Best Places to Eat in Qom Iran

Savoring the Streets of Qom: A Guide to Delicious Eats

Qom, a city steeped in history and religious significance, also boasts a vibrant culinary scene. While it’s known for its holy sites and religious scholars, you’ll find that locals have a deep appreciation for good food, making street food a popular and delicious part of the culture in this holy city.

Here are some of the best places to experience Qom’s culinary delights:

Sweet Treats:

  • Street Vendors near the Holy Shrine: The streets around the Fatima Masumeh Mosque come alive with vendors selling traditional sweets like “Sohan” (a brittle, sweet pastry made with saffron and almonds) and “Gaz” (a candy made from crushed pistachios and a starch syrup extracted from the sap of desert plants) - delicious must-haves for any Qom visitor.

  • Qom Bazaar: While famous for its carpets, the Qom Bazaar also offers a taste of traditional Iranian food with stalls selling local delicacies like “Sholeh Zard” (saffron rice pudding) and “Faloodeh” (a sweet, cold dessert made with rose water, noodles, and lemon juice).

Savory Delights:

  • Street Food Stalls in the Bazaar:
    These are a must-try for experiencing Qom’s authentic street food. Popular options include:

    • Sohan: You can find fresh, hot “samosas” filled with savory fillings like potato and meat in the stalls around the shrine.

  • Cafes and Restaurants near Fatima Masumeh Mosque:
    Many cafes and restaurants are located near the mosque, offering a range of dishes from simple to elaborate.

Important Note: This information focuses on the traditional focus of “food” in Qom. Remember that Qom is a holy city with specific religious customs and dietary laws. Most establishments around the shrine offer sweets, which are a popular treat and often sold by street vendors near religious sites.

  • Non-vegetarian Dishes:

    • “Kebab” is a staple of Iranian cuisine, and you’ll find many variations in Qom, including “Qormeh Sabzi” (a traditional Persian stew with herbs and meat)

  • Vegetarian Options: While savory options are prevalent, many restaurants offer vegetarian-friendly dishes.

  • “Sholeh Zard” is a popular choice for those who prefer something sweet and creamy.

Beyond the Basics:

Keep in mind that the cuisine in Qom, like any region with strong religious traditions, offers a range of options catering to different dietary needs. Vegetarian restaurants are common in Qom, and many “traditional” eateries have vegetarian dishes on their menu.

  • Local Eateries: You’ll want to explore the smaller, local restaurants for a taste of authentic Iranian cuisine.
    • “Baghali Polo ba Mahī” (lamb shank with fava beans) is a popular dish in these settings.

Remember:

  • Respectful Eating:** Dress modestly and be mindful of the cultural norms surrounding food and eating.

  • Fasting: During Ramadan, Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset. Be aware that during this time, most restaurants will only serve food after sunset.

  • “No alcohol”: This is a crucial point - alcohol is forbidden in Qom and throughout Iran.

  • Local Customs: It’s always good practice to observe and respect local customs when dining out, such as asking about seating arrangements for women during prayer times.

Traditional Dishes:

Qom is known for its delicious traditional sweets, and many are available at the street food stalls mentioned above.

Respectful Eating in Qom

  • Prayer Times:

Be aware that “prayer times” (the five daily prayers) are strictly observed in this city, and restaurants will often close during these times.

Traditional Dishes:

  • “Ghormeh sabzi” is a popular choice for traditional Iranian food, but it’s important to remember that the dish itself is not the issue.

Qom’s cuisine reflects its religious heritage. The city is known for its conservative culture and traditional dishes are often enjoyed during “Iftar” (the breaking of the fast) or at special gatherings.

Remember:

  • Food as an Offering: In Iran, food is a big part of the culture. Sharing meals with others is a cherished tradition, and it’s common to see people eating “sweets” like “sholeh zard” (a rice dish) after sunset during Ramadan.
  • Respectful Interactions:

While Qom is known for its religious significance, remember that food is not the only focus. The city has a rich culinary culture beyond its famous “Golabāṭī”.

Enjoy the Vibrant Food Scene:

Q. What are some other must-try dishes? A.

  • “Shoolā”:

You’ll find this sweet treat in many forms, but a traditional dish you can’t miss is “shoolā,” a delicious dessert made with rice flour and flavored with rose water.

Golabā (a popular Iranian dessert)

  • “Gheymeh”: A rich and flavorful stew cooked with dried meat, onions, tomatoes, potatoes, and a tangy sauce.
  • “Baghali Polo ba Mahī”: This dish is traditionally served with rice.

Q: What are some “Sweets” options you can find in Qom?

  • “Sohān” is a type of brittle confectionery made with saffron and nuts.
  • “Sholeh Zard” (a sweet, saffron-based dessert)

is popular for its creamy texture and delicate flavor.

  • Traditional “Golab” sweets:

Look for shops selling “Qolab” - these are often found in traditional markets, especially near other stalls selling sweets like “Shoodeh” (a rice pudding).

Remember to be respectful of local customs:

  • Respectful Eating Practices: When dining in Qom, it’s important to remember the importance of modesty and cultural sensitivity.

Enjoy your culinary journey through Qom!