Ramadan, a Good Opportunity for Tourists to Discover Other Face of Iran

Visiting Iran During Ramadan: Tips & Guide

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Ramadan, the ninth month of the lunar calendar (Islamic calendar), is the time all Muslims are expected to fast for the whole month, except for children, people with medical conditions, pregnant women, and travelers. Iran, as a Muslim country, follows Ramadan rituals too. The fasting takes from sunrise (dawn) to sunset (dusk) with refraining from food and drink. This forbearance is believed to purify the spiritual nature and to feel a deeper sympathy with the deprived people.

People who fast have a light meal early before dawn named Sahari and break their fast with an elaborate meal called Iftari. Sahari is usually a big family breakfast, consisting of Persian bread, cheese, tea, and dates, as well as prepared meals. Iftar, on the contrary, sounds like a feast. Many religious places in Iran such as mosques host the public for Iftar too. Ramadan ends with Eid al Fitr.

Some tips for tourists

What is it like for the tourists who travel to Iran during Ramadan? Well, you will notice more changes in daily life in smaller cities comparing the larger ones of course. Your options for eating and drinking and your time for some activities could be more limited as well. But as this religious month has its own special rituals, it could still be counted as an attraction to the tours to Iran.

Ramadan; a Good Opportunity for Tourists to Discover Other Face of Iran

Iranians making Ash Reshteh hosting fasting people

Traveling to Iran during Ramadan offers an opportunity to see a different side of Iranians’ lifestyle such as serving Iftar in religious gatherings and public places, and Iranian nightlife. When the fast is broken in the evening, many shops or people who have made a pledge, offer the passengers and pedestrians the dates, tea, soup, Halva, Haleem (traditional delectable and nutritious porridge made of wheat and meat), and other delicious foods for free. Though some shops and restaurants are closed during the day during Ramadan, tourists can have a richer experience of Iranian-style nightlife. At night, most of the shops, especially the restaurants, coffee shops, and street-food stalls, as well as some shopping and recreational areas such as pools or the movies remain open past midnight hours. Many families and young people come out and spend time in the streets and parks until near dawn. The cities, covered in glowing lights and crowded with people at such a late time, seem more alive than at any other time. So, it’s a good opportunity to mingle with locals.

Ramadan; a Good Opportunity for Tourists to Discover Other Face of Iran

Nightlife in Ramadan nights of Iran

The tourists are not expected to fast or follow Islamic practices, but they are expected to respect the Iranian Muslims’ rituals by refraining from eating, drinking, and smoking in public during the day. However, some restaurants and fast-food outlets, especially restaurants and cafes in hotels, highways, airports, railways, and bus stations are open; so, they can have meals there. Some fast-food chains offer takeaway food as well.

Moreover, many tourist sites are open during the day except for special events such as the martyrdom anniversary of Imam Ali on the 21st of Ramadan. So, there is no need to worry about changing your travel itinerary during Ramadan.

There are some must-eats that are strongly recommended to tourists who travel to Iran during Ramadan. Āsh Rechte (Persian traditional soup made of vegetables and noodles) and Sholeh Zard (Persian pudding made of rice and saffron) are among them. Zulbia & Bamieh are also traditional Iranian sweets for Ramadan that you can find in almost all confectionaries.

Despite what many tourists think about restrictions and limitations in Ramadan, traveling to Iran in Ramadan could be a good opportunity for tourists to discover the other face of Iranian culture, hospitality, beliefs, and nightlife.

You may find Ramadan in Iran interesting to read.

Kish Island

Kish Island Travel Guide: Things to do, Best Time to Go

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Whether you are an adventurous scuba diver looking to explore the coral reefs of the Persian Gulf or looking for a warm sunny beach to lie down on the silver sand, enjoy the smell of salt and read your book; Kish Trade-Industrial Free Zone Island has it all for you. Kish Island is one of the small yet charming islands in the Persian Gulf and one of the most beautiful coral islands in the world.

Kish Island

Kish Island is one of the small yet charming islands in the Persian Gulf.

Kish Island Attractions

The main attraction of this island is its gorgeous beaches. Even though Kish is not a big island (91 km²) most of its area is covered by beautiful beaches where you can go swimming in the blue-gem waters of the gulf.
The coral reefs in the bed of the sea purify water and make it crystal clear so you can see the underwater world and enjoy your beach relaxation even more.
Even on the most luxurious island of Iran, you can enjoy a visit to a cultural heritage dating back more than two millennia. Kish Island has been inhabited by Iranians since the Achaemenid Empire and it is as rich in history as it is in beauty.
Kariz-e Kish is a remaining of an ancient Qanat (aqueduct) that has turned into an underground city and museum for people to visit.
Iranians designed the Qanat system as an adaptation to arid climate five to six thousand years ago before the Roman Aqueducts. It is a hydraulic water system consisting of multiple vertical wells along a gentle slope that filters and guides water toward the arid areas.
Kariz-e Kish or Kish Qanat was built 2500 years ago to supply drinking water for island inhabitants. It’s a massive series of tunnels (10,000 square meters) snaking in a sixteen meters depth in coral earth of the island. To have a good functioning Qanat it must start from a high elevation going down gradually to the valleys. But Kish Island does not have high elevation areas and still, its Qanat is one of the best functioning in Iran.
Another factor that gives Kariz a unique characteristic is being in a coral ground. The coral reef purifies water very well plus when you walk in this cool ancient underground city, the walls and ceiling are covered with 500-600 million-year-old fossils of turtle, shells, and other species of the sea.
Kish Island is one of the most favorite tourist destinations among Iranians and specifically younger generations. Beautiful shopping malls, restaurants, water activities, and beaches create a great package for a relaxing and romantic getaway.
One reason for this high fame is because the island is warm and nice during winter. When other parts of Iran are cold and covered with snow you can put your toes in the warm white sands on the beach and jet ski on the turquoise water of the Persian Gulf.

Don’t forget to take a Selfie with the Greek ship when the sunset sky turns orange and purple in the background, it will be the most romantic and serene shot from your trip to Iran. If you go for a walk on the west beach of the island, you will see an abandoned ship sitting in the water. Fifty years ago this ship, belonging to Greece, came too close to the shore where she got stuck in the mud and she has remained beached ever since.

Kish Island - Greek Ship

Don’t forget to take a Selfie with the Greek ship while you are in Kish.

The best time to travel to Kish Island

The best time for Kish is from January to April. Kish climate is hot and humid with an average of 26°C in a year. In summer it can get as hot as 40°C (104°F).
Kish is a free trade zone where fifteen percent of all imports to Iran are through this region plus it has many investment incentives. You can take a short fly or a cruise from all the countries bordering the Persian Gulf to the Island. Tourists do not need a visa for entrance regardless of their nationality.

Kish- Persian Gulf

The best time to travel to Kish is from January to April.

Where to stay in Kish?

Imagine staying in a hotel looking like the palaces of Achaemenian emperors with the Persian soldiers and half-man half-lion stone statues, and lofty columns with intricate decorations all around you, and a tropical view out of your room will make your trip even more remarkable.
If you are more of a marine-hotel-person you can choose Toranj Hotel. Toranj Marine Hotel is the first hotel in Iran with on-water villas, drawing the shape of Paisley on the gulf, and glass floors to view the colorful marine life swimming beneath you in the Persian Gulf. In this five star hotel, you will experience an unforgettable stay with a panoramic view of sunset and sunrise over the sea every day.

Are you planning to travel to Iran? Check out our Qeshm Island tours.

ramadan in iran

Where to Go & What to Eat in Iran During Ramadan?

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Millions of Muslims in Iran and around the world have marked the beginning of the holy month of Ramadan. Fasting is aimed at reminding the faithful of the plight of the poor and is a major incentive for Muslims to engage in charitable activities. In addition to taking special care to avoid certain sins mentioned in the Quran, Muslims must abstain from food or drink of any kind during the daylight hours of Ramadan. Non-Muslims, too, will be expected to respect and adhere to the local culture in many Islamic countries and should be aware to follow certain rules and regulations. However, some travelers and non-Muslim tourists still wish to visit a Muslim-majority country during this important religious festival. During Ramadan, quotidian life is completely transformed and visitors to these regions are in for a serious and exciting culinary treat! Depending on the country you are in, there will be a whole array of festivities and events centered on the time of breaking fast, known as Iftar. Iran Doostan Tours proposed some cities in Iran for traveling during Ramadan. The report also includes some of the traditional cuisines served in the mentioned cities. Food can reveal some of its rich and varied regional identities. Here we go.

Mashhad: A religious city with delicious food

Home to the Holy Shrine of Imam Reza (A.S), Mashhad is the most important religious city in Iran and several Iranians and Muslims travel to the city during the holy month of Ramadan. Sheshlik Kebab, Shole Mashhadi, and Dizi are some of the renowned dishes served in Mashhad during the month of Ramadan.

Sholeh Mashhadi

Sholeh, the meat and wheat stew.

Don’t miss Shiraz’s Baq-e Eram and Shah-e Cheragh Shrine!

Baq-e Eram or Eram Garden is one of the crowded places during Ramadan in Shiraz. The traditional coffee houses around the place serve Iftar during Ramadan. On the eve of Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar during which Muslims fast, the Shah Cheragh shrine was cleaned and dusted due to an old tradition to get prepared for the pilgrims during the holy month. Aash-e Sabzi, Aash-e Karde, and Kalam Polo, as well as Tare Halva in Shiraz, are also amongst the favorite cuisines served during the holy month of Ramadan in Shiraz.

Kalam polo Shirazi

Kalam Polo: Shirazians’ favorite dish.

Break your fast on the Zayanderud riverside in Isfahan

Most people in Isfahan break their fast with their families by going for a picnic near the Zayanderud River. Halim made of lentils and milk, Mast Stew, Beryuni, Halim Bademjan, and Shole-Qalamkar are traditional Isfahani cuisines served during Ramadan in Isfahan’s restaurants.

Beryooni Isfahan

Beryuni, made of baked mutton & lungs.

Try local foods in Tabriz!

Imamzadeh Seyyed Hamzeh in Tabriz and El-Golu Park is a popular hangout during the Ramadan month in Tabriz. Imamzadeh Seyyed Hamzeh is one of the religious centers in the city and people flock to it during the holy month of Ramadan. Aash-e Shir is one of the cuisines served during Iftar in Tabriz. Other traditional cuisines of Tabriz include Kufteh, Dolmeh, Aash-e Abghureh, and colorful jams, which are served at the city’s restaurants.

Koofteh Tabrizi

Koofteh Tabrizi: super meatballs stuffed with berries.

Grandma’s Aash in Rasht, a good appetizer for Ramadan

If you decide to travel to Guilan Province during Ramadan, do not forget the traditional neighborhood of the city: Chellehkhaneh. There is a famous cooking center there named Grandma Aash, which serves Aash with locally grown vegetables. There is also a famous sweet named Reshteh-Khoshkar, which is made of fried rice paste and served in confectionaries and restaurants throughout the city.

Ash Reshte-Iranian dish

Ash Reshteh: A kind of Iranian thick soup which is a lifesaver in cold winter days.

Qazvin and renowned Halim

There are several tourist sites in this city that amaze visitors. However, don’t forget to eat Obey Zakan Halim during your sojourn in this historic city. Sholeh- Zard, Aash-e Dough, Ashe- Reshteh, Shir Berenj, kheer, and Ranging are some of the alternative cuisines served during the holy month of Ramadan in Qazvin.

Halim Ghazvin

Halim of Qazvin is a soft nutritious food for breaking fast.

Are you planning to travel to Iran? Check out our Iran tours. Maybe you will find interesting Ramadan in Iran.

Speak farsi-Irandoostan

Learn to speak Farsi for your travel to Iran

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On your travel to Iran, you may need to Speak farsi (Persian) with some Iranians who may not know the English language, so it would be perfect to know some key phrases in Persian, so that Persian native speakers can help you. Here are some key words and phrases in Persian (Farsi) for your travel to Iran.

And if you are planning to travel to Iran, here is the link to online Iran visa.

                  English                Pronunciation           Persian (Farsi)
Hello Salam سلام
Good bye Khoda Hafez خداحافظ
See you later! Ba’adan mibinamet بعداً میبینمت
Good morning Sobh be kheir صبح بخیر
Good night Shab be kheir شب بخیر
Good evening Asr be kheir عصر بخیر
How are you? Chetori?/halet chetori? چطوری؟
I’m fine Man khoobam من خوبم
I miss you Delam barat tang shode دلم برات تنگ شده
What’s new? What’s up? Che khabar? چه خبر؟
Nothing much Khabari nist خبری نیست
Thank you Mamnoon ممنون
Say hi to John for me Be John salam bereson به جان سلام برسون
You’re welcome Khahesh mikonam

Ghabeli nadasht

 خواهش میکنم

قابلی نداره
Don’t worry! Negaran nabashi نگران نباش
Excuse me (to get someone’s attention) Bebakhshid ببخشید
Sorry Bebakhshid ببخشید
Have a nice day Rooze khobi dashte bashi روز خوبی داشته باشی
What is your name? Esmet chie? اسمت چیه؟
My name is … Esme man … ast اسم من…است
Pleased to meet you

Nice to meet you

 Az didane shoma khoshalam از دیدن شما خوشحالم
Bon appetit / Have a nice meal Nooshe jan نوش جان
Bon voyage / Have a good journey Safar be kheir سفر بخیر
Where’s the toilet/bathroom? Dastshoyi kojas? دستشویی کجاس؟
What time is it? Saat chande? ساعت چنده؟
It’s 10 o’clock.

07:30pm

 Saat dah ast.

Saat haft-o nim-e ba’ad az zohr ast.

 ساعت ده است

ساعت هفت و نیم بعداز ظهر است
How much is it Gheymate in chand ast? قیمت این چند است؟
Give me some discount Be man takhfif bede. به من تخفیف بده
It is expensive In geran ast. این گران است
I’m hungry Man gorosne hastam. من گرسنه هستم
I’m thirsty Man teshneh hastam. من تشنه هستم
Where do you come from? Ahle koja hasti? اهل کجا هستی؟
I come from Spain Man ahle Spania hastam. من اهل اسپانیا هستم
I understand Mifahmam. میفهمم
I don’t understand Man nemifahmam. نمیفهمم
I don’t know Nemidoonam. نمیدونم
I need a doctor Man niaz be doctor daram. من نیازبه دکتر دارم
I feel sick Man mariz hastam. من مریض هستم
Please say that again Lotfan dobare begoo. لطفاً دوباره بگو
Please speak more slowly Lotfan ahest-e tar sohbat kon. لطفاً آهسته تر صحبت کن
Please write it down Lotfan benevisesh. لطفاً بنویسش
I speak Persian (Farsi) a little Man Farsi kam baladam. من فارسی کم بلدم
What Does … Mean in English?(an object or a word) In be englisi chi mishe? این به انگلیسی چی میشه؟
What Is This In chi hast? این چی هست؟
I’m lost Man gom shodam. من گم شدم
I have to go to… (a place) Man bayad beram be… من باید برم به…
Can I help you? Mitonam komaket konam? میتونم کمکت کنم؟
Can you help me? Mitoni komakam koni? میتونی کمکم کنی؟
Merry Christmas Christmas mobarak کریسمس مبارک
Happy New Year Sal-e no mobarak سال نو مبارک
Happy Birthday Tavalodet mobarak تولدت مبارک
Congratulations! Tabrik migam تبریک میگم
Good luck! Movafagh Bashi موفق باشی
Bless you (when sneezing) Afiat bashe عافیت باشه
Good/ Bad/ So-So Khoob /Bad(the same as English term)/taghriban خوب / بد/ تقریباً
Today/ Now Emrooz/ Al’an امروز / الان
Tomorrow/ Yesterday Farad/ Dirooz فردا / دیروز
Here you go! (when giving something) Befarmaeed بفرمایید
Hurry up! Zood bash زود باش
Do you like it? Doosesh dari? دوسش داری؟
I really like it! Man doosesh daram. من دوسش دارم
Call the police Be police zang bezan. به پلیس زنگ بزن
Yes Baleh بله
No Nah نه
Friend Doost دوست
Pharmacy Daroo khaneh داروخانه
Hospital Bimarestan بیمارستان
Fire Atash آتش
Help Komak کمک
Why Chera چرا؟
Who Che kasi? چه کسی؟
What Chi? چی؟
How Chetor? چطور؟
Where Koja? کجا؟
When Kay? کی؟
Stop! Eest ایست
Really! Vaghean? واقعاً
Look! Negah kon نگاه کن
Please Lotfan لطفاً
I Man من
You (singular) To تو
He/She Ou او
It Oon اون
We Ma ما
You Shoma شما
They Ishan ایشان
Wife Zan / khanoom زن / خانم
Husband Shohar شوهر
Spouse Hamsar همسر
Son/boy Pesr پسر
Daughter/girl Dokhtar دختر
Mother Madar مادر
Father Pedar پدر
Sister Khahar خواهر
Brother Baradar برادر
Mr. /Man Agha آقا
Mrs. /Ms. /Lady Khanom خانم
English Numbers 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Persian Numbers 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Persian Pronunciation Sefr Yek Dow Seh Chahar Panj Shish Haft Hasht Noh Dah
English Numbers 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100
Persian Numbers 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100
Persian Pronunciation Bist See Chehel Panjah Shast Haftad Hashtad Navad Sad

Are you planning to travel to Iran and looking for an Iran travel agency? Check out our Iran tours.

Iranian currency

Iran currency information for travelers + Exchange Rate

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Iran currency information for travelers

You arrive in Imam Khomeini airport in Iran, you pick up your backpack from the luggage belt, the officer at immigration checks your passport and stamps your Iranian visa with a big welcoming smile; now what? You need money to get to your hotel! There are tips you should know about Iranian currency when traveling to Iran.

Rials or Tomans? A matter of confusion

By the time you arrive in Iran you come up with the question that what is Iran Currency? The price labels are in Rial while the people talk about prices in Toman. The fact is that Iran’s official currency is Rial. However, you will see and hear Toman a lot more commonly in the country.
Toman is one tenth of a Rial. So, when purchasing, if someone quotes 23000 Toman (or 23 Toman), it works out to be 230,000 Rial.
Most prices written on the items in the bazaars, stores, or restaurants are in Toman but to avoid mistakes, always double-check the price to make sure whether it is Rial or Toman.

Bring Cash

Bring cash in enough US dollars or euro or UK Pound for the duration of your trip. These currencies are most preferred in Iran’s banks or the private exchange offices named Sarāfi. You cannot use visa or Master card or to withdraw any cash from ATM machines due to the sanctions on banks of Iran. Whichever currency you choose, the most important thing to remember is to bring as much cash as you’re likely to need, even a bit more.

Changing Money

Changing money is possible in all Iranian banks; however, it would take considerably shorter time to do it through official money-exchange offices (Sarāfi) in the cities or even at your hotel, with a taxi driver or in the jewelry section of the bazaar where the whole deal is done in seconds. The Sarāfi offices offer you a better rate of exchange compare to the banks and you can find Sarāfis at the airports, large cities, and tourist centers.
In Tehran, Ferdowsi square is famous as the center of Sarāfi offices which is convenient to access through Tehran Metro, there is a Metro station right in the corner of the square.

You can check out the most updated Iranian Rila rates in http://www.xe.com/currency/irr-iranian-rial

Kebab Persian cuisine

10 Famous Persian Dishes (Photos, Video, Info)

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Persian cuisine is not just ancient and cosmopolitan; it is also therapeutic for the body and soul. The legendary physician and philosopher Avicenna describes in his great book “The Canon of Medicine” the healing and beneficial aspects of different foods, fruits, and vegetables for the body. When you travel to Iran, you can learn more about Iran foods and drinks. Every city in each province of Iran has hundreds of local dishes for every season of the year. How fascinating is that? Therefore, we picked the most famous Persian dishes you must try on your visit to Iran.

Fesenjan

Fesenjan is one of the most popular stews, made with pomegranate sauce, walnut, and chicken or ground beef. It is a local food from the northern part of Iran and has a sweet and sour taste. In some regions, locals make this stew with meatballs or lamb. Adding orange zest, whole pomegranate seeds, butternut squash, or dried apricots is traditional in other parts. It is not a regular item on restaurant menus since it’s usually served on special occasions such as weddings or formal parties.

There is a wide variety of Iranian stews as famous Persian dishes. Each region of the country has its unique stew made of its own local and seasonal ingredients. The three main stews in Iran are Fesenjan, Gheymeh, and Ghormeh Sabzi, and all are served with Chelo (white, fluffy rice).

Iranians are proud of their skills in preparing rice, and there are different ways to cook them, such as Chelo, Polo, Abkesh, and Kateh. Chelo is fluffy Persian rice with some saffron rice on top. Polo is mixed rice usually served with chicken, lamb, beef, or fish. Zereshk Polo is one of the most popular Polos that has Persian barberries and saffron, and you mostly see it served with chicken. Another is dill and lima bean rice usually served with lamb shank next to the chicken. There is an individual meal called Tahchin that is entirely made with rice!

Tahchin

Tahchin is a kind of rice cake with four layers. First, the lowest layer is a mixture of cooked rice, yogurt, egg, and saffron. The second layer consists of flavored rice and Persian spices such as saffron or turmeric. The third layer contains cooked chicken pieces, and the last layer is spicy rice. Iranians, generally, are very fond of Tahdig. In Tachin, it is essential to add a crispy layer of Tahdig on the upper part of the Tachin to bring a touch of lusciousness to this traditional Iranian food.

Biryani

In addition to enjoying the gorgeous mosques, ornate domes, and ancient bridges in Isfahan, the Biryani is another highlight of this city. This dish is made with shoulder lamb and onions. First, the lamb is cooked through a particular process and then soon after fried. In the end, the lamb will be ground or chopped very finely. The result is a highly aromatic and colorful dish of meat and rice. Our lovely Isfahani locals serve Biryani on bread and decorate with some cinnamon on top.

Kebab

You will most definitely see Kebabs on the menus of restaurants since it is one of the most famous Persian dishes. Kebab is grilled meat such as filet mignon, chicken, ground beef, or fish served with Chelo with grilled tomato and pepper.  The most famous Persian kebabs you come across in Iran are Joojeh Kebab and Koobideh, Iranians’ all-time favorites, and they sometimes have Naz Khatoon and Dough beside their dish. During your travel to Iran, do not miss this tasty meal!

famous Persian dishes

Persian Dishes – In the Iranian restaurant menus you will mostly see Kebabs; one of the bests in Persian Cuisine.

Ghormeh Sabzi

The delicious Ghormeh Sabzi, or as some people might call it, the king of the stews, is on another level. Ghormeh Sabzi is the hallmark of Iranian food that dates back more than 2000 years. You would rarely find someone who does not love Ghormeh Sabzi. Ghormeh Sabzi is served in most restaurants as lunch or dinner. The ingredients are kidney beans, a mixture of herbs, and dried limes. Nothing surpasses Ghormeh Sabzi when it comes to its taste and texture as a dish.

Gheymeh Nesar

Imagine the taste of Persian barberries, pistachio, cinnamon, rose water, turmeric, and saffron. It will take you to the magnificent feast of a Persian king in his exotic palace surrounded by gorgeous decorations on the walls and silk carpets on the floor. Gheymeh Nesar of Qazvin is one of the bests in Persian Cuisine. It is a food mostly made for special events. The topping of the rice has almond, pistachio, orange pill slices, Persian barberries, and lamb meat, which creates an unforgettable taste.

Gheymeh

The other favored stew is Gheymeh, but this one is pretty common in most restaurants in the country. The word Gheymeh comes from how the meat is cut into small cubes in this recipe. Gheymeh is a traditional and popular Iranian stew with saffron potatoes, served with either white or aromatic rice. The main ingredients of this tasty stew are tomato paste, lintels, dried lime, and beef with the addition of French fries or eggplants on top instead. Khoresht-e Gheimeh can turn into Gheymeh Bademjan by adding eggplants to the stew.

Gheymeh Persian cuisine

Persian Dishes – A traditional and popular Iranian stew with saffron potatoes

Dizi or Abgoosht

Dizi is quite different from other foods, and that’s why Abgoosht is among the most famous Persian dishes in Iran. The ingredients are lamb, tomato, onion, potato, chickpeas, and different seasonings such as turmeric. The juice is separately served, so you can dip Persian bread in it and enjoy it. The solid materials will be mashed and mixed and served with broth. Usually, you can eat pickles or yogurt with Dizi and fully enjoy the fascinating taste of traditional Persian food.

Ash Reshteh

Ash Reshteh is the traditional Iranian version of noodle soup, cooked with beans, peas, and vegetables. With a strong taste of the dried mint powder. The soup is garnished with a salty dairy sauce named Kashk. That’s why it also is called Ash-e Kashk. The name makes sense, as “ash” translates to thick soup and “reshteh” to noodle! Ash Reshteh is a great option that will leave you satisfied and full of energy for quite some time!

Kofte Tabrizi

If you are visiting Tabriz during your stay in Iran, make sure you try the most famous Persian dish of the city, Kofteh Tabrizi. Kofte Tabrizi is a super meatball made of ingredients such as rice, ground beef, yellow split peas, leeks, mint, parsley, onion, walnuts, dried apricots, barberries, and Persian spices, cooked in tomato paste. Some like to stuff the meatballs with prunes, walnuts, and fried onions until it cooks slowly to perfection.

Kufte Tabrizi - Persian Cuisine

Persian Dishes: Kofte Tabrizi

Are you planning to travel to Iran? Check out our Iran tours.

Iran transport information

Iran Transport Information

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If you are travel to Iran by yourself without the help of a tour operator, you might need to know about Iran transport information. To arrive in Iran you can choose air, rail, or bus system depending on where are you coming from. Once you are inside the country the public transportation in big cities are available in a low price for everyone.

If you are planning to travel to Iran, here is the link to online Iran visa.

Taxi

Taxis are widely available in big and small cities. You can either hail a private or a shuttle taxi. Shuttle taxis travel between the main streets and squares of the city so you need to know the name of the street or the square. Sometimes to arrive at your destination you might need to hop on more than one shuttle taxi or you can hail for a private ride which will be more expensive. To hail a private taxi you can say ‘Dar Bast’ to the driver and he will take you to your destination at any location in the city. It is the best to agree on a price before you get in the car.

For a shuttle or a shared taxi, you can find the taxi stations on almost all the squares and most of the main streets of the city. You will see a lot of yellow or green taxis waiting on their stations to be filled and take off toward their destination. Taxis wait on lines with the name of their destinations written on a sign next to each line. If you do not see a taxi station step on the road and shout the name of your destination for the taxis going on your way and the one that is going to your destination will stop.

There are also agency taxis or telephone taxis that every hotel and household knows one and has the number of their local agency taxis and they can call and ask for a car to your destination. The agency taxi is more expensive than the shuttle and it can stick around with you all day or you can hire it for your entire stay.

Also there is a special taxi for ladies only, in the big cities. All the drivers are women and they will accept lady customers only. You can reserve a taxi by calling them at 1814 and they are starting their online services on their website http://taxibanovan.com/.

  • If you are going to use Tehran’s subway and bus services pretty often during your stay, purchase an electronic ticket from a bus or metro station. Using the electronic ticket for the metro will cost you less than purchasing a regular ticket for every trip, but it has the same price for the bus trips. The e-tickets are easy to use since you charge it any amount you wish and do not need to stay in the line of purchasing a ticket for every trip you want to take.

Bus

There is bus transportation in all cities of Iran, and in big cities like Tehran, it is the best way to escape the traffic and crowded streets of city centers. Tehran has BRT (bus rapid transit) system which runs 24/7 in ten different lines throughout the city. You can check out the map here. The fee for every trip is 30000 Rials for the bus with or without the e-ticket.

Minibusses in Tehran are almost extinct since the bus system has improved in the recent years, except in some less developed areas of the city.

Metro (underground subway)

Tehran’s subway has four lines running in different directions plus one extra line that goes to Karaj. Subway gives you the fastest reach to almost any location in Tehran, you just need to find out which line is the best for your destination and if you need to change your train figure out on which station you must move to another line. Plus on the boards in the trains the name of the stations are in Farsi only but in the stations and on this map the English name is available. Keep in mind that the subway during the rush hours 7-9 am, 4-7 pm is very crowded. The fee for a trip with the e-ticket starts from 20000 Rials and it goes up depending on the time you were using the metro. If you do not use the e-ticket and purchase a ticket, the one-way ticket is 28500 Rial.

On the Road

If you are looking for Iran transport information, travel between the cities is the best by train and bus. Both are very comfortable and have fair pricing. There are VIP buses for longer trips that are very comfortable with a service box of juice and cookies. You can purchase the bus tickets at the terminal since the websites are in Farsi only also visa or master cards do not work in Iran yet, due to banking sanctions.

For transportation between cities you can choose railway as well and if you are traveling in a group you can purchase the ticket for a four to six seated wagons that the seats turn into a bed for a comfortable night sleep as well. Some railways systems, such as Tehran-Mashhad, have different quality levels, from more luxuries to ordinary classifications. For the railways, you need to purchase the tickets at the terminal.

There are private cars as well to transport you between the cities which will take four passengers to the destination and might be at the same price as the bus fare but it is less comfortable compared to the bus or train specially for longer journeys.

Are you planning to travel to Iran and looking for an Iran travel agency? Check out our Iran tours.