In 2025, the global love for heritage-rich, ingredient-conscious, and aromatic desserts is stronger than ever—and Iranian sweets are taking center stage. Persian desserts are not just tasty; they reflect thousands of years of culinary tradition, passed down from the Persian Empire to modern Iranian households.
From Shiraz’s icy faloodeh to Isfahan’s chewy bastani sonnati, these sweets combine health-boosting ingredients like saffron, rosewater, dates, and nuts with textures and techniques not found elsewhere. Whether you’re new to Middle Eastern cuisine or a seasoned foodie, these 7 traditional Iranian desserts offer both nostalgia and novelty in every bite. Let’s learn more about these Persian desserts and how they are still enjoyed in 2025.
1. Faloodeh – Persian Rosewater Ice Noodles
Region: Shiraz
History: Dates back to the Achaemenid era (around 500 BC), one of the world’s oldest known cold desserts.
What It Is: Faloodeh (or faludeh) is a semi-frozen dessert featuring thin rice starch noodles soaked in a rosewater-lime syrup. It’s served icy and slushy, offering a cool and fragrant escape from the summer heat.
Why It Stands Out in 2025:
- Recently spotlighted in global food documentaries for its ancient origins and refreshing taste.
- Now a staple in fusion cuisine, appearing in summer menus paired with tropical fruits like mango and citrus.
How It’s Served:
- Topped with sour cherry syrup or saffron ice cream (bastani sonnati).
- Served in handcrafted copper bowls in Shiraz for an authentic experience.
Ingredient Note: Double-distilled Shirazi rosewater is key to its intense floral aroma.
Where to Try in 2025:
- UK: Pardis London, Anar Persian Kitchen, Galleria.
- Online: Tavazo UK’s DIY Faloodeh Kit.
2. Sholeh Zard – Saffron Rice Pudding
Region: Nationwide
Modern Relevance: Popular in wellness blogs for saffron’s calming, anti-anxiety properties.
What It Is: A golden, creamy rice pudding slow-cooked with saffron, rosewater, cardamom, and sugar. It’s typically decorated with cinnamon, almonds, and pistachios.
Cultural Context: Traditionally served during Ramadan, Muharram, and Nazr (food offerings for charity or gratitude). Vegan and health-conscious versions using coconut milk and agave are trending in 2025.
Serving Tips:
- Served cold in small bowls.
- Topped with decorative cinnamon patterns, sometimes shaped like flowers or religious symbols.
- Can be layered with roasted apricots, barberries, or figs for added depth.
Saffron Tip: Use premium Negin saffron from Khorasan, known for its deep red color and potent aroma.
3. Zoolbia & Bamieh – Saffron-Soaked Pastries
Region: Entire Iran, especially during Ramadan
Global Attention: Listed in “Top Street Sweets of the World” by food influencers in 2024.
What It Is: These twin treats are deep-fried pastries soaked in rosewater-saffron syrup.
- Zoolbia: Spiral-shaped, golden, syrup-soaked, similar to jalebi.
- Bamieh: Oval fritters, smaller and puffier, with a subtle cardamom flavor.
Texture: Crisp exterior with a juicy, syrupy interior. A perfect match for bitter black Persian tea.
Serving Tradition: Popular during Iftar (Ramadan breaking of fast), often accompanied by fresh dates.
Modern Variants:
- Air-fried or baked versions for health-conscious eaters.
- Flavored syrup infusions like pomegranate or orange blossom.
Where to Buy:
- UK: Persepolis Persian Deli, Behesht Bakery.
4. Ranginak – Date & Walnut Delight
Region: Khuzestan (Southern Iran)
2025 Trend: Featured in Persian keto and plant-based diets.
What It Is: A dense, warming dessert made from pitted dates filled with walnuts, coated in a flour-butter-cinnamon-cardamom crust.
Texture & Taste: Soft, sticky, crunchy—like an energy bar-meets-brownie with Persian spice.
Health Benefits: High in potassium, iron, omega-3s, and fiber.
Serving Upgrade: Top with shredded coconut, tahini drizzle, or a dusting of matcha for a fusion spin.
Where to Try: Common in Iranian homes; now found in vegan cafés and wellness bars globally.
5. Bastani Sonnati – Persian Saffron Ice Cream
Region: Isfahan, Tehran
2025 Recognition: Named “Heritage Ice Cream” by the World Ice Cream Federation.
What It Is: A traditional ice cream with a chewy, stretchy texture made from saffron, rosewater, salep, mastic gum, and chopped pistachios.
Unique Features:
- Creamy yet elastic texture unlike Western ice cream.
- Served in waffle sandwiches or bowls.
Cultural Role: A centerpiece at weddings, family celebrations, and Nowruz (Persian New Year).
Modern Twist:
- Served as a float with Persian cola.
- Featured in croissants and cream puffs in upscale dessert bars.
Where to Buy:
- Tehran: Moghadam Ice Cream.
- UK: Saffron Ice Cream Co. (frozen tubs available online).
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6. Halva Ardeh – Sesame Tahini Fudge
Region: Nationwide (also common in Iraq and Azerbaijan)
2025 Rebrand: Marketed as a high-protein Persian super-snack in Europe.
What It Is: A rich, dense sweet made with tahini and sugar, often flavored with pistachios, cocoa, or vanilla.
Health Profile:
- High in calcium, magnesium, plant protein.
- Vegan-friendly and energy-boosting.
How to Enjoy:
- Eaten as-is with Persian tea or warm flatbread.
- Crumbled over yogurt bowls, smoothie blends, or oatmeal.
Buying Guide:
- Available in bars, tubs, and gift tins.
- UK: Organic halva brands now include sugar-free versions with superfoods like maca or chia.
7. Koloocheh – Persian Stuffed Cookies
Region: Lahijan, Shiraz, Kermanshah (regional specialties)
2025 Revival: Gaining traction in artisan bakeries across the UK and Europe.
What It Is: Thick shortbread-style cookies filled with spiced date paste, walnuts, cinnamon, cardamom, and more.
Texture: Buttery and crumbly on the outside, soft and aromatic inside.
Cultural Significance: A beloved treat for Nowruz, Eid, weddings, and as a symbolic gift.
Modern Fillings:
- Pistachio with rose petal paste.
- Orange zest and almond.
- Chocolate-cardamom cream.
Where to Get It:
- UK: Tehran Bakery, Lavash House, Shabestan Grocery.
- DIY baking kits now available via Tavazo and Amazon UK.
Where to Try These Desserts in 2025 (UK & Iran)
UK Destinations:
| City | Recommended Places |
|---|---|
| London | Hafez Restaurant, Pardis, Mahdi |
| Birmingham | Persepolis Market, Apadana |
| Manchester | Anar Grill, Saffron Restaurant |
Online Stores:
- Tavazo UK
- Bahar Market
- Amazon UK (for ingredients like saffron, rosewater, halva)
Iran Destinations:
- Shiraz: Traditional faloodeh stands near Eram Garden.
- Isfahan: Bastani parlours at Naqsh-e Jahan Square.
- Tehran: Tajrish Bazaar’s pastry shops and artisanal cafés.
Conclusion
Iranian desserts are old and special, and now people enjoy them in new ways too. They come in many tastes and looks—some are soft and chewy, some are cold and sweet, and some are warm and crunchy. In 2025, these desserts are very popular again. Chefs are making fun new versions like ice cream with cookies or date sweets that are healthy. You can eat them in big cities like London and Tehran, or even at home. They remind people of happy times and make them feel good. These desserts show how food traditions can continue and change over time.