Andrea AbbondanzaIf you’re looking for something sweet and delicious, then you can’t go wrong with Persian desserts. Whether it’s classic halva or the unique taste of pistachio-infused sohan, these treats will satisfy sweet-tooth cravings and leave a lasting impression.
So, what are the most famous Persian desserts? Join us to explore some of the finest flavors from this vibrant part of the world!
7 Best Persian Desserts
What are the most famous Persian desserts? Find out our seven top answers here!
Halva
Halva is a traditional dessert from Iran made with tahini, a sesame paste. However, there are many variations to replace the tahini, including grain, sunflower, peanuts, or chickpeas.
It is sweetened with sugar and rosewater and topped with crushed nuts for an extra crunch. It usually comes as a thick paste or bar and has an intensely nutty flavor.
Gaz
Gaz is an aromatic and delightful Persian nougat made of rose water, sap, egg whites, almond kernels, and pistachios. It has a nutty, sweet flavor and is often served as an accompaniment to tea or sherbet. It can also be enjoyed as a stand-alone snack or a cherished part of the traditional Persian celebration of Nowruz.
Sohan
Sohan is a delicious dessert from Iran made with butter, saffron, flour, wheat sprout, egg yolks, rose water sugar, and almonds. The nuts and saffron add an exotic element to the dish, making it perfect for dessert.
There are various Sohan types, including Almond Sohan, Sohan Gazi, Sesame Sohan, Butter Sohan, Sohan Halwa, Sohan Pashmaki, Sohan Loghmeh, and Dessert Sohan.
Shir Berenj
Shir Berenj is a creamy Persian rice pudding made with rice and milk. Its name literally means milk (shir) and rice (berenj).
To make this dessert, slowly simmer the rice in water to create a creamy, sticky texture. Then add milk and gently simmer to allow the rice starch to transform into a smooth pudding. It’s usually topped with jam, nuts, cinnamon, or raisins.
Sholehzard
Delicious and fragrant, Sholehzard or Sholezard is a must-have dessert during special occasions such as Ramadan. This traditional dish is made with rice, water, and spices like cardamom, cinnamon, butter, and saffron. Its creamy texture makes it a comforting dessert.
Noon Khamei
This traditional cream puff is a light, airy Persian pastry filled with rosewater-perfumed whipped cream and sprinkled with powdered sugar for a dash of sweetness. It’s perfect to be enjoyed alongside a cup of tea or coffee.
Zoolbia-Bamieh
Traditional Persian sweets like zoolbia and bamieh always come hand in hand. Basically, bamieh is a Persian doughnut, and zoolbia is a Persian deep-fried pastry.
Enjoy the delightful combination of saffron and rosewater syrup as the sweets are soaked for a few seconds to absorb their flavors. This sweet dessert is popular during Ramadan, often served together with freshly brewed tea at iftar.
Frequently Asked Questions
What foods do Iranian desserts include?
Some of the most famous Iranian desserts are zoolbia-bamieh, ranginak, faloodeh shirazi, sholehzard, and koloocheh.
What are the national sweets of Iran?
The national sweet of Iran is Gaz, or nougat candy.
What is the famous cake in Iran?
The famous cake in Iran is Yazdi cake.
Conclusion
As you can see, famous Persian sweets are as varied as the Middle Eastern culture from which they originate. No matter what type of dessert you’re looking for — Persian pastries, Persian raisin cookies, Persian love cake, or even Persian saffron ice cream — chances are, you could find it in Persia.
Persian desserts, together with popular Persian food, make an excellent addition to any gathering or feast. Whether it’s a holiday, a special occasion, or just a family get-together, these traditional treats showcase Persian culture and heritage in the most delicious way possible! Now that we know more about the most famous Persian desserts, why not try one today?
