One thing you surely should anticipate when traveling to Iran is its rich and soul nourishing food. The Iranian cuisine is a culinary adventure through the culture and traditions of the country, including slow cooked stews, aromatic rice dishes and so on. Do not forget to initiate your Iran visa before you pack your appetite to have a smooth travel. 

The first step to discovering a world of exotic flavors, colorful meals and generous hospitality is applying to your Iran tourist visa application. The Iranian food scene can satisfy any kind of foodie: sweet, tangy, spicy, and savory. So, here are seven dishes that should be tried to understand what Iranian cuisine is all about. 

This is a food lover's guide to Iranian cuisine. 

1. Chelo Kebab 

Chelo Kebab is one of the most typical Iranian foods. It comes with juicy lamb or beef grilled skewers accompanied by saffron rice, grilled tomatoes, and a piece of butter. It is a popular dish served at parties and is appreciated because of its smoky taste and juicy meat. It is a simple and very tasty dish, which is why Chelo Kebab is sometimes called the national dish of Iran, and a good way to get acquainted with Persian-style grill. You can get it in restaurants all over the country, each with a particular flair. 

2. Fesenjan 

Fesenjan is a tasty, rich stew, made with pomegranate molasses and chopped walnuts. It is commonly cooked with chicken or duck and has a rich, tangy-sweet flavor that sets it apart. Fesenjan is usually served with fluffy white rice and it is usually cooked during special events and family gatherings. It appears dark and glossy, yet it conceals a complex blend of textures and flavors that will astound your taste buds. This classic meal is popular among the people who prefer a strong and unusual combination of flavors. 

3. Ghormeh Sabzi 

Ghormeh Sabzi is a popular herb stew prepared using a combination of parsley, cilantro, leeks and dried fenugreek leaves. It is cooked together with tender pieces of lamb, red kidney beans and dried limes that add a touch of sourness to it. This dish is served with rice and it is a common dish in most Iranian families. It takes a long time to prepare, but the end result is a very cozy and fragrant dish that captures the essence of Iranian home cooking. 

4. Tahdig 

Tahdig, or crunchy rice from the bottom of the saucepan, is a delicacy in Iranian cuisine.  Potatoes or thin bread are added to some of the versions as well to make them crunchier. The Iranians usually fight to get the largest piece of tahdig and after tasting it you will know why. It is usually accompanied by stews or any other rice meal, giving a contrast to the texture of any meal. This modest, but valuable piece is a real treasure of Iran. 

5. Zereshk Polo 

Zereshk Polo is a beautiful and tasty rice dish with barberry, saffron and sometimes with almonds or pistachios. The sourness of the barberries is contrasted in the sweetness of the saffron rice, it is a sweet side or main dish that is usually accompanied by chicken. It is a popular wedding cake and party cake because it is bright in color and flavor. In case you want to experience something classic and popular, Zereshk Polo will be an ideal option. 

6. Ash Reshteh 

Ash Reshteh is a hearty and thick soup which is prepared using a wide range of herbs, legumes, and reshteh (Persian noodles). Fried onions, garlic and a spoonful of kashk (fermented whey) are usually added to the top and provide a creamy tang. This is a calming dinner that is particularly popular during Nowruz and is thought to bring families together. Offering a warm and earthy taste with nutritious content, Ash Reshteh is arguably an excellent dish to enjoy Iranian culture in a bowl. 

7. Persian Sweets and Tea 

There is no Iranian meal without a sweet and a hot tea. Iranian desserts are modest but delicious: there is flaky baklava and rice flour cookies, and pastries flavored with rosewater. Tea is also accompanied with dates or sugar cubes and it is the main element of Iranian hospitality. It is not a drink, but a cultural experience. Tea and sweets are a fine conclusion to a Persian meal whether it is in a crowded Tehran cafe or in a family dining room. 

Conclusion 

The Iranian cuisine is a feast of tastes, colors, and traditions which is not merely the way to satisfy hunger. Every plate has its tale, and it is usually based on centuries-old recipes that have been handed down through generations. The rich stew, the crunchy tahdig, the sweets, whichever you are trying, you are literally having the core of Iranian culture. 

Do you want to see these fantastic tastes for yourself? Get a stress-free visa process with the aid of Iran visa Go Kite. An Iranian gourmet trip is only a couple of steps away- and your tastebuds will adore you.