Food & Drinks

1. قورمه‌سبزی

   Qorme sabzi

   Ghormeh sabzi (herb stew)

   Usage

   One of Iran's national dishes — lamb stewed with parsley, coriander, kidney beans, and dried limes.

   Grammar Note

   "Sabzi" derives from "sabz" (green), referring to herbs and greens. Iranian cuisine is known for its heavy use of fresh herbs.

2. کباب کوبیده

   Kabāb kubide

   Kebab koobideh (ground meat kebab)

   Usage

   Iran's iconic kebab — spiced ground lamb or beef wrapped around flat skewers and grilled over charcoal.

   Grammar Note

   "Kubideh" is the past participle of "kubidan" (to pound). Iran has many kebab varieties: jujeh (chicken), soltani (lamb), etc.

3. جوجه کباب

   Juje kabāb

   Joojeh kabab (chicken kebab)

   Usage

   Chicken marinated in saffron and lemon, then grilled over charcoal. One of Iran's most popular kebabs.

   Grammar Note

   "Jujeh" originally means "chick" but in cooking refers to chicken. Saffron is a prized spice in Iranian cuisine, used in rice and meat dishes.

4. آش رشته

   Āsh reshte

   Ash reshteh (noodle soup)

   Usage

   A thick traditional soup with noodles, legumes, spinach, and herbs. Essential at Nowruz (Iranian New Year) celebrations.

   Grammar Note

   "Ash" is an old Persian word for "food/cooking". "Reshteh" means "thread/string", hence noodle.

5. دوغ

   Dugh

   Doogh (yogurt drink)

   Usage

   Iran's traditional yogurt drink — diluted with water, seasoned with salt and mint. Sparkling versions are popular.

   Grammar Note

   As Iran is an Islamic Republic where alcohol is banned, "doogh" is one of the most popular restaurant drinks.

6. بستنی زعفرانی

   Bastani zaffarāni

   Bastani (Persian saffron ice cream)

   Usage

   Iran's traditional ice cream flavored with saffron and rose water, often topped with pistachios.

   Grammar Note

   Iran produces about 90% of the world's saffron. The English word "saffron" is ultimately derived from Persian "za'faran".

7. زرشک پلو

   Zereshk polo

   Zereshk polo (barberry rice)

   Usage

   Festive rice dish with tart red barberries, served with saffron chicken. Common at celebrations and dinner parties.

   Grammar Note

   "Polo" is the Persian word for cooked rice and the origin of English "pilaf/pilau". Iran has dozens of polo varieties.

8. ته‌دیگ

   Tahdig

   Tahdig (crispy rice crust)

   Usage

   The coveted crispy rice crust intentionally formed at the bottom of the pot. One of the most beloved parts of an Iranian meal.

   Grammar Note

   "Tahdig" literally means "bottom of the pot". Made from rice, bread, or potatoes — considered the best part of the meal by Iranians.

9. آیا حلال است؟

   Āyā halāl ast?

   Is it halal?

   Usage

   As Iran is an Islamic Republic, nearly all food is halal. Useful for Muslim travelers confirming outside Iran.

   Grammar Note

   "Aya" is a question marker placed at the beginning of yes/no questions. Persian uses "؟" (Arabic question mark).

10. غذای گیاهی دارید؟

    Ghazā-ye giyāhi dārid?

    Do you have vegetarian options?

    Usage

    Iranian cuisine is often meat-heavy, but legume, herb, and vegetable dishes exist. Worth asking.

    Grammar Note

    "Darid" is the formal present of "dashtan" (to have). "Giyahi" from "giyah" (plant) means vegetarian/plant-based.

11. خیلی خوشمزه بود

    Kheyli khoshmaze bud

    It was very delicious

    Usage

    Post-meal compliment. The best praise for a cook or host. Complimenting food is very important in ta'arof culture.

    Grammar Note

    "Khoshmaze" = "khosh" (good) + "maze" (taste). "Bud" is past tense of "budan" (to be). Used after finishing a meal.

12. چلو

    Chelo

    Cooked plain rice

    Usage

    Cooked white rice as served; uncooked grain is berenj and mixed rice dishes are polo

13. نان

    Nān

    Bread

    Usage

    Bread in general; Iranian staples are the flatbreads sangak, barbari and lavash

14. ماکارونی

    Mākāroni

    Pasta / noodles

    Usage

    The word for noodles in an Iranian eatery; the thin noodles cooked into soups are reshte

15. تند

    Tond

    Spicy hot

    Usage

    Chilli heat; outside food the same word means "fast", so point at the dish while showing it

16. شیرین

    Shirin

    Sweet

    Usage

    Sweetness of taste; Iranian sweets and tea are usually very sweet

17. خام

    Khām

    Raw / uncooked

    Usage

    Says something is not cooked through; ask for kāmelan pokhte if you want it well done

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