Immerse yourself in the vibrant heart of Iranian culture and cuisine by venturing into the sprawling maze that is the Tehran Grand Bazaar. Known as the “city within a city,” the Bazaar brims with a rich tapestry of experiences, sights, and tastes waiting to be explored and savored. This guide will navigate you through the must-visit restaurants nestled within this labyrinthine market, leading you to sample an array of Persian culinary treasures. From timeless traditional eateries carved out of centuries-old edifices, and budget-friendly yet delectable falafel joints, to the famous Moslem Restaurant, and even the hidden gems serving authentic Iranian fare, the Grand Bazaar has it all.
And as a cherry on top, you’ll also be introduced to the myriad of street food that thrives amidst the hustle and bustle of the Bazaar’s alleys. So, strap in and prepare for a gastronomic journey through Tehran’s Grand Bazaar that promises to be an epicurean adventure you won’t forget.
Living in Tehran lists the best restaurants in the Grand Bazaar catering for almost all tastes (vegetarians have limited options in Iran). There are foods to suit all tastes in the bazaar. However, if you’re looking for Mongolian barbeque, you must head elsewhere.
1: Khayyam Traditional Restaurant
Named after the street it’s situated on, Khayyam Traditional Restaurant is a must-visit spot in the Grand Bazaar. Steeped in history, the restaurant is part of a 300-year-old complex, converted from a section of an old mosque. Serving classic Iranian dishes such as barbequed kebabs and rice, the ambiance here is one of refined sophistication. Although the prices are slightly higher compared to other eateries in the bazaar, the experience is worth it.
2: Marvi Alley Falafel
Another unknown staple of the daily bazaari luncheon is the Marvi Alley falafel shop is one of the most inexpensive eating places to chow down. Just outside the Grand Bazaar on Nasser Khosro and Marvi Alley intersection the takeaway has grown in prominence in recent years with many hipsters and families eating a massive falafel sandwich prepared under a minute.
One of the keys to the takeaway’s successes is the delightful spicy sauce available in bottles! Do remember to take the bottle back to the shop after you eat, as they owner gets moody with people stealing his sauces. (This eatery is a great place if you’re not into meat and dairy)
3: Moslem Restaurant
The most famous place to eat in the Grand Bazaar is Moslem Restaurant. For reasons lost on me, the restaurant is the busiest place to eat – bar none. You are likely going to have to queue outside the restaurant for ten minutes or so and then squeeze up the tiny staircase where an attendant will greet you. Once there, you are likely going to have to eat on a table with someone else.
What is interesting, however, how quick the food comes when you are seated. Split over three floors in a tiny footprint; the restaurant has grown in cult appeal with locals and foreigners alike in recent years. The speciality of the restaurant is Tah Chin who is a delicious chicken breast and rice dish baked in a cake-like shape! The restaurant does delicious kebabs too, according to friends we dined with.
4: Sharaf al-Eslami Underground Restaurant
One that my wife’s family often agrees to eat at is Sharaf al-Islami restaurant, a lovely hidden gem of a canteen for the local ‘bazaari,’ Offering a range of traditional Iranian foods at break-neck speeds, the restaurant has a grimey charm which has become an institution of the Grand Bazaar. Portions are also pretty hefty with the range of foods on offer likely to bloat you for the rest of the day walking around.
The easiest way to find the restaurant is to head to Imam (Shah) Mosque and head right through the main courtyard. When in there head through the Crystal Maze-like metal bars which attempts to stop trolleys but catches shoppers with more than one bag. Then immediately on your right, head down the stairs and follow the scent of perfectly cooked Persian rice.
5. Experience Street Food Extravaganza at Tehran Grand Bazaar
Immerse yourself in the vibrant and delectable street food culture that thrives within the labyrinthine alleys of Tehran’s Grand Bazaar. Home to an array of kiosks, small shops, and charming carriages, the Bazaar is a haven for foodies seeking to experience the authenticity of Persian street food.
Also, during the warmer spring and summer months, enjoy the fresh bounty of seasonal fruits available. Savor the taste of greengages, green almonds, cornelian cherries, and red mulberries, just to name a few. To beat the heat and keep refreshed, indulge in the variety of thirst-quenchers on offer. From fresh juices to traditional saffron ice-cream, invigorating smoothies, and cooling slush, there are ample options to rejuvenate yourself.
So, the Grand Bazaar in Tehran is not just a marketplace; it is a gastronomic adventure waiting to be explored. Step into this bustling hive of activity and treat your taste buds to an array of Persian street foods that will undoubtedly leave you yearning for more.