The Most Popular Persian Food, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the food you think is the most popular!
Updated on Apr 29, 2024 06:46
Food enthusiasts often find themselves at a culinary crossroads when choosing which dishes to try, particularly when delving into the rich tapestry of Persian cuisine. Having a clear sense of which dishes are favored can streamline this choice, guiding both newcomers and aficionados toward satisfying dining experiences. This is where a ranking of the most loved Persian food comes into play, offering insights based on collective preferences.
Here, each voter contributes to a dynamic survey, casting their votes for the dishes they believe should rise to the top. This not only fosters a community of shared tastes but also highlights trends and preferences within the world of Persian culinary delights. Participation in voting allows everyone to have a say in shaping the cuisine's profile, ensuring that the rankings reflect current tastes and popular opinion.
What Is the Most Popular Persian Food?
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177votes
همان · CC BY-SA 3.0This is a classic Persian dish made with ground beef or lamb and seasoned with spices. It is usually served with rice and grilled tomatoes. It is a popular street food in Iran and also served in restaurants.Kabab Kubideh is a popular Persian food that consists of seasoned ground meat, usually lamb or beef, formed into long, cylindrical shapes and grilled on skewers. It is considered one of the most well-known and beloved dishes in Iran, known for its simplicity and delicious flavor.- Meat: Lamb or beef
- Shape: Long, cylindrical
- Preparation: Ground meat blended with onion, spices, and sometimes bread or eggs
- Cooking Method: Grilled on skewers over open flame or charcoal
- Serving Style: Usually served with saffron rice, grilled vegetables, and fresh herbs
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250votes
Amin Majidi · CC0This is a stew made with herbs, red kidney beans, and lamb or beef. It is a staple dish in Iranian homes and is often served with rice. It has a unique flavor due to the combination of herbs used in the recipe.Ghormeh Sabzi is a popular Persian stew that is considered the national dish of Iran. It is a flavorful and aromatic dish made with a combination of herbs, vegetables, and meat. The main ingredients include parsley, cilantro, fenugreek, and scallions, which are sautéed and then slow-cooked with tender pieces of beef or lamb, dried limes, red kidney beans, and other spices. The resulting stew is rich in taste, with a delightful combination of earthy, tangy, and herbal flavors. Ghormeh Sabzi is typically served with plain rice, and it is enjoyed by Iranians on special occasions and as a comfort food.- Main ingredients: Parsley, cilantro, fenugreek, scallions, beef or lamb, dried limes, red kidney beans
- Flavor profile: Earthy, tangy, and herbal
- National dish of: Iran
- Serving style: With plain rice
- Occasions: Special occasions and comfort food
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330votesThis is a sweet and sour stew made with pomegranate paste, walnuts, and chicken or lamb. It is a popular dish in Persian cuisine, especially during special occasions like weddings and New Year's celebrations.Fesenjoon is a traditional Persian dish with a rich and delicious flavor. It is often considered one of the most popular and beloved dishes in Persian cuisine. The main ingredients of Fesenjoon are finely ground walnuts, pomegranate molasses, and either chicken or duck. This combination creates a unique and flavorful sauce that is both sweet and sour. Fesenjoon is typically served over steamed rice and garnished with pomegranate seeds or crushed walnuts.
- Main Ingredients: Finely ground walnuts, pomegranate molasses, chicken or duck
- Flavor Profile: Sweet and sour
- Serving Method: Over steamed rice
- Garnish Options: Pomegranate seeds, crushed walnuts
- Regional Influence: Northern provinces of Iran
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430votes
Alvesgaspar · CC BY-SA 3.0This is a Persian rice dish made with lentils, raisins, and spices. It is often served with chicken or lamb and is a popular dish during Ramadan.Adas Polo is a traditional Persian rice dish cooked with a flavorful combination of lentils, rice, and caramelized onions. It is a delightful and nutritious one-pot meal that is commonly enjoyed in Iran. The dish has a beautiful golden color and a rich aroma due to the aromatic spices used in its preparation.- Main ingredients: Rice, lentils, onions, spices
- Flavor profile: Savory, aromatic
- Texture: Fluffy rice with tender lentils
- Color: Golden
- Aromatics: Caramelized onions, cinnamon, cumin, turmeric
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522votesThis is a Persian rice dish made with barberries, saffron, and chicken or lamb. It is a popular dish during weddings and other celebrations.Zereshk Polo is a flavorful Persian rice dish that combines tangy zereshk (barberries) with savory rice and tender pieces of saffron-infused chicken. This vibrant dish is known for its balance of sweet and sour flavors, and its beautiful presentation makes it a popular choice for special occasions and gatherings.
- Region: Persia
- Ingredients: Rice, zereshk (barberries), chicken, saffron, onions, butter, oil
- Preparation Time: Approximately 2 hours
- Serving Temperature: Hot
- Main Features: Tangy barberries, tender saffron-infused chicken, aromatic rice
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611votesThis is a dish made with stuffed grape leaves, usually filled with a mixture of rice, herbs, and ground meat. It is a popular appetizer in Iranian cuisine.Dolmeh is a traditional Persian dish that consists of stuffed vegetables, particularly grape leaves. The filling usually includes a mixture of rice, herbs such as parsley and mint, ground meat (often lamb or beef), and a combination of spices. The stuffed vegetables are then cooked until tender and served either cold or at room temperature. Dolmeh is a popular appetizer or side dish in Persian cuisine.
- Ingredients: Grape leaves, rice, ground meat, herbs, spices
- Cooking Method: Stuffed vegetables are cooked by boiling or steaming
- Serving Temperature: Cold or at room temperature
- Variations: Different regions have their own variations, some of which use other vegetables like eggplant or peppers instead of grape leaves
- Seasoning: Commonly seasoned with herbs like parsley, mint, and dill, as well as spices such as turmeric, cinnamon, and saffron
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73votes
Diako1971 · CC BY-SA 3.0This is a popular appetizer made with grilled eggplant, tomatoes, garlic, and eggs. It is a flavorful dish that is often served with bread.Mirza Ghasemi is a traditional Iranian dish originating from the Gilan province in northern Iran. It is a flavorful and rich vegetarian dish made primarily of roasted eggplants, tomatoes, garlic, and turmeric.- Main Ingredients: Roasted eggplants, tomatoes, garlic
- Flavor Profile: Smoky, tangy, and garlicky
- Region: Gilan province, northern Iran
- Cuisine Type: Persian
- Dietary Type: Vegetarian
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816votes
AilinParsa · CC BY-SA 3.0This is a hearty soup made with noodles, beans, herbs, and spices. It is a popular dish during the winter months and is often served during the Persian New Year celebrations.Ash Reshteh is a traditional Persian noodle and bean soup. It is a thick and hearty dish, commonly enjoyed in Iran. The soup's main ingredients include reshteh (Persian noodles), a variety of beans such as chickpeas, lentils, and kidney beans, as well as fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, and spinach. Other ingredients such as onions, garlic, mint, and spices like turmeric and cinnamon are used to enhance its flavor. Ash Reshteh is often garnished with fried onions, kashk (a type of whey), and a drizzle of melted butter or olive oil.- Region: Iran
- Main Ingredients: Reshteh (Persian noodles), beans, fresh herbs
- Common Beans Used: Chickpeas, lentils, kidney beans
- Seasonings: Onions, garlic, mint, turmeric, cinnamon
- Garnish: Fried onions, kashk (whey), melted butter or olive oil
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94votesThis is a stew made with yellow split peas, beef or lamb, and tomatoes. It is a popular dish in Iran and is often served with rice.Khoresh Gheymeh is a traditional Persian stew, known for its rich flavors and tender meat. It is considered one of the most popular and beloved dishes in Persian cuisine. The stew is made with yellow split peas, tender chunks of meat (usually lamb or beef), onions, tomatoes, and a blend of aromatic spices. The dish is slow-cooked to perfection, resulting in a thick, hearty stew with a velvety texture. Khoresh Gheymeh is typically served with fluffy basmati rice, crispy potato fries, and a side of tangy pickles.
- Main ingredients: Yellow split peas, lamb or beef, onions, tomatoes
- Spices: Turmeric, cinnamon, saffron, dried lime
- Serving suggestion: Basmati rice, potato fries, pickles
- Preparation time: Approximately 2 hours
- Cooking method: Slow-cooked
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108votes
مانفی · CC BY-SA 4.0This is a Persian rice dish made with dill, fava beans, and saffron. It is a popular dish during the springtime and is often served with lamb or chicken.Baghali Polo is a traditional Persian dish that features a flavorful combination of rice, fava beans, and dill. It is typically served with tender pieces of lamb or chicken, creating a satisfying and aromatic meal.- Main Ingredients: Rice, fava beans, dill, lamb or chicken
- Flavor Profile: Savory, aromatic
- Cooking Method: Steamed or soaked rice with added ingredients
- Preparation Time: Approximately 1 hour
- Serving Temperature: Hot
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Ranking factors for popular food
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Taste and flavorThe unique blend of spices, herbs, and ingredients used in Persian cuisine should create a delectable taste and rich flavor. Traditional and authentic Persian dishes should be considered.
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Popularity and recognitionEvaluate which dishes are well-known and popular among both Persian communities and others who enjoy Persian cuisine. Some dishes may have gained international recognition as well making them a significant factor in rankings.
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Cultural significanceSome Persian dishes might be associated with specific traditions, rituals, or celebrations, which contribute to their importance and popularity in Iranian culture.
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Versatility and varietyConsider dishes that offer a diverse range of ingredients, cooking techniques, and flavors, catering to different preferences and dietary requirements (vegetarian, meat-based, etc.)
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Nutritional valueEvaluate the health benefits and nutritional content of the dishes, including the use of fresh ingredients, herbs, and spices that are typical in Persian cuisine.
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Availability and accessibilityAnalyze the ease of finding and obtaining the ingredients and the dishes in Persian restaurants and food establishments around the world. Widespread availability can make a dish more popular.
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Adaptability and fusion potentialConsider how well Persian dishes can adapt to fusion or modern gastronomy trends or be incorporated into other cuisines. Food versatility can also play a role in its popularity.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most popular Persian food. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or food is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 1849 views
- 250 votes
- 10 ranked items
Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each food once every 24 hours. The rank of each food is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
More information on most popular persian food
Persian cuisine is a rich and flavorful culinary tradition that has been influenced by various cultures over the centuries. From aromatic herbs and spices to succulent meats and vegetables, Persian food is known for its unique blend of flavors and textures.
Some of the most popular dishes in Persian cuisine include kebabs, pilaf, and stews. These dishes are often accompanied by rice, bread, and yogurt, and are typically seasoned with saffron, cinnamon, and other spices. One of the most famous Persian dishes is the fragrant and hearty chelo kebab, which features skewered and grilled meat served over a bed of fluffy saffron rice.
Overall, Persian cuisine is a celebration of bold flavors and fresh ingredients. Whether you are a fan of savory stews or succulent kebabs, there is something for everyone to enjoy in this rich and diverse culinary tradition. So why not try some of the most popular Persian foods for yourself and experience the delicious flavors of this ancient cuisine?
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