Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them in Eşfahān, Eşfahān, Iran
1. Aab-e Ghaem
Saffron-infused yogurt drink, a refreshing delight unique to Esfahan. Served in traditional earthenware cups.
- Refreshing: A perfect thirst quencher on hot summer days
- Traditional Cups: Enjoy the drink in authentic Esfahan pottery cups.
- Health Benefits: Rich in probiotics and saffron, benefits digestive health
2. Ash-e Reshte
Long noodle soup with herbs and beans, a popular comfort food in Esfahan. Served piping hot.
- Comfort Food: Ideal for cold winter evenings
- Lovely Presentation: Elegant, long noodles create a visual appeal
- Versatile Ingredients: Different versions can include lamb, vegetables, or even dried fruits
3. Bereystan
Sweet, crunchy pastries filled with dates and nuts. A classic Esfahan dessert.
- Sweet Delight: A perfect end to a meal
- Unique Filling: Includes local dates and nuts for a unique flavor combination
- Traditional Pastry: Prepared using traditional Iranian pastry techniques
4. Gol-e Zard
A golden saffron and rosewater drink, served chilled. A symbol of Esfahan's hospitality.
- Refreshing: Ideal for hot summer days
- Luxurious Saffron: Rich saffron flavor makes it a luxurious beverage
- Hospitality: Offered to guests as a mark of respect and friendship
5. Khoresht-e Gheimeh
Lamb stew with split peas, served with polo (persian rice). A hearty meal in Esfahan.
- Hearty Meal: Perfect for cold winter days
- Unique Spices: Features Iranian spices like saffron and turmeric
- Comfort Food: A popular dish that families often enjoy together
6. Kebab-e Beryani
Grilled lamb kebabs seasoned with saffron and yogurt. Served in Esfahan's bustling streets.
- Tasty Snack: A tasty treat for tourists exploring the city
- Distinctive Saffron Flavor: Features the unique flavor of local saffron
- Street Food Experience: Enjoy it in the vibrant, lively atmosphere of Esfahan's streets
7. Polo-e Mahicheh
Rice dish with dried fruits and nuts, a specialty in Esfahan. Served with various stews.
- Flavorful Rice: A tasty accompaniment to many dishes
- Unique Texture: The chewy texture of the fruits and nuts adds a delightful twist
- Traditional Dish: A longstanding part of Iranian cuisine
8. Sohan-e Esfahan
Delicate sesame brittle, decorated with pistachios and rosewater. A famous souvenir from Esfahan.
- Unique Sesame Flavor: Features a distinct sesame taste
- Beautiful Presentation: Attractive designs make it an ideal souvenir
- Traditional Recipe: Made using a centuries-old recipe
9. Shole Zard
Saffron rice with raisins and almonds. A luxurious dish served in Esfahan.
- Luxurious Rice: A special treat for any meal
- Unique Saffron Flavor: The rich saffron flavor is the dish's signature taste
- Traditional Dish: Has been enjoyed for centuries in Iran
10. Taftan
Sweet, deep-fried pastries filled with various fruits or nuts. A popular dessert in Esfahan.
- Sweet Delight: A perfect end to a meal
- Unique Filling: Features local fruits and nuts for a unique flavor combination
- Traditional Pastry: Prepared using traditional Iranian pastry techniques
11. Zoor-e Naneh
Stuffed flatbread with ground meat and herbs. A popular street food in Esfahan.
- Tasty Snack: A tasty treat for tourists exploring the city
- Unique Stuffing: Features Iranian herbs and ground meat for a distinct flavor
- Street Food Experience: Enjoy it in the vibrant, lively atmosphere of Esfahan's streets
12. Faludeh-e Khoshk
Iranian ice cream dessert made with rosewater, starch, and saffron. Served chilled in Esfahan.
- Refreshing: A perfect cool-down on hot summer days
- Luxurious Saffron: Rich saffron flavor adds a touch of luxury
- Traditional Dish: A longstanding part of Iranian cuisine
13. Mirza Ghassemi
Egg dish with sautéed eggplants and garlic, flavored with tangy ingredients. Served in Esfahan.
- Flavorful Dish: A tasty option for vegetarians
- Unique Ingredients: Features local eggplants and unique seasonings
- Traditional Dish: A longstanding part of Iranian cuisine
14. Shir-e Berenji
Rice pudding sweetened with sugar and flavored with cinnamon. A comforting dessert in Esfahan.
- Sweet Delight: A perfect end to a meal
- Comfort Food: Ideal for cold winter evenings
- Traditional Dish: A longstanding part of Iranian cuisine
15. Sholeh-Zard O Sekkeh
Saffron milk pudding served with crunchy sugar-coated wheat grains. A popular dessert in Esfahan.
- Sweet Delight: A perfect end to a meal
- Unique Texture: The contrast between the smooth pudding and crunchy grains adds a delightful texture
- Traditional Dish: A longstanding part of Iranian cuisine