Vakil Mosque, Shiraz, Iran
Photo by Faruk Kaymak on Unsplash
Iran for vegan & vegetarian travelers
Iran is moderately friendly for vegetarian travelers, with rice, herbs, vegetables, and legumes common in traditional cuisine. Vegan travelers can eat well with careful ordering and an understanding of ingredients.
Iran
Vegan Friendliness: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆ (4/5)
Vegetarian Friendliness: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5/5)
Best For: Rice dishes, lentils, herbs, fresh vegetables
Challenging Because: Meat is common in stews and rice dishes
🥗 What to Eat
- Vegetarian-friendly: Khoresht-e bademjan (eggplant stew without meat), Mirza ghasemi (smoked eggplant with eggs)
- Vegan-friendly: Lentil soup, rice with herbs (sabzi polo), vegetable stews without meat
🚫 Watch Out For
- Meat in stews (ghoresht)
- Butter and yogurt in some rice dishes
🗣️ Survival Phrases (Persian/Farsi)
- I am vegetarian: Man giyahkhorkh astam
(mahn gee-YAH-khorkh ahs-TAM) - I am vegan: Man vegan astam
(mahn VEH-gahn ahs-TAM) - No meat: Goosht nemikhoram
(goosht neh-mee-KHO-ram)
🧭 Veggie Trip Tip
Iran has rich vegetarian and vegan options — ask for “bedoon goosht” (without meat) in stews.
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