Bastani sonnati, literally "traditional ice cream," is the pride of Iranian confectionery. It is made from whole milk, cream, sugar, and rose water, with saffron, cardamom, or pistachios adding an irresistible flavor and aroma. Salep, a powder from orchids, plays a key role, giving the ice cream its smooth, elastic, and slightly chewy texture. Another characteristic feature is the inclusion of thin slices of frozen cream, "khameh."
Gosh-e fil & doogh is a traditional combination of the sweet dessert known as gosh-e fil and the sour yogurt-based drink doogh, which is typical of the city of Esfahan. Gosh-e fil, meaning "elephant ears," is a fried dessert made from simple dough, soaked in sweet syrup flavored with rose water, saffron, or cardamom. Doogh is a salty and refreshing drink made from yogurt, water, and mint. Together, they create a perfect contrast.
Mast-o musir is a traditional Iranian yogurt dip. It is made from thick, creamy yogurt and aromatic dried Persian shallot garlic. The name refers to its main ingredients – yogurt (mast) and shallot garlic (musir). Mast-o musir is an essential side dish for grilled meats, but it is also often served on its own with bread, herbs, and vegetables.
Kale pache is a traditional Iranian breakfast specialty, showcasing the "nose-to-tail" concept at its finest. Made from the head and feet of sheep or lambs, it is slowly cooked for hours to achieve tender meat and a broth rich in flavor and gelatin. Typical parts of the dish include tongue, cheeks, brain, eyes, and feet. It is served with broth, into which Iranian bread is broken, and everything is seasoned with cinnamon.
Khoresh-e mast is a unique Iranian dessert from the city of Esfahan. It is made from lamb, thick yogurt, saffron, rose water, and sugar. The dessert is served cold, often garnished with walnuts and barberries. Despite containing meat, it tastes delicate and sweet, with a slightly stretchy texture. Khoresh-e mast is one of Esfahan's most famous regional specialties and, due to its use of meat, one of the most unusual desserts in the world.
Kalaneh is a traditional stuffed flatbread originating from Iranian Kurdistan. It is made from unleavened dough filled with fresh herbs, cheese, meat, or mushrooms. Kalaneh has been part of Kurdish cuisine for generations. It is particularly popular in spring when fresh herbs are in season.
Havij bastani is a traditional Iranian delicacy that combines fresh carrot juice and creamy ice cream. The taste of havij bastani is exceptionally sweet, fresh, and creamy at the same time. This drink is especially popular in Iran during the summer months. Although the combination of carrot juice and creamy ice cream may seem unusual, the flavor is absolutely harmonious.
Tea is an inseparable part of the daily life of Iranians and a symbol of their hospitality. Iranians drink tea on every occasion – from family gatherings to business meetings. Traditional black tea, often sweetened with crystallized sugar, is prepared in a samovar, a device introduced to the country by Russian merchants in the 19th century. Tea is served in small glasses and is sometimes sipped through sugar placed in the mouth. Iran is one of the largest tea consumers in the world.
Fesenjan is one of the most significant dishes in Persian cuisine. Its base is a thick sauce made from ground walnuts and pomegranate juice, with a characteristic sweet and sour flavor and dark brown color. It is most commonly served with poultry, but beef or lamb can also be used. The dish is traditionally served with fluffy rice.
Estamboli polo, translated as "rice Istanbul-style," is a traditional Iranian dish made of rice and potatoes that has gained popularity for its simplicity and accessibility of ingredients. Despite its name, it has no direct connection to Turkish cuisine. It exists in several variations – from the red version with tomatoes and green beans, to the meat variant with ground meat, to the simplest white version that combines boiled rice and potatoes. Estamboli polo is a symbol of modesty and simplicity.
