Iranian cuisine, also known as Persian food, has one of the world’s oldest culinary traditions. From the Greeks to the Arabs, Turks to Mongols, and finally the Uzbeks, Iran has constantly assimilated the cuisines of outside invaders. It is also home to many wonderful ingredients, including pistachios, almonds, walnuts, saffron, mint, oranges, pomegranates, and grapes, all of which enrich the delicious Persian food. Tourists visiting Iran have always talked in length about the Persian food, its taste, smell, and freshness. Come join us as we take you through the rich and aromatic world of Persian cuisine with our guide.
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A Little More About The Famous Persian Food
If you’re wondering what to eat in Iran, what the food culture of Iran is like, what is the famous food of Iran, this guide is for you. Persian cuisine is one of the world’s finest. Food from Iran has a great influence not just on the Persian ethnic group but also on the Mediterranean Middle East and South Asia. It is also an amalgamation of Azerbaijani and Kurdish cuisine. The vast geography of Iran, its different climates, and the many nationalities passing through this country have brought about great diversity in Persian food.
Typical Persian Meals
Persian dishes are often a combination of rice or bread with meat, salad, beans, nuts, fruits, cheese, and yogurt. Because of the use of herbs, spices, and flowers, Persian dishes are aromatic and have vibrant colors. From lamb stews to stuffed vegetables, smoked fish to kebabs, there is a wide range of delicious delights here.
Breakfast – A traditional Iranian breakfast can be a combination of flatbreads smeared with butter, cheese, sarshir, jams, and spreads. They have a great start to the day with a cup of aromatic Persian tea.
Lunch – Typical Persian lunch consists of a balanced mix of meat, beans, vegetables, herbs, dairy, nuts, and fruits. They are always served with rice or bread. Stew over rice is by far the most popular among them and the constitution of these vary from region to region.
Dinner – Persian dinners are pretty much the same as their lunch. It is a mix of fruits, vegetables, and poultry which are commonly had with rice or bread.
Best Persian Food You Must Try
Surprise your stomach with our pick of the top 12 traditional Persian foods which are sumptuous and healthy at the same time.
1. Zereshk Polo – Barberry Rice with Saffron Chicken
Zereshk polo is one of the most delicious Persian foods generally served on special occasions like weddings and other major celebrations. The vibrant colors from the golden saffron rice grains and the red color of the barberries make this a feast not just for the taste buds but also for the eyes too.
Made With: Barberry, saffron, and white rice.
Why It’s Famous: Persians love the sweet-and-sour flavor and it is a hallmark of Persian cuisine.
2. Khoresht-e Fesenjan – Pomegranate Walnut Stew
This iconic Persian stew that has won everyone’s hearts is a must on every Persian wedding menu. Originating from the north of Iran, this dish is traditionally made with duck or fish but nowadays, it is more common with chicken.
Made With: Duck, fish or chicken
Why It’s Famous: Its rich flavor comes from slow simmering.
3. Tahchin Morgh – Persian Saffron Rice Cake
Tahchin is a cake-like dish made in two parts: the thin Tahdig part (chicken filets, saffron, and other ingredients) at the base of the cooking pot and the second part which is layered with flavored white rice. For a vegetable version of this dish, it can be cooked without meat. Tahchin is undoubtedly one of the most delicious and beautiful foods from Iran.
Made With: Rice, yogurt, saffron, egg, and chicken filets
Why It’s Famous: Its golden crust (tahdig) and attractive appearance.
4. Joojeh Kebabs – Saffron Lemon Chicken Skewers
Joojeh kababs also known as Persian kababs are chicken grilled on charcoal. Pieces of chicken are marinated with grated onion, lemon, salt, saffron and are grilled to perfection on charcoal or fire. Joojeh kababs are best served with grilled tomatoes, saffron rice, and butter.
Made With: Chicken,grated onion, lemon, and saffron.
Why It’s Famous: The unique taste of the Persian Chicken kebabs from the grill and the rich flavors of marination.
5. Ashe Reshteh – Persian Noodle Soup
‘Ash’ means soup in Farsi and ‘Reshteh’ which is the noodles, is a spiced soup usually prepared during the winter. This delicious thick soup is cooked in different ways in different cities. This is a great Persian food that you will fall in love with instantly!
Made With: Vegetables, chickpeas, beans, noodles, and plenty of herbs.
Why It’s Famous: Simplest dish made with simple ingredients but tastes great.
6. Khoresht-e Gheimeh – Traditional Persian Stew
Khoresh Gheimeh, also known as polo Gheymeh is a very popular Persian stew. There are two versions of this soup, one with fried potatoes which is called Gheimeh Sibzamini, and the other with fried eggplant which is called Gheimeh Bademjan. It is usually served with French fries on top accompanied by yellow rice mixed with white rice.
Made With: Minced meat (lamb/beef), onions, split peas, tomato paste, dried lemon and spices.
Why It’s Famous: A comfort food that is served every day.
7. Abgoosht – Meat And Bean Broth
Abgoosht also known as Dizi is an ancient meat and bean broth dish which is cooked in small individual stone pots. It goes well with bread, onion, butter, yogurt, and fresh greens on the side. In the 16th century it used to be a meal for labourers and the working class, however, today it is a top food in Iran.
Made With: Lamb meat, chickpeas, beans, onions, potatoes, and tomatoes
Why It’s Famous: One of Iran’s oldest traditional meals.
8. Baghali Polo – Persian Rice With Fava Beans And Dill
Another famous dish from the top of Iran’s food list is the Baghali Polo, also called Sabzi Polo. It is a classic rice dish that is generally cooked on special occasions like weddings, parties, and festivals. Baghali Polo with meat is one of the most expensive meals that you can see on the menu of luxury restaurants.
Made With: Basmati rice, saffron, fava beans, and green dill.
Why It’s Famous: It is a deeply flavorful, visually stunning, and satisfying dish.
9. Ghormeh Sabzi – Meat And Herbs Stew
Another favorite Persian food, the Ghormeh sabzi is sometimes referred to as the national dish of Iran. Like the other Persian dishes, this too is cooked on low heat for a long duration to bring out the best of all the ingredients. It is served with rice on official occasions as well as a family meal.
Made With: Five kinds of herbs, vegetables, onion, Omani lemon, red beans, and sheep, veal, or lamb meat.
Why It’s Famous: A healthy dish that is loved by locals and tourists alike.
10. Dolmeh Barge Mo – Stuffed Grape Leaves
Dolmeh Barge Mo are Persian appetizers that are generally made during the spring season. The best time to make them is during spring when the grape leaves are fresh and sour. There are many types of Dolma but the ones filled with grape leaves are the most classic of them all.
Made With: Rice, yellow split peas, herbs, and meat.
Why It’s Famous: It was the local dish of the West and East Azerbaijan provinces but today its deep flavour has made it a versatile appetizer and is cooked all over Iran.
11. Persian Halim – Wheat And Meat Porridge
Halim is a traditional Persian meal that is in great demand during the fasting months. There are different ways of cooking this dish but the most common way to prepare Halim is the traditional way (slow cooking). It is also served as breakfast during winter to keep warm throughout the day.
Made With: Wheat and meat (red meat, preferably lamb or turkey).
Why It’s Famous: Extremely nutritious and a good source of energy during fasting months.
12. Kotlet – Spicy Meat And Potato Croquettes
The spicy meat and potato croquettes are a dish served during the festive season. These semi-flat circles are fried and served with bread, vegetables, tomato, pickled cucumber, French fries, and sauce.
Made With: Minced meat, potatoes, onions, eggs, flour, and spices.
Why It’s Famous: A versatile dish that can be had either as an appetizer or as a main meal.
Suggested Reads: What Does The Future Hold For Iran Tourism?
Conclusion
These traditional Persian dishes are commonly found in Persian homes, local restaurants, and traditional eateries across the country. So now that you are ready to indulge in some mouth-watering Persian food, dive into the rich, flavorful world of Persian cuisine and share your experience in the comment section below. Take your taste buds on a culinary journey like never before.
FAQs
The rice used to cook depends on the food type and the occasion. There are different types of rice in Iran such as Gerde, Domsiah, Champa, Doodi, Lenjan, and Tarom but the most commonly used rice in Iranian cooking is the white Basmati rice.
Iran is famous for its rich culture, architecture, literature, and unbeatable cuisine. Ancient Persians were great thinkers who wrote influential texts on philosophy and medicine. Algebra, a branch of mathematics, was also invented by a Persian.
Indian cuisine uses a lot of chili powder and masalas, however, Persian food is subtle with a balance between sweet and sour. The use of fresh herbs and spices is on the higher side compared to Indian food.
Every Iranian meal consists of rice, herbs, cheese, a variety of flatbreads, and meat like poultry, beef, lamb, or fish. Different types of stew with rice are by far the most popular dish among them all.
Different types of stew over rice, Ghormeh sabzi, and Kebabs are the 3 popular dishes in Iran.
Almost all of the Persian food is loaded with veggies and herbs that are very good for your health. However, excessive intake of white rice can be substituted with healthier brown Basmati rice or wild rice blends.
