What Food To Try in Isfahan and Food Prices
How much does lunch and dinner cost
Examples of food prices, cafes, street food and other dining options in Isfahan for 2024.
National currency: Iranian Rial, symbol — (international currency code IRR).
General Cafe Price Guide
Average prices in Isfahan cafes and restaurants
$4.5
Quick Lunch for One
Starting from $1.8
$16.5
Dinner for Two
to celebrate your trip
Starting from $13
$3
Combo Meal
Starting from $2.34
What to Try in Isfahan
Must-try Dishes
Mirza Ghasemi - Smoky eggplant with tomatoes and spices, blended with eggs. It’s a popular breakfast dish in Isfahan, often enjoyed with fresh bread.Joojeh Kabab - Juicy marinated chicken skewers grilled over an open flame. Locals usually savor this hearty dish during weekend family gatherings, pair it with rice or bread.
Gheymeh - Tender beef stew simmered with yellow split peas, dried limes, and tomato sauce served with saffron rice. A common comfort food for lunch, it’s often eaten with fried potatoes on top.
Dolmeh Felfel - Stuffed peppers filled with a mix of rice, meat, and herbs, topped with a spiced tomato sauce. This dish is typically a home-cooked favorite served during family meals, especially on Fridays.
Khorkhob - A surprising combination of grilled lamb and tangy pomegranate sauce, poured over fragrant rice. Many locals love to try this unique dish for dinner, enjoying the balance of flavors.
Baghali Polo ba Mahicheh - Fragrant rice with dill and fava beans, accompanied by slow-cooked lamb shank. This seasonal dish is a springtime favorite, often prepared for special family occasions.
Saffron Gheymé - A twist on the traditional Gheymeh, this version includes a hint of saffron and is usually reserved for special events. It's common for locals to enjoy this rich, aromatic meal during festive gatherings.
Desserts & Drinks
Saffron Chai - چای زعفرانی (saffron-infused tea) - A rich, aromatic black tea steeped with saffron strands, cardamom, and a touch of sugar, creating a beautifully golden brew. Enjoy it as you sit with friends at a local tea house in the cool afternoons, often accompanied by sweet pastries.Sharbat Farag - شربت فراغ (seasonal herbal drink) - A refreshing blend of fresh herbs, sugar, and water, served chilled and sometimes garnished with mint leaves. Perfect for hot summer days, locals often drink it during picnics at the Zayanderud River, enjoying the vibrant atmosphere.
Aragh Sagi - عرق سگی (traditional herbal spirit) - A potent spirit distilled from various herbs, typically enjoyed in small amounts due to its high alcohol content. It's popular among locals during celebrations or family gatherings, served chilled in small glasses, but remember to look for it only in licensed shops or restaurants.
Baklava - باقلوا (layered pastry dessert) - This flaky delight consists of layers of filo pastry filled with crushed nuts and sweetened with syrup or honey, often sprinkled with rosewater. Locals savor baklava during festive occasions like Nowruz, making it a beloved indulgence to share.
Faloodeh - فالوده (frozen dessert) - A delightful cold treat made from thin rice noodles, rosewater, and lime juice, served with crushed ice and often topped with cherry syrup. Best enjoyed during scorching hot afternoons, it's a refreshing way to cool down while experiencing the sweetness of Shiraz dates the locals often add for an extra twist.
Food and Groceries in Isfahan
Vegetables, Fruits and Bread
| Bread | $0.7 |
| Bananas | $1.23 |
| Oranges | $0.88 |
| Potatoes | $0.52 |
| Apples | $0.75 |
Beverages
| Water 1.5L | $0.23 |
| Imported Beer | $1.27 |
| Milk 1L | $0.61 |
Various Groceries
| Meat (Beef or Pork) | $6.58 |
| Chicken | $2.54 |
| Cigarettes | $1.1 |
| Rice | $2.72 |
| Local Cheese | $2.51 |
Overview of Cuisine and Specialties
Walking through the bustling streets of Isfahan around noon, you'll notice the vibrant energy as locals gather at lunchtime, a cherished ritual here. Most people enjoy their main meal between 1 PM and 3 PM, seeking out a delicious spread of traditional dishes. It's common to see families sharing platters of stews like ghormeh sabzi or khoresh fesenjan along with fragrant saffron rice, creating a warm communal atmosphere.
In terms of price, dining in Isfahan offers a wide range depending on the district. For instance, in the historical center, budget-friendly meal options can start from about 300,000 IRR at a casual eatery. However, if you're in a more upscale area like the Vank Cathedral vicinity, you can expect to pay closer to 700,000 IRR for a similar meal—definitely worth it for the ambiance and quality.
Payment customs here are generally straightforward. Most places prefer cash, so it's wise to always have some IRR on hand. Credit card acceptance has been growing but still isn’t universal. When paying, it's not customary to leave a service charge; rounding up the bill or leaving about 10,000 IRR as a tip for good service is appreciated, though.
A tip for visitors: avoid peak times, especially during lunchtime and dinner around 8 PM, to escape hefty crowds and longer wait times. It’s best to enjoy the meals a bit earlier or later; the pace slows down, allowing for a more leisurely experience.
Distinctive to Isfahan, locals often place a heavy focus on fresh herbs in their cuisine, which reflects the regional agricultural practices. You'll frequently find dishes seasoned with parsley, cilantro, and mint, all adding a layer of freshness that’s hard to replicate elsewhere.
Before heading out to dine, consider making reservations, especially if you’re aiming to eat at a popular spot during the busy evening hours. It will save you from potentially long waits and ensure a more enjoyable experience.
With the seasons shifting to cooler months, many locals are gearing up for heartier meals, opting for stews and warming dishes in place of lighter fare. Enjoying the diverse culinary offerings in Isfahan, with its deep-rooted traditions and evolving dining habits, truly enhances the discovery of its vibrant food culture.
In terms of price, dining in Isfahan offers a wide range depending on the district. For instance, in the historical center, budget-friendly meal options can start from about 300,000 IRR at a casual eatery. However, if you're in a more upscale area like the Vank Cathedral vicinity, you can expect to pay closer to 700,000 IRR for a similar meal—definitely worth it for the ambiance and quality.
Payment customs here are generally straightforward. Most places prefer cash, so it's wise to always have some IRR on hand. Credit card acceptance has been growing but still isn’t universal. When paying, it's not customary to leave a service charge; rounding up the bill or leaving about 10,000 IRR as a tip for good service is appreciated, though.
A tip for visitors: avoid peak times, especially during lunchtime and dinner around 8 PM, to escape hefty crowds and longer wait times. It’s best to enjoy the meals a bit earlier or later; the pace slows down, allowing for a more leisurely experience.
Distinctive to Isfahan, locals often place a heavy focus on fresh herbs in their cuisine, which reflects the regional agricultural practices. You'll frequently find dishes seasoned with parsley, cilantro, and mint, all adding a layer of freshness that’s hard to replicate elsewhere.
Before heading out to dine, consider making reservations, especially if you’re aiming to eat at a popular spot during the busy evening hours. It will save you from potentially long waits and ensure a more enjoyable experience.
With the seasons shifting to cooler months, many locals are gearing up for heartier meals, opting for stews and warming dishes in place of lighter fare. Enjoying the diverse culinary offerings in Isfahan, with its deep-rooted traditions and evolving dining habits, truly enhances the discovery of its vibrant food culture.