Must-Try Foods In Persepolis (Shiraz) For Tourists 2026 - 2027

Food History of Persepolis, Shiraz, Iran

The ancient city of Persepolis, located near Shiraz in Iran, is steeped in history and culture that extends to its culinary traditions. Although the ruins of Persepolis don't offer direct insights into the specific dishes of the era, historical records indicate that the Persian empire had a rich and varied cuisine. Influenced by the vast empire's reach, Persian food incorporated ingredients and techniques from across Central Asia, the Middle East, and the Mediterranean. Classic Persian ingredients such as saffron, pomegranates, and various herbs would have been prominent, representing not just the flavors but also the agricultural knowledge and trade capabilities of the time.

Must-Try Top 10 Food Dishes in Persepolis, Shiraz, Iran

1. Ghormeh Sabzi - A fragrant herb stew typically made with kidney beans, a variety of herbs, and lamb or chicken (Non-veg).
2. Fesenjan - A rich walnut and pomegranate stew often made with chicken, duck, or sometimes vegetarian options like eggplant (Non-veg, can be made Veg).
3. Kashk e Bademjan - A smoky eggplant dish topped with whey and mint, which is a popular vegetarian option (Veg).
4. Ash-e Reshteh - A hearty noodle soup with beans, herbs, and sour whey, enjoyed across Iran (Veg).
5. Mirza Ghasemi - A northern Iranian dish of smoked eggplant with tomatoes and eggs, typically served as an appetizer (Veg).
6. Khoresh-e Bademjan - An eggplant stew usually served with meat, but it can also be prepared in a vegetarian version (Non-veg, can be made Veg).
7. Tahchin - A savory saffron rice cake often layered with chicken or lamb and yogurt (Non-veg, can be made Veg).
8. Dolmeh Barg-e Mo - Grape leaves stuffed with a mixture of rice, herbs, and sometimes minced meat (Non-veg, can often be Veg).
9. Zereshk Polo - A dish made of basmati rice and barberries often served with chicken (Non-veg).
10. Kookoo Sabzi - A herb and vegetable frittata, typically served during the Persian New Year (Veg).

Top Famous Restaurants in Persepolis, Shiraz, Iran

Haft Khan Restaurant Complex

Address: Roudaki St., Shiraz, Iran

Famous Food: Ghormeh Sabzi (Non-veg)

Shater Abbas Restaurant

Address: Qasrodasht St., Shiraz, Iran

Famous Food: Ghormeh Sabzi and Kabab (Non-veg, however the restaurant typically also offers vegetarian sides and salads)

Sharzeh Restaurant

Address: 22 Bahman St., Shiraz, Iran

Famous Food: Khoresh-e Fesenjan with options for both chicken or vegetarian versions (Non-veg/Veg)

Serkap Restaurant

Address: Afif-Abad St., Shiraz, Iran

Famous Food: Kebabs and rice dishes (Non-veg, with vegetarian options available)

Sofreh Khaneh Sonnati

Address: Nasir Almolk St., Shiraz, Iran

Famous Food: Traditional Persian cuisine, including a variety of stews and kebabs, as well as vegetarian dishes (Non-veg/Veg)

Bagh-e Raz Traditional Restaurant

Address: Lotf Ali Khan Zand St., Shiraz, Iran

Famous Food: Ash-e Reshteh and other traditional soups (Veg)

Note that while these are some of the prominent restaurants in Shiraz close to Persepolis, the actual ancient site of Persepolis itself is primarily an archaeological site and does not have restaurants within the ruins. Visitors can explore the nearby city of Shiraz for dining experiences.