Known for its aromatic spices, fresh herbs, and a variety of cooking techniques, Iranian food emphasizes the use of high-quality ingredients and the art of balancing flavors. Rice is a staple in Iranian meals, often served alongside a range of stews, kebabs, and salads that highlight the country’s love for bold tastes and textures. We will explore some popular foods in Iran in this article.

One of the most iconic dishes of Iran is Chelo Kebab, which features grilled meat served with fluffy saffron-infused rice. Meals are typically communal, emphasizing hospitality and sharing, with many dishes incorporating vegetables, legumes, and nuts. The use of ingredients such as pomegranates, saffron, and yogurt adds depth and richness to the cuisine.

Here is a list of 50 popular foods in Iran, showcasing the delightful flavors and dishes that define this unique cuisine:

Popular Foods To Try In Iran

1. Chelo Kebab
   The national dish of Iran, consisting of grilled meat (usually lamb or chicken) served with fluffy saffron rice; it’s often accompanied by grilled tomatoes.
2. Ghormeh Sabzi
   A fragrant herb stew made with lamb or beef, kidney beans, and a mix of fresh herbs; it’s typically served over rice.
3. Fesenjan
   A rich stew made from ground walnuts and pomegranate molasses with chicken or duck; it has a unique sweet-sour flavor profile.
4. Tahdig
   The crispy rice crust formed at the bottom of the pot during cooking; it’s considered a delicacy and often served as a side dish.
5. Zereshk Polo
   Saffron rice mixed with barberries (zereshk) for a tangy flavor; it’s commonly served with chicken.
6. Khoresht-e Bademjan
   An eggplant stew made with lamb or beef cooked in tomato sauce; it’s often enjoyed with rice.
7. Dolmeh
   Stuffed grape leaves filled with rice, herbs, and sometimes meat; they are typically served as appetizers or side dishes.
8. Saffron Ice Cream (Bastani)
   A traditional Persian ice cream flavored with saffron and rosewater; it often contains pistachios or almonds.
9. Ash Reshteh
   A thick noodle soup made with beans, herbs, and reshteh (Persian noodles); it’s hearty and nutritious.
10. Kebab-e Torsh
    A marinated kebab made from lamb or beef soaked in a mixture of yogurt, herbs, and sour pomegranate juice before grilling.
11. Shirin Polow
    Sweet rice pilaf made with saffron, orange zest, nuts, and dried fruits; it’s often served during festive occasions.
12. Mirza Ghasemi
    A smoky eggplant dip made from roasted eggplants blended with garlic, tomatoes, and eggs; it’s typically served as an appetizer.
13. Khoresht-e Gheymeh
    A split pea stew made with lamb or beef flavored with dried lime; it’s usually served over rice.
14. Baghali Polo
    Rice mixed with dill and fava beans; often paired with lamb shanks for a delicious meal.
15. Sambuseh
    Savory pastries filled with spiced potatoes or meat; they are popular street snacks in Iran.
16. Kebab-e Koobideh
    Ground meat kebabs made from minced lamb or beef seasoned with spices; they are grilled on skewers and served with rice.
17. Pomegranate Molasses Chicken
    Chicken marinated in pomegranate molasses for a sweet-sour flavor before being baked or grilled.
18. Dizi (Abgoosht)
    A hearty lamb stew cooked in a clay pot that combines meat, chickpeas, potatoes, and tomatoes; traditionally served with bread.
19. Tahini Dip (Tahini)
    A creamy dip made from ground sesame seeds; often enjoyed as an appetizer alongside bread or vegetables.
20. Salad Shirazi
    A refreshing salad made from diced cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, and herbs dressed in lemon juice; it’s a common side dish.
21. Kashk-e Bademjan
    A warm eggplant dip flavored with kashk (fermented whey), garlic, onions, and spices; it’s rich in flavor and typically served as an appetizer.
22. Bastani Sonnati
    Traditional Persian ice cream made from milk, sugar, saffron, rosewater, and pistachios; it’s creamy and aromatic.
23. Gheymeh Nesar
    A festive version of gheymeh made with fragrant rice mixed with dried fruits like barberries and nuts along with tender meat.
24. Khoresht-e Fesenjan
    A rich stew made from ground walnuts cooked in pomegranate juice along with chicken or duck for sweetness.
25. Torshi (Pickled Vegetables)
    Assorted pickled vegetables that add tanginess to meals; they are commonly served alongside main dishes.
26. Naan-e Barbari
    Traditional Persian flatbread known for its thick crust topped with sesame seeds; it’s often enjoyed fresh out of the oven.
27. Gavazn Mahi (Fish Stew)
    Fish cooked in a spiced tomato sauce flavored with herbs like cilantro; it’s light yet flavorful when served over rice.
28. Pistachio Baklava
    Sweet pastry layered with nuts and honey syrup; it’s popular during celebrations and special occasions.
29. Yogurt (Mast)
    Creamy yogurt often flavored with herbs or garlic; it’s commonly enjoyed as a side dish or condiment to main meals.
30. Chalow (Steamed Rice)
    Plain steamed rice that serves as a base for various stews or kebabs; it’s fluffy and aromatic when cooked correctly.
31. Halva
    A sweet dessert made from semolina flour cooked in sugar syrup flavored typically using cardamom—popular during religious occasions!
32. Saffron Rice Pudding
    Creamy pudding prepared using saffron-infused milk & sugar—delightful dessert option!
33. Khorak-e Morgh
    Chicken dish prepared using aromatic spices & herbs—served alongside rice!
34. Zeytoon Parvardeh
    Marinated olives mixed together using walnuts & pomegranate molasses—perfectly tangy appetizer!
35. Nargili Kebab
    Grilled kebab wrapped around fragrant herbs—unique twist on traditional kebabs!
36. Torshi Seer
    Pickled garlic cloves infused using vinegar & spices—great accompaniment to many dishes!
37. Ghalieh Mahi
    Fish stew prepared using tamarind & spices—deliciously tangy flavor profile!
38. Baghali Ghatogh
    Fava bean stew flavored using dill & eggs—popular comfort food option!
39. Pomegranate Salad
    Fresh salad featuring pomegranate seeds mixed together using herbs & dressing—refreshing addition!
40. Dizi Pot Stew
    Traditional lamb stew cooked within clay pots—richly flavored meal enjoyed by many!
41. Kashk-e Kadoo
    Pumpkin stew prepared using kashk & spices—unique vegetarian dish option!
42. Saffron Chicken Stew
    Chicken cooked together using saffron-infused broth—deliciously aromatic meal!
43. Aash-e Reshteh Soup
    Thick noodle soup featuring beans & herbs—comforting bowl enjoyed during colder months!
44. Baklava Rolls
    Rolled baklava filled using nuts & honey syrup—sweet treat enjoyed during celebrations!
45. Fried Eggplant Slices
    Crispy fried eggplant slices seasoned lightly—popular snack item across households!
46. Roasted Chestnuts
    Chestnuts roasted until tender & flavorful—a delightful winter snack!
47. Cucumber Yogurt Dip (Mast-o-Khiar)
    Refreshing dip prepared using yogurt mixed together using diced cucumbers & mint—great accompaniment!
48. Persian Date Cookies (Klecha)
    Date-filled cookies traditionally prepared during celebrations—a sweet treat enjoyed widely!
49. Mint Tea
    Refreshing tea brewed together using fresh mint leaves—a common beverage choice throughout Iran!
50. Local Sweets (Shirin)
    Assorted traditional sweets prepared using various ingredients like dates & nuts—a delightful end to meals!

This extensive list captures the essence of Iranian cuisine—a delightful blend of flavors that reflects the country’s rich cultural heritage!

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Explore Iran Further

• Iran [Country Info]