From a foreign tourist's point of view, one of the most striking characteristics of Iranian culture is hospitality, but the majority of them consider delicious and unique Iranian foods as another remarkable feature of Persian culture. While traveling around Iran, you can experience a great variety of culinary delights. Traditional stew dishes, tasty kebabs, savory soups and some other local prepared meals are something each district has to offer. The diversity in components and recipes is owed to the various climates which exist across the country. Here is the list of top must-try traditional dishes when you’re visiting Iran.
1) Ghormeh Sabzi
One of the most famous Persian stew is Ghormeh Sabzi that is Made from lots of herbs, kidney beans, and lamb. That is seasoned with dried Limon and serve with rice. An herbal combination including spinach, parsley, scallions, fresh coriander, and fenugreek leaves makes a stew with a unique flavor. It's one of the tastiest meals for vegans.
2) Fesenjan
Fesenjan should consider as one of the oldest and foremost traditional stews that is an essential part of the ceremonies in Iran. It's Made from walnuts, pomegranate concentrate, and chicken that take up to 4 hours of cook time. Keep in mind this point that When Iranians cook and serve Fesenjan at a party, they roll out the red carpet for you and you’re a special guest.
3) Gheimeh Bademjan (Khoresht Gheimeh)
Gheimeh Bademjan is a famous stew that is made from beef, split pea, dried limes, and tomato sauce. It's usually served with fried potatoes and large pieces of barbecued eggplants. It can be an excellent choice for vegans.
4) Ash Reshte
Ash reshteh is a kind of delicious soup that is made from chickpeas, beans, lentils, grilled onions, mint, Persian wheat-noodles, spices, and plenty of herbs. It's generally served in the winter. It's recommended to vegans.
5) Dizi
Dizi or Abgoosht is one of the rich and nutritious dishes you've ever seen. A combination of carbohydrates, protein, fats, and fresh herbs makes a healthy balanced meal. It's an easy dish to make, but it takes a very long time to simmer. The ingredients of Abgoosht vary from region to region. The dish is usually served with onions and Persian carbonated drink of yogurt called Doogh.
6) Zereshk Polo Morgh
Zereshk Polo Morgh is a classic rice dish made with saffron and barberries beside a chicken that is seasoned by tomato sauce, saffron sauce, and spices. it's served with a side of sour Salad called Shirazi salad (cucumbers, tomatoes, and onions).
7) Baghali polo
Baghali polo is a luxurious Iranian dish. This rice dish is made with saffron, fava beans, and green dill that is served with a well-done lamb. Baghali polo is a main part of the Persian menu that is found in many restaurants.
8) Koofteh Tabrizi
Koofteh Tabrizi is a tasty mixture of split peas, walnuts, berries, barberries, prunes, spices, and lamb that are cooked in broth.
9) Sabzi polo
Sabzi polo is a traditional Iranian meal for the Persian new year called Nowruz. This rice dish is usually served with fish. It can be marinated in lemon juice, saffron and then fry or stuffed with vegetables and bake.
10) Kebabs
Kebabs have great diversity in Iran. The most popular one is Koobideh that is ground meat seasoned with minced onion, salt, pepper and saffron. It sounds simple, but the savour is perfect. Kebab-e Barg is another type of Kebab that is thinly sliced lamb or beef, flavored with lemon juice, onion and a mixture of saffron and butter. Chicken kebab or Joojeh kebab is made from a whole chicken bone-in or bone-out and marinated in lemon, onion, salt, pepper and saffron for 24 hours. The pieces of chicken are grilled over a fire and serve with grilled tomatoes and onions.
