Gosh-e fil & doogh is a traditional combination of the sweet dessert gosh-e fil and the sour drink doogh, typical of the city of Esfahan. This pairing is well-known across Iran but is most closely associated with Esfahan, where it is considered one of the most iconic local specialties.
Gosh-e fil (گوش فیل), literally “elephant ears,” is a traditional Iranian dessert made from fried dough. Its name comes from its characteristic appearance, which is said to resemble large elephant ears. (Honestly? I don’t really see the ears in this dessert 😁).
It is made from a simple dough, which is soaked in a sweet syrup after frying. The syrup is traditionally flavored with rose water, saffron, or cardamom. Gosh-e fil is slightly crispy on the outside, light and airy on the inside, with a distinctly sweet taste.
Doogh (دوغ) is a traditional Iranian drink made from yogurt, water, and salt. It is flavored with dried mint. Doogh is considered a national drink in Iran.
The combination of the sweet dessert gosh-e fil and the salty drink doogh might seem unusual at first glance. In Esfahan, this unique pairing is highly popular and is a part of the city’s culinary traditions.
The reason lies in the balance of flavors; the pronounced sweetness of gosh-e fil is perfectly complemented by the salty and sour taste of doogh. The drink also neutralizes the sweetness in the mouth and aids digestion of the fried dessert.
I’m not a big fan of fried sweets soaked in sugar syrup, but I couldn’t resist trying one serving of this intriguing combination. At a specialized bistro, it cost me 400,000 IRR (0.45 EUR) – see Where to Eat in Esfahan.
Bon appétit!
