Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them in Ahvāz, Iran
1. Gheimeh Polo
A rich stew of lamb, kidney beans, and dried limes served over saffron-infused rice. Savor the harmony of flavors in Ahvaz's traditional eateries.
- Distinct Spices: Features a unique blend of aromatic spices not found in other Iranian cuisines.
- Slow-Cooked: Prepared over several hours to ensure tender meat and well-infused flavors.
- Saffron Rice: Saffron-infused rice adds a subtle sweetness to the dish.
2. Kebab-e Bamieh
Tender okra coated in breadcrumbs and fried, served with a side of yogurt and tomato sauce. Experience the crispy delight at local kebab houses.
- Crispy Okra: The breaded okra maintains a satisfying crunch while being soft inside.
- Yogurt Sauce: Cooling yogurt sauce balances the spicy tomato sauce perfectly.
- Local Ingredients: Made with fresh okra grown in nearby farms.
3. Fesenjan
A traditional Persian walnut and pomegranate stew flavored with ground chicken or duck. This dish can be found in many restaurants across Ahvaz.
- Walnut Sauce: The unique walnut sauce gives Fesenjan a nutty, slightly sweet flavor.
- Pomegranate Molasses: Tart pomegranate molasses balances the richness of the walnut sauce.
- Persian Herbs: Infused with various aromatic Persian herbs such as cinnamon and saffron.
4. Ash Reshte Khoobideh
A hearty noodle soup filled with beans, vegetables, and tender lamb meatballs. Enjoy this comfort food at local eateries.
- Lamb Meatballs: Tender lamb meatballs add a savory touch to the soup.
- Noodles: Long, flat noodles called reshte give the soup a unique texture.
- Spicy Broth: The spicy broth is flavored with various aromatic spices and herbs.
5. Khoresht Mast
A tangy yogurt stew made with potatoes and fava beans. This dish is a must-try at Ahvaz's traditional eateries.
- Yogurt Sauce: The creamy yogurt sauce gives the stew its unique tangy flavor.
- Fava Beans: Soft, earthy fava beans contrast beautifully with the tender potatoes.
- Local Yogurt: Made with fresh yogurt from local dairies.
6. Adas Polo
A fragrant rice dish cooked with lentils and a variety of fruits such as apricots, raisins, and barberries. Experience this unique fusion at Ahvaz's restaurants.
- Fruit Infusion: The combination of fruits gives Adas Polo a sweet-yet-tart flavor.
- Lentils: The tender lentils add texture and protein to the dish.
- Saffron Rice: Saffron-infused rice adds a subtle sweetness and aroma.
7. Bereyme Akhte
A traditional dessert made from fried vermicelli soaked in sugar syrup and flavored with rose water or saffron. Try this sweet treat at local pastry shops.
- Fried Vermicelli: Crispy fried vermicelli offers a satisfying crunch.
- Sugar Syrup: The sweet sugar syrup gives the dessert a delightful stickiness.
- Floral Flavors: Flavored with rose water or saffron, creating a delicate aroma.
8. Sohan Asali
A traditional Iranian candy made from sugar, rosewater, and pistachios. Visit local confectioneries to taste this delectable treat.
- Pistachio Coating: The generous layer of pistachios adds a satisfying crunch.
- Rosewater Flavor: Infused with fragrant rosewater, creating an irresistible aroma.
- Sugar Base: A rich, sweet sugar base provides the perfect canvas for the pistachios and rosewater.
9. Gaz-e Khiar
A refreshing yogurt drink flavored with cucumber, mint, and salt. Beat the heat at local shops.
- Cooling Drink: Ideal for cooling down on hot Ahvaz days.
- Fresh Cucumber: The fresh cucumber adds a crisp texture and subtle flavor.
- Mint Infusion: Infused with mint for a refreshing, cooling effect.
10. Sholeh Zard
A traditional Persian saffron-infused rice pudding sweetened with sugar and flavored with cardamom. Try this dessert at Ahvaz's eateries.
- Saffron Infusion: The golden saffron infuses the pudding with a delicate aroma and color.
- Cardamom Flavor: The warm, inviting flavor of cardamom complements the sweetness perfectly.
- Thick Creamy Texture: Creamy and thick in texture, making it a satisfying dessert.
11. Baghali Polo
A rice dish cooked with fava beans and dill. Enjoy this simple yet flavorful dish at local restaurants.
- Fava Beans: The soft, earthy fava beans add a rich flavor to the rice.
- Dill Infusion: The fresh dill adds a bright, herby aroma and flavor.
- Saffron Rice: Saffron-infused rice adds a subtle sweetness and aroma to the dish.
12. Ghalye Sabzi
A vegetarian stew made with various fresh herbs, spinach, beans, and served over rice. Try this healthy dish at local eateries.
- Fresh Herbs: Features a variety of fresh herbs such as parsley, cilantro, and dill.
- Spinach Base: Creamy spinach forms the base of the stew.
- Rice Side: Served over aromatic basmati rice.
13. Khoresht Gheimeh Baademjan
A stew made with lamb, kidney beans, and eggplant. This hearty dish can be found at many Ahvaz restaurants.
- Lamb Meat: Tender lamb meat adds a savory flavor to the stew.
- Kidney Beans: Soft, earthy kidney beans contrast beautifully with the tender lamb meat.
- Eggplant: The smoky flavor of eggplant adds depth to the stew.
14. Kufteh Tabrizi
Meatballs made from ground lamb and beef mixed with various aromatic spices. Try these delicious meatballs at local kebab houses.
- Ground Lamb & Beef: The combination of ground lamb and beef creates a juicy, flavorful meatball.
- Aromatic Spices: Infused with various aromatic spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, and cardamom.
- Grilled to Perfection: Grilled until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside while remaining tender inside.
15. Dolma-e Bamieh
Stuffed okra filled with a mixture of ground meat, rice, and aromatic herbs. This dish is often found at local eateries.
- Ground Meat & Rice Filling: The savory filling made from ground meat and rice adds flavor to the okra.
- Aromatic Herbs: Infused with aromatic herbs such as parsley, cilantro, and dill.
- Crispy Okra: The crispy okra contrasts beautifully with the tender filling.