Persian Food 10 Nov 2023 BY Maryam Mahmoudian

Top 20 Persian Snacks: Taste the Best

Iran offers a mix of beautiful landscapes, cultures, and mouthwatering food. It's a place where you can enjoy all four seasons, each with its own unique charm and tasty dishes.

One of the best things about Iranian food is the wide range of local snacks you can find. These snacks aren't just about eating; they connect generations and represent regional flavors.

In this article, we'll introduce you to 20 popular Persian snacks you've got to try, each with its own story and special occasion. Whether you're planning a trip or just craving a taste of Iran, these snacks are a must-try to savor the country's rich flavors.

Most Popular Persian Snacks

Ajil
Baklava
Baslogh
Dough and Gooshfil
Faloodeh Shirazi
Gaz
Ghare Ghoroot
Ghotab
Halva
Kaak Kermanshah
Koloocheh
Lavashak
Loz Yazd
Pashmak
Ranginak
Saffron Icecream
Sholezard
Sohan
Tokhmeh
Zoolbia-Bamieh

1. Ajil

"Ajil" (آجیل) in Persian, also known as mixed nuts and dried fruits, is a popular and traditional snack in Iranian culture. It typically consists of a mixture of various nuts, seeds, and dried fruits, often including ingredients such as almonds, pistachios, walnuts, hazelnuts, raisins, dried apricots, and sometimes dried figs.

Ajil is enjoyed as a healthy and energy-boosting snack, often served on special occasions, gatherings, particularly during the Persian New Year (Nowruz). The combination of different nuts and dried fruits provides a delightful blend of textures, flavors, and natural sweetness

2. Baklava

This sweet and rich dessert is made by layering thin sheets of phyllo dough or filo pastry, which are brushed with melted butter or oil between each layer. A sweet filling, typically made from a mixture of finely chopped nuts (commonly walnuts, pistachios, or almonds), sugar, and spices (such as cinnamon or cloves), is sprinkled between the layers of pastry. Once the layers are stacked, the pastry is cut into small diamond or square shapes before baking.

Baklava is appreciated for its combination of textures and flavors and is often served with a cup of tea or coffee.

3. Baslogh

Baslogh is a soft, chewy, and slightly sticky sweet treat made primarily from ingredients like fruit juice, sugar, and starch. The combination of these ingredients is cooked together to create a dense, chewy consistency. It's often shaped into small squares, rectangles, or diamond shapes, and sometimes, it's garnished with pistachios or other nuts.

4. Dough and Gooshfil

It may sound bizarre but Dough and Gooshfil companion is one of the most popular Persian snacks in Isfahan. "Dough" (Doogh) is a yogurt-based drink flavored with mint and served to quench thirst, particularly in hot weather. "Gooshfil" (Gushfil) is a sweet, deep-fried pastry filled with ingredients like walnuts, sugar, and cardamom, then soaked in sugar syrup for added sweetness. It's a popular sweet treat in Iran.

5. Faloodeh Shirazi

It's a popular summer treat that originates from the city of Shiraz in Iran, known for its hot climate. Faloodeh is a cold, sweet, and icy dessert made primarily from thin, transparent noodles or vermicelli made from cornstarch or rice flour. These noodles are often soaked in a rosewater and sugar syrup, giving the dessert its sweet and floral flavor.

Faloodeh is typically served with a squeeze of fresh lime or lemon juice and sometimes garnished with chopped pistachios for added texture and flavor. The combination of cold, sweet, and tangy elements makes it a perfect choice for cooling down on a hot day.

6. Gaz

Gaz is a well-known and traditional Persian confection and a popular souvenir for visitors to Isfahan. It is a white nougat, made from a mixture of ingredients like rosewater, egg white, pistachios, and other flavorings. This nougat is then cut into small, rectangular or diamond-shaped pieces, often dusted with powdered sugar to prevent sticking. It has a chewy and slightly sticky texture.

7. Ghare Ghoroot

Also known as "Qarehqurut” or "Black Kashk," is a traditional dairy product that is widely used in Persian and Central Asian cuisines. It is a type of dried dairy product made from fermented yogurt or buttermilk. Qarehqurut is a hard, dense, and cheese-like product with a strong tangy and salty flavor. It is used in various savory dishes, particularly in soups and stews, to add a rich and tangy flavor.

8. Ghotab

Qottab or Ghotaab is a traditional Persian snack in Yazd city, characterized by its unique shape, which resembles a half-moon or a folded triangle. It is made from a flaky and thin pastry dough, usually filled with a sweet and aromatic mixture of ground almonds or walnuts, powdered sugar, and cardamom. The pastry is folded to enclose the filling, creating its distinctive shape, and then it's typically dusted with powdered sugar or sprinkled with rosewater, which adds a pleasant floral fragrance to the treat.

Ghotab is enjoyed alongside tea or other traditional Persian beverages.

9. Halva

A popular sweet treat in many Middle Eastern and South Asian countries, including Iran. It is a combination of wheat flour, butter, rosewater, and saffron syrup. The consistency and texture of Iranian halva can vary; it can be dense and fudgy or lighter and crumbly, depending on the specific recipe and regional variations.

Halva is often served at funerals and memorial gatherings in Iran. In Iranian culture, it is a common tradition to provide food, including halva, to mourners and guests who attend funeral services or memorial events. Halva is seen as a symbol of sympathy and support for the grieving family, and it is a way to offer comfort and sustenance during a difficult time.

10. Kaak Kermanshah

Kermanshahi Kaak is typically round and flat, and it has a crispy, cracker-like texture. It is lightly sweetened and flavored with ingredients such as cardamom and cinnamon, giving it a pleasant and aromatic taste. The dough for Kermanshahi Kaak may also contain ingredients like sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or ground nuts for added flavor and texture. Kermanshahi Kaak is often enjoyed with tea or as a snack.

11. Koloocheh

Also spelled as "Kolooche" or "Kolache," Koloocheh is a sweet and flaky cookie and typically consists of a tender, buttery dough filled with a sweet and aromatic mixture. The filling can vary but often includes ingredients such as dates, nuts (such as walnuts or almonds), or a sweet paste made from a combination of ingredients like ground cardamom, sugar, and butter.

These pastries are usually shaped into rounds or ovals, and the dough is often decorated with intricate patterns or designs. The pastries are then baked until they are golden and slightly crisp on the outside while remaining soft and sweet on the inside.

Kolooche Fouman is one of the most favorite Persian snacks in Iran, often served with a cup of warm tea.

12. Lavashak

Lavashak is a traditional Iranian fruit leather or fruit roll-up. It is a popular and naturally sweet snack made by drying pureed fruit, typically sour or tart fruits like plums, apricots, or sour cherries.

The process of making Lavashak involves boiling and mashing the fruits to create a smooth puree, which is then spread thinly on large trays or sheets. The fruit puree is left to air-dry in the sun or is placed in an oven to dehydrate slowly. This drying process can take several days, during which the puree thickens and solidifies, resulting in a fruit leather with a chewy and slightly sticky texture.

13. Loz Yazd

Loz Yazdi is made from ground almonds, sugar, and cardamom. The ingredients are mixed to create a dense, dough-like texture, and the dough is often shaped into small, diamonds or rhombuses pieces. These pieces are then typically garnished with a whole almond or a piece of pistachio.

14. Pashmak

Also known as Persian cotton candy or fairy floss, Pashmak is a sweet and delicate confection. It is made from spun sugar that is pulled into thin strands to create a web-like or thread-like structure, similar to cotton candy. However, unlike cotton candy, Pashmak has a denser and more solid texture. It is often flavored with ingredients such as saffron, rosewater, or pistachios, which give it a unique and aromatic taste.

15. Ranginak

It is originated in the southern regions of Iran, particularly in the province of Hormozgan. Ranginak is made from a few key ingredients, with the primary ones being dates, toasted walnuts, and ground cardamom, often prepared and enjoyed on special occasions, especially during celebrations like Nowruz (the Persian New Year) and other festive gatherings.

Ranginak is both sweet and nutty, and it has a slightly chewy, yet soft and luscious texture.

16. Saffron Icecream

Also known as "bastani sonnati," saffron ice cream is a delightful and unique ice cream variety that is particularly popular in Iran and the broader Middle East. It is known for its distinctive flavor and the beautiful golden hue that saffron imparts.

The primary ingredients in saffron ice cream include milk, cream, sugar, egg yolks, and saffron. Saffron ice cream is a beloved treat in Iran, especially during hot summer months when its cool and refreshing quality is particularly appreciated. It's often served in scoops, in ice cream cones, or even in between two wafers as an ice cream sandwich.

17. Sholezard

A creamy and aromatic rice pudding that is characterized by its distinctive golden-yellow color, which is achieved by the use of saffron, a precious and aromatic spice. The main ingredients in Sholezard typically include rice, sugar, saffron, rosewater, and ground cinnamon.

Sholezard is a classic Persian dessert and is often served on important occasions, such as religious holidays, weddings, and family gatherings.

18. Sohan

Sohan is a traditional Persian snack within the city of Qom. Sohan is made from a mixture of ingredients, including wheat sprout, sugar, saffron, rosewater, and butter. The key feature of Sohan is its distinctive texture, which is hard and brittle, similar to toffee or brittle candy. It is often shaped into rectangular or diamond-shaped pieces and may be garnished with slivered or crushed pistachios.

19. Tokhmeh

"Tokhmeh" typically refers to seeds in Persian cuisine, and these seeds can come from a variety of sources, including sunflower seeds and watermelon seeds. Sunflower seeds (Tokhmeh-ye-kuhdu) and watermelon seeds (Tokhmeh-ye-henduneh) are often roasted and salted, making them a popular and crunchy snack.

Tokhmeh offer a satisfying and enjoyable way to pass the time while watching movies or sports events like football matches.

The act of cracking open the shells and consuming the seeds is not only a flavorful experience but also provides a form of entertainment, making them a common choice for snacking during such occasions.

20. Zoolbia-Bamieh

A sweet treat that is often enjoyed during special occasions and celebrations in Iran, such as Ramadan, weddings, and festivals.

Zoolbia is a deep-fried pastry that is typically made from a mixture of yogurt, wheat flour, and sugar. The batter is often flavored with rosewater and saffron, giving it a sweet and aromatic taste. It has lacy patterns and a crispy yet tender texture.

Bamieh is a similarly deep-fried pastry made from a blend of yogurt, semolina or wheat flour, and sometimes a hint of saffron. It is shaped into small, bite-sized, or round pieces with a slightly crunchy exterior and a soft interior.

The sweet, syrup-soaked pastries pair wonderfully with a cup of hot tea or as a dessert to satisfy one's sweet tooth.

Final Takeaway

As you plan your visit to Iran, make sure to go on a culinary journey by enjoying these mouthwatering and culturally rich Persian snacks. They're not just ordinary treats; they're the stories of a nation waiting to be discovered and enjoyed.