Iran for Vegetarians: A Guide to Local Flavors and Unique Culinary Experiences

Duration

7 day-6 night

Start Point

End Point

Tour Type

Plan your adventure:

Tour Highlights

• Traditional Vegetarian Dishes: Ash Reshteh, Mirza Ghasemi, Kuku Sabzi, and more • Local Bazaars: Fresh vegetables, dried fruits, nuts, and unique Iranian spices • Modern Vegetarian Restaurants: Creative takes on Persian classics • World-Class Heritage Sites: Palaces, mosques, and gardens recognized by UNESCO • Cooking Class (Optional): Learn the secrets of authentic vegetarian Persian recipes

About this Tour

Overview

With its rich history and vibrant culture, Iran is a surprisingly wonderful destination for vegetarians. Persian cuisine is filled with delicious plant-based dishes made from fresh vegetables, legumes, aromatic herbs, and spices. From colorful bazaars to cozy teahouses, every city offers unique vegetarian-friendly experiences.

This 10-day vegetarian travel itinerary takes you through Tehran, Isfahan, and Shiraz – three of Iran’s most fascinating cities – where you’ll discover not only breathtaking landmarks but also authentic flavors tailored to a vegetarian lifestyle.

Quick Tips for Vegetarians in Iran

Learn to Ask: “Bedoon-e goosht” (without meat) & “Man giaah-khaar hastam” (I am a vegetarian)

Appetizers are your friends: Kashk-e Bademjan, Mirza Ghasemi, hummus, and Borani (yogurt dips) are always vegetarian

The Classic Trio: Naan (bread), paneer (cheese), sabzi (herbs) – a timeless Persian snack

Helpful Apps: Use Happy Cow to find vegetarian and vegan restaurants in big cities

Final Note

This vegetarian travel guide to Iran combines cultural exploration with plant-based culinary adventures. From UNESCO heritage sites to bustling bazaars and from traditional stews to modern vegan restaurants, Iran offers a truly unique journey for every vegetarian traveler.

Enjoy your trip – and taste the unforgettable vegetarian side of Iran!

Tour Include

6 nights’ accommodation in 4 and 3 star hotels
6 Breakfasts
English speaking guide based on itinerary
Airport transfers
Travel Insurance (insurance rate may change based on the traveler’s age)
Transportation with a private car based on the itinerary

Tour Exclude

Visa stamp fee
Entrance fees to the attractions
extra lunch or dinner
Tips and Portages
extra cost for special offers

Itinerary

Part 1: Tehran, The Modern Capital (Days 1–3)

Tehran, Iran | Vegetarian Food in Tehran Day 1: Arrival in Tehran & North Tehran Exploration • Morning: Arrive at Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA) and transfer to your hotel • Afternoon: Visit the Sa’dabad Palace Complex and enjoy a scenic walk in Darband or Darakeh • Dinner: Dine at Zamin Restaurant (Ananda), one of Tehran’s most popular vegetarian spots • Food Tip: Try the “Vegetarian Kebab” or “Mushroom Fesenjan Stew.”

Day 2: The Historic Heart of Tehran

• Morning: Explore Golestan Palace (UNESCO site, Qajar era) • Noon: Stroll through the Tehran Grand Bazaar for nuts, dried fruits, and spices • Lunch: Taste Adas Polo (lentil rice) or Dami Gojeh (tomato rice). Don’t forget to request bedoon-e goosht (without meat) • Evening: Visit the National Museum of Iran and National Jewelry Museum • Dinner: Creative vegetarian meal at a cozy Tehran café

Day 3: Art and Culture in Tehran

• Morning: Walk across the Tabiat Bridge and visit Ab-o-Atash Park • Noon: Explore the Iranian Artists’ Forum and have lunch at its vegetarian-friendly café • Afternoon: Travel to Isfahan by high-speed train or flight

Day 4: Wonders of Naqsh-e Jahan Square

• Morning: Check into your hotel in Isfahan • Afternoon: Discover Naqsh-e Jahan Square (UNESCO site), including the Imam Mosque, Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque, and Ali Qapu Palace • Dinner: Traditional restaurant near the square • Food Tip: Try Kashk-e Bademjan (eggplant dip) and Khoresht-e Mast (sweet saffron yogurt dish unique to Isfahan).

Day 5: Art and History in Isfahan

• Morning: Visit Chehel Sotoun Palace and its garden • Noon: Explore Jolfa (Armenian Quarter), visit Vank Cathedral, and relax at a café • Lunch: Enjoy fresh meals at a vegetarian/vegan-friendly restaurant • Evening: Walk across Khaju Bridge and Si-o-Se-Pol Bridge at sunset

Day 6: Bazaars and Local Flavors

• Morning: Shop at Qeysarieh Bazaar for handicrafts like Mina-kari (enamel) and Khatam-kari (inlay) • Noon: Join a vegetarian cooking class (optional) and learn to make Ash Reshteh • Evening: Travel to Shiraz by overnight bus or domestic flight

Day 7: Finding Peace in Shiraz

• Morning: Check into your hotel • Afternoon: Visit the Tomb of Hafez and Tomb of Sa’di • Dinner: Local vegetarian-friendly restaurant • Food Tip: Try Kalam Polo Shirazi (cabbage and rice pilaf, meatless version).

Day 8: A Journey to Ancient History

• Full Day: Excursion to Persepolis and Naqsh-e Rostam (Achaemenid Empire) • Lunch: Vegetarian-friendly picnic with Kuku Sabzi or Mirza Ghasemi • Evening: Return to Shiraz and visit the Qur’an Gate

Day 9: Colorful Mosques and Gardens

• Morning: Marvel at the Nasir al-Mulk Mosque (Pink Mosque) • Noon: Stroll through Eram Garden (UNESCO site) • Lunch: Traditional restaurant inside Vakil Bazaar • Food Tip: Try Dampokhtak Shirazi (turmeric rice) or the refreshing Salad Shirazi. • Afternoon: Souvenir shopping and tasting herbal distillates

Day 10: Farewell to Iran

• Morning: Enjoy your last Iranian breakfast before departing from Shiraz International Airport (SYZ)

Guest Reviews

Iran for Vegetarians: A Guide to Local Flavors and Unique Culinary Experiences

Tour Highlights

About this Tour

Tour Include

Tour Exclude

Itinerary

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