Persian culinary traditions date back thousands of years. The food mirrors the country's diverse geography and history, with influences from Central Asia and the Middle East.
It is a cuisine of slow cooking, careful preparation, and sophisticated flavors.
A complex system of politeness and deference. Acknowledge gestures, and if payment is expected, politely insist after one or two refusals.
Food is often shared, creating a communal experience. Use your right hand for eating, shaking hands, and passing objects.
Guests are typically served first. Wait for the host or oldest person to begin eating.
A national dish, grilled ground meat or marinated chicken/lamb, served on fluffy saffron rice.
Often with grilled tomatoes and fresh herbs.
A deeply flavorful and aromatic herb stew, made with lamb or beef, kidney beans, and dried limes.
Distinctive sour and savory taste.
A unique and complex stew with ground walnuts, pomegranate paste, and chicken or duck.
Presents a wealth of, sweet-sour taste profile.
A popular savory yogurt drink, often carbonated and infused with mint.
Black tea is the national beverage, served sweet, often with sugar cubes held between the teeth.
Sweet, refreshing drinks from fruit syrups or flower extracts (rosewater), popular in Shiraz.
A renowned frozen noodle dessert unique to Shiraz, served with rosewater, lime juice, and cherry syrup.
Traditional Persian saffron and rosewater sorbet, often with frozen clotted cream and pistachios.
Found in luxury hotels or upscale northern areas. Refined Iranian cuisine, elegant decor, excellent service.
Abundant, offer comprehensive traditional Iranian menus in comfortable settings. Not many international cuisine options.
Affordable and authentic meals. Explore area neighborhoods and bazaars for small eateries.
Important social hubs, offering black tea, shisha, and light snacks.
A relaxed atmosphere to observe local life.
Many traditional hotels incorporate beautiful teahouse-style courtyards, serving as tranquil dining spaces.
Some feature live traditional music.
Restaurants specializing in Dizi, providing the authentic experience of preparing and eating this hearty stew.
Shiraz is known for Kalam Polo Shirazi and Ash-e Shirazi, demonstrating Fars Province specialties.
Not a regular tourist feature, though local events around harvest times might feature traditional foods.
Opportunities to observe local culinary traditions and dining styles.
All meat served in Iran is Halal, adhering to Islamic dietary laws.
Kosher food is not widely available, with very not many options.
Awareness of specific allergens is limited. Dishes based on rice and grilled meats (kebabs without bread) are often naturally gluten-free.
Communicate clearly.
Create or download a translation card in Farsi that clearly details your dietary needs.
Many traditional guesthouses offer substantial breakfasts that include bread, cheese, eggs, and fresh produce.
Engage in Persian cooking courses in Shiraz to learn iconic dishes like Chelo Kabob, Ghormeh Sabzi, or Fesenjan.
Some workshops provide demonstrations or classes on Persian carpet weaving or calligraphy.
Tours usually concentrate on the Vakil Bazaar, for sampling local snacks and street food.
Important social hubs offering black tea, shisha, and lightweight snacks. A relaxed atmosphere to observe local life.
Many traditional hotels incorporate beautiful teahouse-style courtyards.
Restaurants specializing in Dizi, offering the real experience of preparing and eating this hearty stew.
Hotel courtyard restaurants offer beautiful, tranquil ambiance.
Food events are not a regular part of the tourist calendar, but local events around harvest times might feature traditional foods.
Various religious holidays are observed. During mourning periods like Muharram, public performances might be restricted.
Shiraz hosts this festival in spring, celebrating the city's poetic and horticultural heritage.
Immerse yourself in the local food scene. Iranians are proud of their cuisine, and experiencing new dishes offers a gateway to understanding their culture.
