Food In Yazd

Food History of Yazd, Iran

The city of Yazd, situated in the heart of Iran, is not only famous for its unique Persian architecture but also for its rich culinary traditions. The city's history stretches back over 5,000 years and it was known as a center of Zoroastrian culture. It’s the isolation of Yazd, along with the influence of Zoroastrianism, which helped the local cuisine to remain unique and pure. Yazd’s cuisine has been profoundly influenced by the arid climate and the ingenuity needed to cultivate food in such conditions. Over time, locals have developed dishes with high nutritional values that can be preserved for long periods, suitable for the desert environment. Vegetables, grains, and fruits such as pomegranates, apricots, and grapes are central to the diet here, often dried to use later in cooking. Though Yazd is not a coastal city, it incorporates a variety of spices to enhance flavors, much like the rest of Iranian culinary culture. Ash Sholi, a type of vegetable and noodle soup, and Kahoo Sekanjebin, a salad with vinegar syrup dressing, highlight the use of garden produce in their food. While meat does feature prominently in many traditional dishes, Yazd is also known for its sweets such as Baghlava, Qottab, and Pashmak (cotton candy).

Top 10 Food Dishes in Yazd, Iran

1. Khoresht Gheymeh - A rich stew of split peas and tomatoes, often flavored with dried limes and served with a side of rice. (Non-Veg)
2. Khoresht Bamiyeh - This stew is made with okra, meat, and a tomato base, usually enjoyed with fluffy Persian rice. (Non-Veg)
3. Kal Kabab - Grilled slices of eggplant topped with whey sauce, walnuts, mint, and onions, typically served with bread. (Veg)
4. Kashk-e Bademjan - An eggplant-based dish topped with curds and a variety of seasonings, eaten with bread. (Veg)
5. Ash Sholi - A hearty, nutritious soup filled with beans, herbs, and noodles. (Veg)
6. Shir Berenj - A Persian rice pudding flavored with cardamom and often garnished with cinnamon or almonds. (Veg)
7. Faloodeh - A traditional cold dessert consisting of thin vermicelli noodles made from starch in a semi-frozen syrup made from sugar and rose water. (Veg)
8. Zoolbia - Deep-fried pastry soaked in a syrup of sugar and rose water, crispy on the outside and sweet and syrupy inside. (Veg)
9. Qottab - Almond-filled pastry that is deep-fried and then dusted with powdered sugar, a treat originating from Yazd. (Veg)
10. Haleem Bademjan - A rich and creamy pureed dish made from eggplant, meat, wheat, and various spices. (Non-Veg)

Top Famous Restaurants in Yazd, Iran

Malek-o Tojjar Hotel – Traditional Restaurant

Address: Panje Ali Bazar, Yazd, Iran

Famous food: Khoresht Gheymeh (Non-Veg)

Marco-Polo Rooftop Restaurant

Address: Rooftop of Silk Road Hotel, Beheshti Ave, Yazd, Iran

Famous food: Ash Sholi (Veg)

Khan Dohad Traditional Restaurant

Address: Masjed Jame Alley, Qiam Ave, Yazd, Iran

Famous food: Joojeh Kabab (Non-Veg) - Please note that while "Joojeh Kabab" typically involves chicken, verification about the choice of meat should be made by visitors who avoid cow meat.

Termeh & Toranj Restaurant

Address: Fahadan old hood, Yazd, Iran

Famous food: Faloodeh (Veg)

Mehriz Restaurant

Address: Mehriz, Iran

Famous food: Khoresht Bamiyeh (Non-Veg)

Baam Traditional Restaurant

Address: Imam Street, Yazd, Iran

Famous food: Kal Kabab (Veg)