taste.
13. Persian Rice with Tahdig
Tahdig is the crispy golden layer at the bottom of Persian rice. It can be made with rice, bread, or potato. Many people love tahdig so much that it becomes the favorite part of the meal.
14. Nan-e Barbari
Nan-e barbari is a thick and soft Iranian flatbread with a golden top. It is often eaten for breakfast with cheese, butter, jam, honey, or tea.
15. Sangak Bread
Sangak is another famous Iranian bread, traditionally baked on hot stones. It is thin, long, and slightly chewy. It goes well with kebabs, stews, and breakfast items.
16. Faludeh
Faludeh is a cold Persian dessert made with thin frozen noodles, rosewater, sugar syrup, and often lime juice. It is refreshing, especially in hot weather.
17. Bastani Sonnati
Bastani sonnati is traditional Persian ice cream made with saffron, rosewater, pistachios, and pieces of frozen cream. It is one of the best desserts to try in Iran.
18. Sholeh Zard
Sholeh zard is a sweet saffron rice pudding flavored with rosewater, cardamom, cinnamon, and almonds. It is soft, fragrant, and comforting.
19. Persian Tea
Tea is a very important part of daily life in Iran. It is usually served strong and hot, often with sugar cubes, dates, or sweets. Drinking tea is also a social experience in Iranian homes and teahouses.
20. Doogh
Doogh is a cold yogurt-based drink mixed with water, salt, and sometimes mint. It is usually served with kebabs, rice dishes, and heavy meals. It may taste different at first, but it is very refreshing.
21. Sekanjabin
Sekanjabin is a traditional Persian drink made with vinegar, sugar or honey, mint, and water. It is especially refreshing in summer and is sometimes served with cucumber.
22. Sohan
Sohan is a sweet saffron brittle, often made with wheat sprout, sugar, butter, cardamom, rosewater, and pistachios. It is a popular sweet gift from Iran.
23. Gaz
Gaz is a Persian nougat made with pistachios or almonds. It is especially famous in Isfahan and is a good sweet to try or take home.
24. Ranginak
Ranginak is a traditional dessert made with dates, walnuts, cinnamon, and flour. It is especially popular in southern Iran and has a rich, sweet flavor.
Best Food Experience in Iran
For the best food experience, try chelo kebab, ghormeh sabzi, fesenjan, dizi, tahchin, zereshk polo, baghali polo, ash reshteh, Persian rice with tahdig, faludeh, bastani sonnati, Persian tea, and doogh. Also try local bakeries, traditional teahouses, kebab restaurants, bazaars, and family-style restaurants to enjoy the real taste of Iranian food.
