A popular topic of discussion among my friends is based on the idea that there are certain places in Tehran that MUST be visited. Having visited all these places is almost like a badge of honor.

I have been trying for some time to compile a list of these places and it is not surprising that I find it to be quite a large list. So here is a list of 19 places that, for one reason or another, represent the quintessential dining experience in Tehran. I stopped at 19 because I’m sure there are a lot of suggestions for number 20! The list is in alphabetical order:

1. Akbar Mashti

The origin and origin of Iran’s national ice cream is subject to much debate. Saffron and rose water flavored ice cream was first served on Rey Street (south of Tehran) in a shop that is still in operation. But the real Akbar Mashti can be found on Shahrdari Street between Tajrish and Ghods Squares. And indeed it is a true original.

2. Bahar Kebab

At the end of Bahar Street, just before the intersection with Bahar-e-Shiraz Street, it can be said to be one of the best sources of minced kebab (Koubideh) in Tehran. It’s not pretty, but the combination of the hot kebab and the fresh bread from the clay oven makes for a delicious meal.

3. Cafe Naderi

As one of the most iconic restaurants / cafes in Tehran, Cafe Naderi is revered for its steak “Chateaubriand” and of course its selection of coffees. Once famous as the hangout for Tehran literati, Café Naderi, which is situated on Jomhuri Street near the Ferdowsi intersection, is now more used to serving tourists and diplomats.

4. Estakhr Vanak

This simple and efficient restaurant is famous for its spring chicken kebab. There doesn’t seem to be anything complicated about it, but somehow they manage to make a better chicken kebab than anywhere else in Tehran.

5. Feraidoon sandwich

This popular sandwich shop is commonly known by a very unflattering name (which will not be used here). They serve a typical set of hot and cold sandwiches including chicken, steak, and tongue. It is particularly famous for its great fries which are fantastic. The store is located at the bottom of Eshgyar Street (also known as Niloufar) near Khoramshahr Avenue and is instantly recognizable by its old sign.

6. Dizisara (Iranshahr)

Considered by many to be the best place in Tehran for traditional abgoosht (stewed meat), this restaurant is a place where people from all walks of life come together to enjoy hearty food in traditional settings. The service is at the speed of light to cope with the constant queue of customers abroad. An especially lovely place to visit for non-Iranians. Dizisara is located on Azarshahr street between Iranshahr and Gharani streets.

7. Disciple in Takhti Square

No one is quite sure what this place is called and no one bothers to ask. All you have to say is “Disciple in Takhti Square” and it becomes clear. This restaurant works only a few hours during lunch. Before lunch, the disciple is still cooking and by 2:00 p.m. they are sold out. The demand is tremendous, so go early. The exact location is on Vatani Street, under a huge car dealership.

8. Joseph Sandwiches

The little kitchen of this little shop (located on the same street as Feraidoon) manages to serve up a surprisingly large number of sandwiches in one day. The Olivier salad sandwich is one of my favorites in Tehran, although Joseph is also very famous for his charcuterie sandwiches. Don’t be surprised if the guy in front of you orders 30 sandwiches. Those are typical Joseph clients.

9. Khoshbin

This is a very small restaurant, although you wouldn’t know it from the amount of people packed inside. Khoshbin, which is located on Saadi Street, just past Manoochehri Street, is generally known as Hassan Rashti. In my many visits I never met Hassan and I really don’t know if he exists, but the authenticity of Rashti food is beyond question. Try the salted fish eggs and walnuts as a starter and then order everything else on the menu. It’s so good.

10. Khosravi

Some of the foods on this list are unhealthy and not for everyone’s taste. Khosravi serves an Iranian adaptation of the deep-fried Russian Pirozhki and offers it with a variety of fillings such as sweet cream, potato, and meat. It is located on Jomhuri Street, just before the intersection with Hafez. If you go there, take a taxi because, in addition to avoiding traffic, you will want to ditch those tasty calories.

11. Moby Dick

Many of us have heard of the fantastic parties our parents had at Moby Dick, which today caters to the masses in a “self-serve” format. The system is like a school cafeteria. You grab a tray and walk along a long buffet ordering from the servers behind the counter. Options include a wide variety of freshly cooked Iranian and international dishes at reasonable prices. Most people go there for the famous Moby Dick Chelo-Kebab. The restaurant is located on Gharani street.

12. Muslim

As one of the many restaurants in the Grand Bazaar, Moslem is located on the square at the entrance to the Bazaar. As soon as you put your foot inside the door and you are led upstairs in a row, you grab a tray, grab your drink, grab your sides, and order your food delivered to you in minutes.

13. Nayeb (Vozara)

Among Tehran foodies it is almost a sin not to have visited the old Nayeb on Vozara Street and once you taste the steak kebab (Barg) you will understand why this branch of Nayeb has so many followers.

14. Reza Loghme

It’s amazing how many people who know Reza Loghme haven’t tried it. This little sandwich shop only serves one main item known as Loghme, which is deep-fried ground beef wrapped in Lavash thin flatbread. It is one of the cheapest meals in town and this is probably reflected in the quality of the meat. But the flavor of the juicy meat draws so many people to Calle 30 de Tir that it is a real struggle to order.

15. Reyhoon

Named after the herb that accompanies all of their dishes, Reyhoon offers a variety of kebabs that are only served with freshly baked bread. Although the prices are not low, almost every item on the menu is perfectly cooked. Start with the chopped kebab and then work your way up the menu.

16. Sahand

Some people are unfamiliar with Sahand even though it has a very solid reputation for serving some of the best Chelo-Kebabs in town. Their menu is reminiscent of Tabriz restaurants and includes some interesting options of chicken or lamb skewers. Unusually, they also bake their own small-sized Sangak bread. Sahand is located on North Mofateh Street before the Motahari intersection.

17. Seyed Mehdi

This midnight hangout is famous for three things: traditional ice cream, hot broth, and traffic jam along Vali Asr Street. Seyed Mehdi are actually two stores next to each other, one serving ice cream and Faloudeh (frozen noodles), the other store serving hot broth (Aash) and wheat porridge (Haleem). They close shortly after midnight and open only four hours later. You can find Seyed Mehdi as you head south from Tajrish Square down Vali Asr Street.

18. Shandiz

This restaurant is all about lamb chops. Of course, they serve all kinds of kebabs, but almost everyone goes there for their famous lamb chops, marinated and grilled in the traditional Shandiz / Mashad style. There are very few places that serve meat of this quality in Tehran. Personally, I have seen someone consume 3.5 skewers (that’s 18 lamb chops) in one sitting.

19. Yeganeh

Entering Yeganeh is like stepping back in time because they serve the same style of sandwiches that were popular during our childhoods. Whether you want a brain sandwich or a hot Bandari sausage, you can be sure that it will be heavy, greasy, and exceptionally delicious.

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