If you’re planning to visit Iran, the capital city of Iran, then you’re in for a treat when it comes to food! With popular Iranian food, rich culinary history and a diverse range of traditional dishes, Iran offers a unique gastronomic experience.
Start your day with a hearty breakfast of traditional Persian omelet (Kuku) or a plate of warm, freshly-baked Barbari bread with some feta cheese and jam. For lunch, go with authentic Iranian cuisines, such as juicy kebabs, aromatic rice dishes like Zereshk Polo, or a bowl of Aash, a hearty soup that comes in different varieties. In the evening, you can indulge in some street food like falafel or traditional Persian sweets like Zulbia and Bamieh.
Iranalso has a vibrant coffee culture with plenty of cozy cafes serving up everything from cappuccinos to Turkish coffee. So, whether you’re a foodie or just looking to explore the local cuisine, Iranis sure to leave your taste buds satisfied!
Explore the rich culinary history of Iran. With These Popular Iranian Foods
In this blog, we will delve into Iran cuisine and what foods is Iranknown for and explore some of the must-try dishes when visiting this gastronomic wonderland.
Chelo Kebab
Chelo Kebab is a classic Persian dish consisting of skewered grilled meat (usually lamb or chicken) served with rice and grilled tomatoes. The meat is marinated in a mixture of spices, including saffron, and grilled to perfection over an open flame. The rice is often cooked with butter and saffron, giving it a rich and aromatic flavor. Chelo Kebab is a staple of Iranian cuisine and is enjoyed by locals and tourists alike.
Ghormeh Sabzi
Ghormeh Sabzi is a stew made with herbs, kidney beans, and lamb or beef. It is often considered the national dish of Iran and is enjoyed throughout the country. The herbs used in the stew include parsley, cilantro, and fenugreek, which give it a unique flavor and aroma. Ghormeh Sabzi is typically served with rice and is a hearty and satisfying meal.
Dizi
Dizi is a traditional Iranian soup made with lamb or beef, chickpeas, and vegetables. The meat is cooked until it falls off the bone, and the soup is typically served with bread and sometimes with yogurt. Dizi is a comfort food in Iran and is often enjoyed on cold winter days.
Fesenjan
Fesenjan is a rich and flavorful stew made with pomegranate molasses, walnuts, and chicken or meat. The combination of sweet and sour flavors makes it a unique and delicious dish. Fesenjan is often served with rice and is a popular dish for special occasions.
Ash Reshteh
Ash Reshteh is a vegetarian soup made with beans, noodles, herbs, and sometimes whey. The soup is typically garnished with fried onions and mint and is a hearty and nutritious meal. Ash Reshteh is a popular dish during the Persian New Year and other celebrations.
Kookoo Sabzi
One of the most popular Iranian breakfast dishes is Kookoo Sabzi, a type of herb omelet. It is made with eggs, herbs, and sometimes walnuts. The herbs used in Kookoo Sabzi vary but usually include parsley, coriander, and dill. This dish is usually served with bread and yogurt.
Baghali Polo
Baghali Polo is another popular Iranian rice dish. It is made with dill and fava beans and is often served with lamb or chicken. The rice is first cooked and then mixed with the fava beans and dill. The result is a fragrant and flavorful rice dish that is perfect for any occasion.
Tahchin
Tahchin is a savory rice cake made with chicken or meat, yogurt, and saffron. It is a popular Iranian dish that is often served at special occasions such as weddings and parties. The rice is cooked with chicken or meat, yogurt, and saffron, and then layered with cooked chicken or meat before being baked.
Zereshk Polo
Zereshk Polo is another delicious Iranian rice dish. It is made with barberries, saffron, and chicken. The barberries add a sweet and sour flavor to the dish, and the saffron gives it a beautiful golden color. This dish is often served with grilled chicken or lamb.
Abgoosht
Abgoosht is a hearty soup made with lamb, chickpeas, and potatoes. It is a popular comfort food in Iran and is often served with bread. The lamb is first cooked in a pressure cooker, along with chickpeas and potatoes, until it is tender. The soup is then flavored with spices such as turmeric and cumin.
Mirza Ghassemi
Mirza Ghassemi is a smoked eggplant and tomato dip with garlic and egg. This appetizer is usually served with bread. The eggplant is first roasted over an open flame until it is tender and smoky. The eggplant is then mixed with chopped tomatoes, garlic, and egg to create a delicious dip.
Gheymeh
Gheymeh is a stew made with yellow split peas, beef, and tomato sauce. It is often served with fried potatoes on top and accompanied by rice. The yellow split peas give the dish a thick and hearty texture, and the tomato sauce adds a rich flavor. The dish is then topped with fried potatoes to add a crispy texture.
Koobideh
Koobideh is a type of kebab made with ground beef or lamb and grilled on skewers. It is usually served with bread or rice and grilled vegetables. The meat is first marinated in a mixture of spices such as saffron, sumac, and turmeric before being grilled. This dish is perfect for a barbecue or outdoor gathering.
Mast-o-Khiar
Mast-o-Khiar is a refreshing side dish made with yogurt, cucumber, and mint. It is perfect to accompany any meal. The yogurt gives the dish a creamy texture, and the cucumber and mint add a fresh flavor. This side dish is perfect for hot summer days or to balance out the flavors of a spicy main course.
Sholeh Zard
A sweet rice pudding made with saffron, sugar, and rosewater. It is often topped with cinnamon and almonds, giving it a unique and fragrant taste. It is often topped with cinnamon and almonds, adding a delightful crunch to the creamy texture. Sholeh Zard is a must-try dessert that will leave you craving for more.
Ash-e-Doogh
This tangy soup is perfect for hot summer days as it is refreshing and light. It is made with yogurt, herbs, and chickpeas, giving it a unique taste. The soup is often garnished with fresh herbs and served with bread. If you want to try something different and healthy, Ash-e-Doogh is the perfect choice.
Joojeh Kabab
If you are a fan of grilled meat, then you must try Joojeh Kabab. This dish is made with marinated chicken that is grilled to perfection. The marinade includes saffron, lemon juice, and yogurt, adding a tangy and flavorful taste. Joojeh Kabab is often served with grilled tomatoes and bread, making it a complete meal. This dish is a must-try for meat lovers.
Haleem
Haleem is another savory Iranian dish that is popular among locals and tourists alike. This porridge-like dish is made with wheat, lentils, and meat, giving it a hearty and filling taste. It is usually topped with fried onions and served with bread, making it a complete meal. Haleem is a portion of perfect comfort food that you must try when visiting Iran.
Ghormeh Bademjan
Ghormeh Bademjan is a popular Iranian stew that is made with eggplant, kidney beans, and beef or lamb. The dish is cooked slowly to allow the flavors to blend together, resulting in a delicious and hearty meal. Ghormeh Bademjan is often served with rice, making it a perfect main course. The combination of tender meat, creamy eggplant, and aromatic spices makes this dish a must-try for anyone visiting Iran.
Baghlava
Last but not least, Baghlava is a sweet pastry that is a staple in Iranian cuisine. This pastry is made with layers of phyllo dough, nuts, and syrup, giving it a rich and sweet taste. Baghlava is a perfect dessert to try with a cup of tea or Persian coffee. It is often served during special occasions such as weddings and festivals, making it a part of Iranian culture.
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