Savouring the sweetness of Persia and Iran: A symphony of flavours in every bite, where tradition meets indulgence.
Suppose you are sitting down to enjoy beloved Iranian tea, and you start craving something sweet. Now Iranian tea can be good with anything on the side, but we recommend trying Iranian deserts along with it. These Iranian sweets are nicknamed as “Shirini” by the Persians. From pistachio filled baklavas to cardamom-infused ice creams, Iranian confectioneries have a range of varieties to offer. And in this blog, we will be listing the top 10 must-try sweets in UK.
Persian Tea Culture
The History of Persian Sweets
The tale of sweetness began back in 550 BC, during the era of the Achaemenid dynasty with the making of bread. Cultivation on the plateaus of Iran and Mesopotamia marked the Aryan period, birthing the oldest types of traditional Iranian sweets—the world’s original goodies.
Now meet “lavish,” an traditional Iranian dessert crafted with a blend of rice flour, egg, and other tasty ingredients, its name reminiscent of the familiar lavash bread. Back in the Achaemenid era, barley took the spotlight instead of wheat, and sweet concoctions were the combinations of fruit juice and milk.
Also Iranians were experts in beekeeping, therefore using honey to sweeten the treats was a common practice. Stone inscriptions from ancient times proudly proclaim the role of Iranian sweets as staples in the diet of the Achaemenid people. The Persian chefs introduced the world to “Bastani Sonnati” creamy Iranian ice cream. Ancient Persia even claims credit for inventing ice cream.
Fast forward to the present day, and the charm of traditional Iranian sweets extends far beyond the borders of this culturally rich nation. Globally celebrated, these treats have captured the taste buds of people with diverse culinary preferences. So, whether you’re savouring the sweetness in Tehran or across the globe, know that each bite carries the history of a culinary journey that spans over two millennia.
Popularity of Iranian Sweets in London
What’s the secret behind the popularity of Iranian sweets, not just in London, but globally ? Let’s discuss:
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Secret Ingredients:
What makes Iranian sweets unique are the add-on ingredients in it. From the fragrant rosewater or orange blossom to the essence of Iranian saffron, the exoticness of star anise, and the comforting aroma of cardamom, these treats are the right combination of Persian secret ingredients. Also nuts add the delightful crunch, creating the perfect recipe to a wide audience with varying taste preferences.
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Sweetness in Festivals & Traditions:
Iranian sweets aren’t just side snacks; they are a highlight of many events, Sholeh Zard, with its ancient Persian origin, is commoner in religious ceremonies. During the Persian New Year (Nowruz), the celebration isn’t complete without a sugary spread symbolizing the sweetness of life and the promise of a prosperous year ahead.The culture of sweetness runs deep, symbolizing warmth and connection in social interactions. Offering sweets to guests is more than a gesture; it’s a tradition reflecting the message of Iranian hospitality.
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A Global Sweet Combo
Travel across Iran, and you’ll encounter a sweet journey with regional twists. Each area boasts its unique delights, adding diverse flavours to the Iranian desserts. Take Sohan, a special sweet from Qom, for instance – it’s an owe to the different regional offerings that make Iranian sweets rich with taste and more craved for.
Popular Iranian Sweets in London, UK.
Now that we are done with the small Persian dessert history. Let us get on to the list of top 10 must try sweets in London. They are:
1. Bakhlava
The iconic Persian baklava holds a place of pride in many Iranian sweet shops across the city. Layers of flaky pastry encase a luscious filling of ground nuts, often featuring pistachios, walnuts, or almonds, all bound together with a delicate syrup infused with rosewater or saffron.
This layered pastry is our first confectionery on our list, Baklava is one of the most popular sweet pastries in Iran, loved by many regions around the world and also a favourite of Londoners.
2. Zoolbia-Bamieh
Zoolbia is a traditional Iranian sweet that is made of deep-fried batter soaked in sugar syrup. It has an outer crispy texture and a floral flavour, often enhanced by rose water, saffron, or even cardamom. This Persian sweet is usually served with Bamieh, another fried dough dipped in syrup, and sometimes with Faloodeh, a frozen dessert made of thin noodles and sorbet. Zoolbia is a popular treat during Ramadan and other festive occasions.
3. Qottab
This pastry has an easy recipe comprising flour, butter, sugar, and eggs as base ingredients. It is thrilled with a mixture of almonds, walnuts, and cardamom, and then deep-fried until golden and crisp. The Persian dessert is usually dusted with powdered sugar and served with Iranian tea or coffee. Qottab is a popular sweet served especially during Nowruz and other occasions.
4. Naan Berenji
Fourth on our list is Naan Berenji. These are light and crunchy Iranian cookies made with rice flour. They are usually flavored with the usual rose water or cardamom, then decorated with poppy seeds, pistachios, or barberries. These traditional Iranian cookies are typically prepared and enjoyed as a light afternoon dessert accompanied by a warm cup of caffeine.
5. Halva Ardeh:
This is a sweet, dense Iranian paste that is usually prepared with a base of sugar and ground sesame or tahini. The mixture is occasionally studded with pistachios, but it is traditionally merely topped with pistachio slivers. Though it can be enjoyed as a sweet snack, Halva Ardeh is a common breakfast staple and is occasionally served with bread on the side. You can buy it at Iranian supermarkets or online grocery stores in UK.
6. Masghati:
Masghati is a soft and colourful Persian dessert made with a mixture of liquids such as water or milk, combined with starch and sugar. The mixture is then flavored with forementioned common ingredients, such as rose water, saffron, pistachios, and almonds. The addition here is coconut, or sour cherry. The result is a smooth and jelly-like Iranian sweet that is cut into pieces and served cold.
7. Noghl
Noghls are mainly sugar-coated almonds. Sugar, water, and rosewater are boiled to create a homogenous liquid in which the roasted almonds are quickly submerged. When cooled, the coating solidifies, creating a sweet and crunchy white layer around the almonds. Since they symbolize happiness and good luck, these bright white treats are an important part of Iranian wedding traditions. They are served at the end of every Iranian wedding, usually accompanied again by Iranian tea.
8. Bastani Sonnati:
Now the acclaimed ice cream makers are famous for this traditional Persian ice cream that is made with milk, eggs, sugar, rose water, saffron, and vanilla. It is churned in a special machine that creates a thick and creamy texture. The ice cream is then mixed with pistachios and frozen clotted cream, called qaymaq. It is usually served between two thin wafers, called bastani-e nooni, or in a bowl with a sprinkle of lime juice.
9. Sholeh Zard
Sholeh Zard is a classic Persian rice pudding that is cooked with rice, milk, sugar, butter, saffron, and rose water. It is then garnished with almonds, pistachios, cinnamon, and cardamom. It has a rich and creamy texture and a lovely yellow color from the saffron. This Persian dessert is usually served cold in individual bowls or cups, and is often prepared for religious ceremonies and events.
10. Pashmak
We will be concluding our list of must try Iranian sweets in UK with Pashmak. Now Pashmak is the Persian version of cotton candy that is made with sugar, flour, oil, and rose water. It is spun into thin and fluffy strands that melt in the mouth. It is often served with ice cream, cake, or fruit, or eaten on its own as an Iranian snack. It comes in different flavors and colors, such as vanilla, chocolate, pistachio, or saffron.
Authentic Iranian Sweets in UK at Asa Market
Asa market is the ultimate destination for online grocery shopping in London. From everyday essentials to authentic Iranian desserts, our comprehensive stock has it all. Check out our online supermarket and choose from the finest selection, including a variety of delicious Iranian sweets. Come visit us and experience the convenience of purchasing high-quality products from the comfort of your home.
