Best Edible Souvenirs of Isfahan | Best Quality & Where to Buy

Isfahan is one of the most important cultural centers in Iran. That is why, when it comes to souvenirs everyone would recommend the handicrafts of Isfahan. However, the edible souvenirs of Isfahan are a whole different world. You can choose from various kinds of souvenirs while visiting Isfahan. Notably, some of these souvenirs are specifically famous in Isfahan. For example, Gaz is a kind of Persian nougat that is originally made in Isfahan. In this post, we will introduce the city’s most notable edible souvenirs. You can check out our blog if you are also looking for the Best Handicrafts in Isfahan for Souvenirs.

Why Should I Buy Isfahan Edible Souvenirs?

The souvenirs of Isfahan offer a vast range of sweets. These sweets are made with natural and original ingredients such as honey, saffron, and rose water. Aside from this, you can find some of these souvenirs only in Isfahan and nowhere else in Iran. In other words, they are a type of local delicacy. However, some famous brands of sweets such as Gaz are sold all around Iran and even internationally. Some of these souvenirs have long been around. For example, Gaz and Poolaki are the two main delicacies that you can find in any Isfahani house. The locals mostly pair these sweets with morning or afternoon tea. Now, without further a do let’s get into the different kinds of Isfahan’s edible souvenirs.

Different kinds of Edible Souvenirs of Isfahan

In Persian culture, there is a variety of sweets and regional delicacies. Isfahan, too, offers several delicacies that we are going to introduce here. The main ingredients of most of these edible souvenirs are saffron, rose water, and fresh nuts. The blend of sweet and sour tastes makes these delicacies more special.

Gaz (Isfahani Nougat)

Gaz is one of the most famous things Isfahan is famous for. The antiquity of this edible souvenir dates back to 400 years ago. This was the time of the reign of the Safavid dynasty in Iran. Today, there is a vast variety of different types of Gaz and Gaz brands. The main ingredients of Gaz are Glucose, rose water, sugar, egg white, honey, and nuts. Accordingly, one of the differences in Gaz is in the type of nuts and the percentage of nuts that it has. Almond and pistachios are two of the main type of nuts in Gaz.  The different types of Isfahan’s Gaz are:

• Gaz Loghme (Gaz shaped into bite-size pieces)
• Ardi Gaz (the pieces covered in delicate white flour)
• Gaz Seke (coin-shaped Gaz)
• Chocolate Gaz
• Gaz Angosht Pich (Gaz without nuts)

Gaz or Iranian nougat in Isfahan region

Nabat (Saffron Rock Candy)

Nabat is a type of saffron rock candy. Accordingly, it is somehow a type of candy that is made by crystalizing sugar. Nabat is mostly used for sweetening tea. All it takes for making Nabat is sugar, water, and saffron. However, Isfahani Nabats have some extra ingredients that make them special. Some of the special ingredients in Isfahani Nabats are:

• Cinnamon
• Mint
• Cumin
• Lemon
• Thyme

Nabat or Saffron Rock Candy in Isfahan

Poolaki (Crystalized Candy)

Poolaki is almost the same as Nabat. Accordingly, it is a type of candy that is shaped into coins. However, it is very thin and tiny just like the scale of a fish. Interestingly, scale translates as Poolak in Persian. That is why it is called Poolaki. Just like Nabat, Persians eat Poolaki with tea. The syrup that is used in making Poolaki is the same as Nabat. Isfahani locals like to eat Poolaki instead of sugar. They believe that it is a healthier option for sweetening their tea. There are different types of Poolaki with a mix of various ingredients. Some of the most notable and tasteful ingredients in different types of Poolaki are:

• Saffron
• Black limes
• Sesame
• Coconut
• Pistachio
• Honey
• Cocoa
• Ginger
• Mint

Poolaki is a thin coin shape Iranian candy

Fereni and Shireh (Porridge and Syrup)

Isfahani Fereni is a type of porridge. It is one of the garnished porridges that you can find in local places of Isfahan. Locals usually eat Fereni as an evening meal or breakfast. Overall, it is a simple and light meal. Eating a hot bowl of Fereni during cold winter times can warm up your day. Aside from that, Fereni is full of nutrition. The main ingredient of Fereni is flour or starch. Isfahani locals pair their Fereni with something called Shireh. Accordingly, Shireh is grape or date syrup. These syrups make the taste of Fereni stand out. Since the Fereni without the syrup does not contain any sugar, it is very suitable for people with diabetes or those who do not like much sugar. There are special dairy stores in Isfahan that sell Fereni or other types of porridges in different portions.

Fereni or Iranian sweet rice pudding

Dough and Gosh-e Fil

One of the most interesting Iranian sweets is the combination of Gosh-e Fil with a sour drink called Dough. The blend of two opposite tastes such as sweet and sour might sound underwhelming. However, once you try it, you might completely change your mind about it. To make it clear, Dough is a sour drink that is made with yogurt. Gosh-e Fil is a sweet delicacy that is made with eggs, syrup, saffron, and flour. Gosh in Persian means ear and Fil means elephant. They call this delicacy Gosh-e Fil because it looks like an elephant’s ear. Interestingly, instead of Dough, some people prefer to eat Gosh-e Fil with their tea. In ancient times, it is said that they believed this blend of sweetness and sourness helped regulate blood pressure. Most of the traditional cafes and local pastries serve or sell Gosh-e Fil and Dough.

Doogh (Iranian Yogurt Drink) with Gosh-e-Fil (Iranian fried pastry)

Other Edible Souvenirs of Isfahan

• Fereydon Shahr Honey
• Sohan of Isfahan
• Bereshtok (corn flakes)
• Shirini Berenji (a type of rice cookie)
• Shirini Korki (a type of cookie)

Where is the best place to buy edible souvenirs in Isfahan?

While visiting the cultural attractions of Isfahan like Naqsh-e Jahan square, you can find many traditional shops. Some of these shops inside the traditional Bazaars such as Qeysarieh Bazaar sell a variety of Gaz and Poolaki brands. The most famous Gaz brands that have several branches around the city are:

• Mozaffari Gaz
• Kermani Gaz
• Boldaji Gaz

You can find many kinds of Gaz with different percentages of nuts in them and different budgets. Most of the places that sell Gaz also sell quality Nabat and Poolaki. For purchasing Fereni and Shire, you can find special dairy places. One of these dairy places that is very famous in Isfahan is on Chahar Bagh Bala Street. Just ask any local about Fereni and Shireh on that street and they will help you out. You can try out Dough and Gosh-e Fil in traditional cafes such as Haj Mirza Café in Naqsh-e Jahan Square. However, for purchasing some as souvenirs you can find some special Dough and Gosh-e Fil stores on Chahar Bagh Payin Street.

More about Isfahan Souvenirs

Aside from edible souvenirs, there are a variety of handicrafts that you can purchase while visiting Isfahan. After all, Isfahan was chosen as the World Craft city in 2015 for a reason. The handicrafts of Isfahan range from Pottery, Copper Work, and Wood Work to Brass Work and Silverware. If you want to know more about Isfahan, things to do, attractions, cuisines, souvenirs, and more you can check out our blog.

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