10 Traditional Dishes from Isfahan You Must Try
- heliya erfani
- 3 months ago
This article introduces you to ten of Isfahan’s authentic traditional dishes. If you ever visit Isfahan, it’s trying these dishes at least once. When it comes to local cuisine, you’ll encounter a list of diverse and delicious meals, making it hard to choose just one.
Thanks to its geographical location and unique climate, Isfahan offers a wide range of ingredients for its cuisine. A closer look at most of Isfahan’s dishes reveals certain similarities. For instance, many dishes resemble Halim in texture and are often served with bread. Additionally, meat is a main ingredient in most of these recipes.
In this article from the Sepehran blog, we’ll introduce you to ten of Isfahan’s most authentic traditional dishes.
You’ve probably heard of Biryani, or at least tried it once. Biryani is a traditional dish from Isfahan. Food enthusiasts often prepare themselves to try this unique dish before visiting Isfahan. It’s rare to find someone who visits Isfahan without trying Biryani. This dish is so popular that many people in other cities also serve it. The ingredients used to prepare Biryani include meat, cinnamon, onions, oil, saffron, kashk, and dried mint. In Isfahan, it is typically served with cooked liver, meat broth, basil, fresh Sangak bread, and cool Doogh (yogurt drink).
Another traditional dish from Isfahan is Halim Bademjan. When serving this dish, it should stretch well, and it can be said that the way it stretches is a sign that it has been properly cooked. One of the reasons for this texture is that one of its main ingredients is meat. Many people in other cities also enjoy this dish and serve it. The ingredients needed to prepare Halim Bademjan include meat, rice, kashk, eggplant, fried onions, white beans, turmeric, salt, pepper, fried mint, and brewed saffron. This dish is incredibly delicious when served with Sangak bread.
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In general, kebab is one of the traditional dishes of Iran, but Kebab Mushti or Kebab Zardak is specific to Isfahan. This kebab, while simple, has a very delicious taste, and anyone who has tried it once can never forget its unique flavor. Making this kebab does not require special skills; after mixing the ingredients, it is fried in oil. The taste of this kebab is mildly sweet and is usually served with bread. The main ingredients for this kebab include ground meat, chickpea flour, vinegar, onions, and aromatic spices.
Another traditional and popular dish from Isfahan is Khoresht Mast. This stew is quite different from other stews, with a unique taste and appearance. To prepare this dish, strained yogurt, egg yolks, pistachio slivers, saffron, salt, sugar, chicken, and turmeric are used. The stew has a yellow color and combines sweet and sour flavors. It has a texture similar to Halim, being elastic, and is often served as a dessert. Traditionally, neck meat is used in this dish, but some people substitute it with chicken. In the past, this dish was considered a royal delicacy.
Eshkeneh is one of the old traditional dishes that has been a main on many Iranian tables for years. It is still prepared in Isfahan today. The recipe for this dish is relatively simple and it is considered a light meal. Eshkeneh is also served in other provinces and has a group of enthusiasts. The ingredients needed to prepare Isfahani Eshkeneh include eggs, oil, fenugreek, potatoes, and onions. If you serve this dish on cold days, it will be very comforting. Additionally, you can enjoy it with hot Sangak bread, basil, and cool Doogh to enhance its deliciousness.
Another traditional dish from Isfahan is Sholeh Beryan with Cumin, which has a large following. This dish is very nutritious and has a soft, mashed texture with a unique and popular taste. Many people who visit Isfahan make sure to try this dish at least once. The ingredients needed to prepare Sholeh Beryan with Cumin include onions, lamb ribs, half-grain rice, ground black cumin, turmeric, and pepper. We highly recommend that you try this dish, as you won’t regret tasting it.
Another traditional dish from Isfahan is Yakhmeh Torsh, a very delicious and traditional meal. This dish has many health benefits and is an excellent option for weak or underweight individuals. The ingredients needed to prepare Yakhmeh Torsh include rice, sugar, lamb meat, apricots, and plums. Studies have shown that this dish is highly energy-boosting. It also strengthens the brain and nervous system, and can easily reduce stress. Therefore, people with nervous disorders can benefit from this dish.
It’s rare to find someone living in Iran who hasn’t heard of Ash Sholeh Qalamkar. You might be surprised to learn that this dish is cooked and served in many cities across Iran, but its origins are in Isfahan. The main ingredients for preparing Ash Sholeh Qalamkar include meat and mung beans, which are combined with rice and herbs. This dish is typically served in places that sell Halim Bademjan. It is often eaten as breakfast or during Iftar. If you haven’t tried this unique dish yet, we highly recommend you give it a try at least once.
Another traditional and authentic dish from Isfahan is Ash Omaj, which has its dedicated followers. This soup is typically served in the Turkish-speaking areas of Isfahan. The main ingredients for preparing Ash Omaj include turmeric, onions, spinach, water, flour, and legumes. Many people prefer to use yogurt instead of kashk, which changes the flavor of the dish. Ash Omaj is usually prepared in the winter, as it is very beneficial for colds. We highly recommend you try it.
Another popular local dish from Isfahan is Yakhni Lubia or Bean and Meat Stew, which has many enthusiasts. This dish is usually cooked in a style similar to Halim. The ingredients needed for this dish include parsley, fenugreek, white beans, lamb meat, spices, onions, and rice. Isfahanis typically cook the beans and meat in copper pots, then serve it with bread. In the past, this dish was mainly in religious offerings like Muharram and Safar. However, it is still common in Isfahan today. So, if you visit the city during Muharram or Safar, there is a high chance you’ll be able to enjoy this traditional dish.
