Food In Tehran

Food History of Tehran, Iran

The cuisine of Tehran, as with the rest of Iran, is a rich tapestry woven from many cultural influences and historical epochs. The city’s food reflects the various dynasties that have ruled Persia, including the Medes, Achaemenids, Parthians, Sassanids, and the many post-Islam caliphates. Persian food is characterized by rice dishes, a variety of kebabs, stews (called "khoresht"), and a diverse selection of breads, flavored with a range of herbs, nuts, fruits, and spices such as saffron, dried lime, cinnamon, and turmeric. The cuisine is also notable for its emphasis on freshness and the use of seasonal produce.

Must-Try Top 10 Food Dishes in Tehran, Iran

1. Tahchin - A savory rice cake made with yogurt, eggs, and saffron, often layered with chicken or lamb, and baked to create a crispy crust. (Non-Veg)
2. Ash Reshteh - A hearty vegetarian noodle soup mixed with beans, herbs, and tangy kashk (fermented whey). (Veg)
3. Kashk-e Bademjan - Mashed and sautéed eggplants topped with kashk, onions, garlic, and mint. A popular vegetarian appetizer. (Veg)
4. Mirza Ghasemi - A Northern Iranian dish of smoked eggplants, tomatoes, and eggs, usually served as an appetizer or main dish. (Veg)
5. Fesenjan - A luxurious stew made with pomegranate molasses, ground walnuts, and traditionally duck or chicken, offering a unique sweet and sour flavor. (Non-Veg)
6. Ghormeh Sabzi - A flavorful herb stew consisting of parsley, leeks, and coriander, cooked with kidney beans, dried limes, and usually lamb or beef. (Non-Veg)
7. Dizi - A traditional stew made of lamb, chickpeas, and potatoes, commonly served with bread and a variety of pickles. (Non-Veg)
8. Kuku Sabzi - A Persian-style frittata laden with fresh herbs like coriander and dill, along with walnuts and barberries. (Veg)
9. Sholeh Zard - A fragrant saffron rice pudding, flavored with rose water, cardamom, and garnished with almonds and cinnamon. (Veg)
10. Doogh - A savory yogurt-based drink often paired with Iranian meals, typically made with mint and sometimes carbonated water. (Veg)

Top Famous Restaurants in Tehran, Iran

Shabestan Restaurant

Address: Tehran Province, Tehran, Valiasr St, Alborz Alley

Famous Food: Fesenjan (Non-Veg)

Moslem Restaurant

Address: Grand Bazaar, Panzdah-e-Khordad St, Tehran

Famous Food: Tahchin (Non-Veg)

Gilane Restaurant

Address: Tehran Province, Tehran, Dolat St, No. 283

Famous Food: Mirza Ghasemi (Veg)

Varzaneh Traditional Restaurant

Address: Tehran Province, Tehran, Karim Khan Zand Ave

Famous Food: Ghormeh Sabzi (Non-Veg)

Heeva Cafe Koochini

Address: Tehran Province, Tehran, Ostad Nejatollahi St, No. 320

Famous Food: Kuku Sabzi (Veg)

Ananda Vegetarian Restaurant

Address: Tehran Province, Tehran, Parkway Crossroad, Villa St

Famous Food: A range of vegetarian Persian dishes (Veg)

Darband Restaurant

Address: Sarband Square, Tehran

Famous Food: Dizi (Non-Veg)

Darvish Traditional Tea House

Address: Tehran Province, Tehran, Asadollah Alley, off of Monirieh Square

Famous Food: Traditional Iranian teas and snacks (Veg)