Food
Most international foods are found in the deluxe hotels, but
the local food, lightly seasoned, is excellent and should be sampled as
often as possible. Try some regional specialties: nougat in Isfahan,
pistachios in Rafsanjan, dates in Bam and bergamot jam in Shiraz and
northern Iran.
Rice is a national staple and is cooked superbly.
Local dishes include tasty shrimp, lamb and chicken dishes (most meat is
grilled), fruit, vegetables, yogurt and desserts. Sample shirin polo
(chicken and rice), fesenjan (made with chicken or duck) and ab-gusht (meat
stew). If you get a chance, try the caviar (Iranian caviar, considered some
of the world's best, is mostly exported). There are four more popular kinds
of breads: taftoon (fresh, flat lunch bread), barbary (chewy breakfast
bread), lavash (crispy and thin) and sangak (baked on hot pebbles). Iranian
ice cream is also excellent.
- Stews
- Rice Dishes
- Kebobs (Grills)
- Side Dishes
- Confectionary & Pastry
- Syrups