IRAN Souvenirs

The best Iranian souvenirs are artisanal handicrafts unique to each city and made traditionally with passion. But the huge variety of souvenirs can leave you confused if you don’t know what you’re looking at. Arriving with some basic knowledge can save you time and money.

IRAN Souvenirs

The best Iranian souvenirs are artisanal handicrafts unique to each city and made traditionally with passion. But the huge variety of souvenirs can leave you confused if you don’t know what you’re looking at. Arriving with some basic knowledge can save you time and money.

Apart from handicrafts and art works there are a whole lot more Iranian souvenirs. Take home edible souvenirs that will spark memories of your gastronomic adventure in Iran with every bite. Besides making great gifts, these delectable mementos are ripe with authentic local flavor. Here are the food goodies to stuff your suitcases with before you go home.

Pistachios - Iranian souvenirs

1. Pistachio’s

As a leader in the pistachio market, what better place than Iran to pick up the real deal? Pistachios come in different sizes and can be fresh, dried or salted. Try the ones roasted in lemon juice for a kick of tangy flavor. The fresh ones are seasonal, so if you visit Iran during autumn or by the end of summer, make sure you get your hands on a handful of these. For most foreigners, it’s the first time they will see fresh pistachios.

The best place to buy: Rafsanjan and Damghan (Also available in all Iranian bazaars)

Saffron - Iranian souvenirs

2. Saffron

To add some exotic Persian flavors to your cooking, look out for saffron. The red gold, as it’s often called, is used extensively in Persian cooking as it is believed to make you calm and happy. It is used in many ways, such as making tea, ice cream, sweets, nabat (a saffron-infused rock candy used as tea sweetener), and obviously for making saffron rice.

The best place to buy: Mashad (Also available in all Iranian bazaars)

Baklava - Iranian souvenirs

3. Baklava​

Iran is heaven for those with a sweet tooth. Iranians have their own Baklava which tends to be less sweet than those found in Turkey or in Arab countries. Small in size and dusted with powdered sugar, they are a staple dessert served at numerous Iranian festivities and celebrations.

The best place to buy: Yazd and Kashan

Pashmak - Iranian souvenirs

4. Qotab​

Qottab is a traditional Iranian sweet consisting of soft wheat dough wrapped around almond or walnut fillings. They are usually generously spiced with cinnamon, rose water, cardamom and orange blossom, then shaped into round or crescent forms.

The best place to buy: Yazd

5. Pashmak

Iranians have their own version of cotton candy; one that is sweeter and containing sesame, mostly accompanied by the bitterness of Persian tea.

The best place to buy: Yazd and Kashan

Sohan - Iranian souvenirs

6. Is it safe for women to travel to Iran?

Those who have a sweet tooth will want to take home the buttery and brittle Sohan. It is prepared with a base of wheat sprout, flour, egg yolks, rose water, sugar, butter, saffron and cardamon topped with pistachio slices. This sweet, crispy candy is often altered with the addition of various flavorings, other nuts, or flavored honey.

The best place to buy: Qom

Gaz - Iranian souvenirs

7. Gaz, the tasty Persian nougat

This sweet, soft finger food is the most well-known Isfahan souvenir among all national travelers. It is a combination of egg whites, sugar, rose water, pistachios, and almonds. It goes perfectly with a cup of brewed tea.

The best place to buy: Isfahan

8. Polaki

Polaki is the second most famous Isfahan confectionary. Very popular among the locals, this candy is prepared with different shapes and tastes, from chocolate and saffron to pistachio and sesame. 

The best place to buy: Isfahan

Dates - Iranian souvenirs

9. Dates

Dates are one of the most famous and popular snack foods in the southern provinces. When it comes to quality, what comes to mind are Bam dates, the best example in the country due to the southern climate for high quality palms.

The best place to buy: Bam, Southern cities (Also available in all Iranian bazaars)

Lavashak - Iranian souvenirs

10. Lavashak

Lavashak, or Persian style fruit leather, is an easily made-in-the-oven snack of dried fruit. Healthy, tasty and vegan, Lavashaks are dream snacks for kids and adults alike. Lavashaks are fruit rolls made from many fruits and range from sweet to sour.

The best place to buy: available in all Iranian markets.

Rosewater - Iranian souvenirs

11. Rosewater

Another essential ingredient, particularly for Iranian desserts, is rosewater from the fragrant Mohammadi roses. Its delicate taste and smell make it the perfect ingredient for ice cream, sweets, tea and some traditional foods. If you happen to be in Kashan between mid-April and mid-May, make sure to join the crowd at the beautiful Gulab Giri (rose water production) ceremony.

The best place to buy: Kashan

Herbal distillates - Iranian souvenirs

12. Herbal distillates

Besides rosewater, Iranians use a lot of special herbal distillates such as thyme, orange blossom, willow and fennel. Each of them is useful for particular ailments. For example, thyme distillate is believed to be calmative and anti-inflammatory, and can help to relieve head colds.

The best place to buy: Kashan

Herbs - Iranian souvenirs

13. Herbs

Iranians love herbal infusions. They are on the menus of restaurants and coffee shops. Lavender, chamomile, rose petal and bitter orange blossom are some of our favorites. You only have to steam them with water and you’re good to go. Not to mention that each of them comes with its own medicinal benefits.

The best place to buy: Shiraz, Tehran (Also available in all Iranian bazars)

Barberries - Iranian souvenirs

14. Barberries

A sprinkle of barberries will give your rice a slightly sour taste. Barberries are a prominent ingredient of Persian cuisine and can be brought fresh or dried so they can be used year-round.

The best place to buy: Mashhad (Also available in all Iranian bazars)

Persian Spices

15. Persian spices

If you are a foodie you will like the wide variety of spices and seasonings which our Persian food is flavored with. The most common spices in Iranian foods are:

Turmeric (Zardchoobe), Cinnamon (Darchin), Sumac (Somagh), Cardamom (Hel), Angelica (Golpar), Cumin (Zireh), Mixed Persian spices (Advieh)

You can buy these Persian souvenirs pre-packaged from grocery stores, or get them from Bazaars in Iran.

The best place to buy: Shiraz (Also available in all Iranian bazars)

Whether you’re a shopping addict or not, it won’t make any difference during your trip to Iran; it will be hard to resist the temptation of buying beautiful souvenirs as the country overflows with authentic and eye-catching handicrafts. You can find them everywhere from the colorful stalls of the bazaars to specialized shops and workshops. From spices to fabrics and copper, there is a huge variety of souvenirs to take back home with you.

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Hello!
My name is Moein and I am an experienced licensed tour manager and guide. I am familiar with all places and events in Iran and committed to ensuring your time with me is a well-balanced mix of wonder, education and fun.