Explore the Best Iranian Food in LA

Are you looking for a culinary adventure in Los Angeles? Look no further than the best Iranian food in LA. From aromatic spices to tender meats and savory stews, Iranian cuisine offers an array of flavors and textures that are sure to delight your taste buds. In this guide, we will take you on a journey to some of the best Iranian restaurants in LA and explore the rich history and culture behind each dish.

The Best Iranian Restaurants in LA

🍴 Shaherzad

🍴 Taste of Tehran

🍴 Shamshiri Grill

🍴 Darya

🍴 Javan Restaurant

Shaherzad

📍 Address: 1422 Westwood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90024

Experience the royal treatment at Shaherzad, a Persian restaurant in the heart of Westwood. This fine dining establishment features opulent decor and a menu of exquisite dishes. Try the Fesenjan, a decadent stew of chicken in a pomegranate and walnut sauce, or the Koobideh, a juicy grilled ground beef kabob served with saffron rice and grilled tomatoes.

Taste of Tehran

📍 Address: 1915 Westwood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90025

If you are looking for an authentic taste of Iran, head to Taste of Tehran. This cozy eatery offers an extensive menu of classic Persian dishes, including the iconic Chelo Kabob, a grilled meat dish served with fluffy saffron rice and grilled tomatoes. Don’t miss the Baghali Polo, a fragrant rice dish with dill and fava beans.

Shamshiri Grill

📍 Address: 1712 Westwood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90024

Shamshiri Grill has been serving up delicious Persian cuisine for over 35 years. This family-owned restaurant offers a comfortable atmosphere and a menu of traditional dishes, including Ghormeh Sabzi, a savory herb stew with beef, and Gheymeh Bademjan, an eggplant and beef stew. Finish off your meal with a cup of fragrant Persian tea and a slice of baklava.

Darya

📍 Address: 12130 Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90025

Darya is a Persian restaurant that offers a unique blend of modern and traditional cuisine. Try the Baghali Polo with lamb shank, a flavorful rice dish with dill and fava beans served with a succulent lamb shank. For dessert, indulge in the Sholeh Zard, a sweet and creamy saffron rice pudding.

Javan Restaurant

📍 Address: 11500 Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90025

Javan Restaurant offers a cozy atmosphere and a menu of classic Iranian dishes. Try the Gheymeh, a tangy beef and yellow split pea stew, or the Zereshk Polo, a delicious rice dish with barberries and saffron. Don’t forget to sip on a cup of Persian tea and enjoy the warm hospitality of Javan Restaurant.

What is Iranian Cuisine?

Iranian cuisine is a blend of flavors and spices from various regions of Iran, as well as influences from neighboring countries such as Russia, Turkey, and Azerbaijan. The cuisine is known for its rich use of herbs, spices, and aromatic ingredients such as saffron, rosewater, and dried limes.

Meat dishes are a staple of Iranian cuisine, with lamb, beef, and chicken being the most commonly used proteins. Kabobs are a popular Iranian dish, with various types of grilled meats and vegetables served with rice and a side of grilled tomatoes.

Stews are another popular Iranian dish, with Ghormeh Sabzi being one of the most famous. This stew features a blend of herbs and spices with beef or lamb, kidney beans, and dried limes. Another popular stew is the Fesenjan, which is made with chicken or duck in a rich sauce of pomegranate and walnuts.

FAQ about Iranian Food in LA

Q: What are some common Iranian spices?

A: Some common Iranian spices include saffron, turmeric, cumin, cinnamon, and cardamom.

Q: What is the national dish of Iran?

A: Chelo Kabob is considered the national dish of Iran.

Q: Is Iranian food spicy?

A: Iranian food is known for its use of spices, but it is not necessarily spicy. Most dishes have a balanced blend of flavors and are not overly spicy.

Q: What are some common Iranian desserts?

A: Some common Iranian desserts include baklava, Sholeh Zard (saffron rice pudding), and Zoolbia and Bamieh (fried dough soaked in syrup).

Q: Can Iranian food be vegetarian?

A: Yes, Iranian cuisine offers a variety of vegetarian dishes, such as Ghormeh Sabzi made with kidney beans instead of meat, and Eggplant Stew.

Q: What is the difference between Persian and Iranian food?

A: Persian and Iranian food are interchangeable terms that refer to the same cuisine.

Q: Is Iranian food gluten-free?

A: Iranian cuisine does not rely heavily on wheat or gluten, making it a good option for those with gluten sensitivities.

Q: What is the difference between Kabob Koobideh and Kabob Barg?

A: Kabob Koobideh is a ground beef kabob, while Kabob Barg is a marinated beef filet kabob.

Q: What is the traditional way of serving tea in Iranian culture?

A: Tea is traditionally served in a small glass cup with a sugar cube on the side.

Q: What is the significance of pomegranates in Iranian cuisine?

A: Pomegranates are a symbol of fertility and abundance in Iranian culture, and are commonly used in stews, sauces, and salads.

Q: What is the difference between Fesenjan and Gheymeh?

A: Fesenjan is a stew made with chicken or duck in a pomegranate and walnut sauce, while Gheymeh is a tangy beef and yellow split pea stew.

Q: What is the traditional way of eating rice in Iranian culture?

A: Rice is traditionally served in a mound with a pat of butter on top, and is accompanied by various stews and kabobs.

Q: What is the difference between Basmati rice and Persian rice?

A: Basmati rice is a type of long-grain rice that is commonly used in Indian and Pakistani cuisine, while Persian rice is a shorter-grain rice that is commonly used in Iranian cuisine.

Q: What is the traditional way of cooking kabobs in Iranian culture?

A: Kabobs are traditionally cooked over an open flame on a skewer.

Conclusion

Exploring the best Iranian food in LA is a culinary journey not to be missed. From the opulent decor of Shaherzad to the cozy charm of Javan Restaurant, each eatery offers a unique experience and a menu of delicious dishes. Whether you are a meat lover or a vegetarian, Iranian cuisine has something for everyone. So grab a fork and dig in!

Don’t wait any longer to try the best Iranian food in LA. Visit one of these amazing restaurants today and experience the rich flavors and culture of Iran.

Disclaimer

The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only. The author does not endorse any of the restaurants or businesses listed in this article, nor is the author responsible for any experiences or outcomes that may result from visiting these establishments. Readers are advised to do their own research and exercise caution when trying new foods or visiting new places.