Iranian souvenirs piled up in bazaars can be an eye-catching and tempting sight for many. Just as it’s hard to leave Iran without gaining a few extra kilos, leaving without an extra suitcase is also a challenge. The huge variety of Iranian souvenirs can easily confuse you if you don’t know what you’re looking for so arriving with some basic knowledge can really save you some time and money.

Iranian souvenirs are still quite genuine. While there’s recently a lot of Chinese replicas and statues of Persepolis figures found in shops, it’s still nothing close to most places around the world. what you find as souvenirs in Iran is mostly Iranian handicrafts. Pieces unique to this part of the world and made with love and care. No plates, bags or T-shirts with illustrated landmarks.

However, the variety seen in most bazaars leaves travelers astonished and confused at the same time. So I thought I’d jot down an explicit post with all my Iranian souvenir recommendations. I’m dividing them in cities and type (handcrafts or food) and arranging them from cheap to expensive to cover the needs of all types of travelers.

Please keep in mind that all of these products can be found in big cities like Tehran and Esfahan, but usually buying a product from its city of origin tends to come out cheaper and in better quality. So let’s get right into it:

Iranian Souvenirs you should buy in Iran

Souvenirs to buy in Esfahan

Esfahan is a souvenir shopper’s dream. The bazaar going all the way around Naqsh-e Jahan square is packed with shops selling all sorts of handicrafts, food, pastries, and spices. Even if you don’t have any plans to purchase something, window-shopping here is a joy. What I exclusively love about here is the fact that you get to see the behind process of all the beauties in some shops.

#1 Qhalam Kari tablecloths

These table clothes are to die for. They are handprinted with intricate designs, come in all types of shapes and sizes and are a great way to give your dining table a Persian twist. Compliments are guaranteed and there’s something for everyone’s budget.

The Qhalam Kari art doesn’t only come on table clothes, you’d find them on beddings, bags, cushions and a lot more.

How much does it cost? 5€ and above.

5€ and above. Where’s the best place to buy? You’ll find a lot of shops selling them around Naqsh-e Jahan square but I’d personally go into the grand bazaar of Esfahan for more variety in size and design.

#2 Minakari

Minakari is the art of hand painting delicate floral patterns on utensils, vases or basically anything. The dominating blue colour is a beautiful Persian blue that is bound to catch anyone’s eyes in the room.

How much does it cost? 5€ and above

5€ and above Where’s the best place to buy? Bazaar of Esfahan

#3 Khatam Kari

Khatam Kari is a Persian version of marquetry, the art of decorating wooden surfaces with small and delicate pieces of wood, bone, and metal. It’s applied to almost anything. From mirrors, jewelry boxes, pens, and furniture. Hours of work goes into a small piece, so if you see something to be too cheap, you might want to doubt it. There are fake versions sold in the bazaar where instead of actual wood, patterned stickers are pasted on wood and sold for Khatam Kari! You might want to be a bit careful with this one.

How much does it cost? 7€ and above

7€ and above Where’s the best place to buy? Bazaar of Esfahan

#4 Metalworks

Whether it’s silver, aluminum or copper, we Iranians take it to a whole new level. If you’re looking for something a bit more special and don’t mind spending the extra cash on Iranian souvenirs, metal works from Esfahan are a great Iranian handicraft to splurge on. The diversity is infinite and the design is unlike any other in the world.

How much does it cost? 10€ and above

10€ and above Where’s the best place to buy? Bazaar of Esfahan

#5 Miniature paintings

Esfahan is home to some of the best miniature artists and you can see inspirations from them on wall paintings in Chehel Sotun palace. Miniatures are done on all sorts of surfaces and even on ivory. I’m sure some of you will have second thoughts on paying for ivory like myself, so make sure you ask about the material used in the artwork.

How much does it cost? Depends very much on the size and the artist but they can start from 15€ for a small piece and above.

Depends very much on the size and the artist but they can start from 15€ for a small piece and above. Where’s the best place to buy? Fallahi Art gallery near Naqsh-e Jahan square is the best place to buy original items of great quality with a certificate.

#6 Gaz

Out of all the Iranian sweets, I’ve found foreigners to love Gaz the most. It makes for the perfect Iranian souvenir and is a combination of egg whites, sugar, rose water, pistachios, and almonds and goes perfectly well with a cup of brewed tea.

How much does it cost? 5€ a pack and above. The price depends on the brand and the percentage of pistachios.

5€ a pack and above. The price depends on the brand and the percentage of pistachios. Where’s the best place to buy? They are sold all over Esfahan. Just test a few and pick the one you like most.

#7 Pistachios

Compared to everywhere else, pistachios are very affordable in Iran and they’re one of the most popular Iranian souvenirs to buy in Iran. Pistachios come in different sizes, fresh, dried and salted. The fresh ones are very seasonal, so if you visit Iran during autumn or by the end of summer, make sure you get your hands on a handful of these. For most foreigners, it’s the first time they even see fresh pistachios.

How much does it cost? 8€ a pack and above. The price depends on the brand and the percentage of pistachios.

8€ a pack and above. The price depends on the brand and the percentage of pistachios. Where’s the best place to buy? The best Pistachios come from Rafsanjan and Qazvin. So if you’re visiting these cities by any chance, you can get your pistachios from there.

Souvenirs to buy in Yazd

#8 Termeh

If you’re looking for another set of table clothes that look a bit more expensive and can spend a bit more cash, go for Termeh. It is primarily made in Yazd and applied to almost anything that could contain fabric. You could even buy meters of Termeh at the bazaar to take home and come up with your own designs. I personally think the runners would add a perfect embellishment to your dining table.

#9 Copper

Copper might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but I love myself some copper and the best places to buy them are in the copper bazaar of Yazd and Kerman.

#10 Ceramic Tiles

Upon your journey around Iran, you’ll encounter a lot of tile work dazzling mosques, bazaars, madrasahs, and random structures. If you’re tight on the budget, grabbing a few of these with your favorite patterns could be a great wall decoration for your home.

How much does it cost? 3€ and above.

3€ and above. Where’s the best place to buy? You’ll find them in most cities but Yazd tends to have a lot of places selling them. Make sure you peak into some of the houses in the old district to find some gems.

#11 Yazdi Sweets

Yazd is a heaven for those with a sweet tooth. Yazdi cakes and sweets are everywhere to be found and it would be a pity to leave the city without giving them a try.

#12 Baklava & Ghottab

While baklava is not originally from Iran (I believe it’s mainly an Arab invention), we do have our own kind. Ours tends to be less sweet than those found in Turkey or Arab countries.

#13 Pashmak

Surprise! Surprise! We have our own version of cotton candy as well. 🙂 One that is sweeter containing of sesame and sugar and is mostly accompanied by the bitterness of Persian tea.

How much does it cost? It totally depends on the size and the product but they start from 3€ and above.

It totally depends on the size and the product but they start from 3€ and above. Where’s the best place to buy? Haj Khalifeh Rahbar is the best brand known for Yazdi sweets and all other goodies in Yazd. One of their main shops is just around the corner of the famous Amir Chakhmaq sq in Yazd.

Souvenirs to buy in Shiraz

#14 Persian Carpets

Yes! A lot of people come to Iran to spend hundreds of euros on elegant Persian carpets. They are probably one of the most expensive Iranian souvenirs you could get. I personally love the carpet section of Vakil bazaar in Shiraz, but the best carpets, in general, are from Qom, Kashan, Esfahan, Tabriz, and Shiraz. They all have their own unique way of weaving and patterns.

#15 Spices

If you’re into food, then you should be trying Persian Food Tours for not just a foodie experience but also a chance to get to know special ingredients you could buy as souvenirs in Iran. During their culinary walks, they introduce guests to spices, ingredients and other food from this part of the world.

Turmeric is a very Iranian spice that is used a lot in Persian cooking, mainly for chicken. I personally love dried lime whether in a whole or in a powder form. They are used in Iran for a variety of stews but mainly Gheimeh. Kashk or whey is also something to consider buying if you’ve loved the taste of it on Kashk-e Bademjan (eggplant dish) or Ash (Persian noodle soup).

How much does it cost? super cheap!

super cheap! Where’s the best place to buy? The spice bazaar of almost anywhere. I personally prefer the one in Vakil bazaar of Shiraz or Tajrish or Grand Bazaar of Tehran.

#16 Herbs

Before the tradition of coffee was replaced by tea thanks to the British, we Iranians were all about herbal infusions. Recently we’ve been rediscovering our routes and infusions are filling the menus of restaurants and coffee shops. It’s safe to say, they’ve become the new trend! We go nuts while mixing different ingredients to make herbal infusions. Lavender, chamomile, rose petals and bitter orange blossoms from Shiraz are some of our favorites. You’d only have to steam them with water and you’re good to go. Not to mention each of them comes with its own medical benefits.

Souvenirs to buy in Mashhad

#17 Turquoise jewelry

If you’re visiting Mashhad, you’d probably make it to Neishabour to visit the tomb of some significant Iranian poets. While you’re there, make it to the bazaar and check out the turquoise jewelry. Turquoise is used quite a lot in Iranian jewelry or handicrafts because of the numerous mines found in the country.

#18 Saffron

If you were to buy only one Iranian souvenir, I’d recommend getting yourself some saffron. You won’t find it better or cheaper anywhere else. Most of Iran’s saffron comes from Khorasan province, therefore it’s a typical souvenir of Mashhad. The best brands are Saharkhiz, Bahraman, and Ghaenat.

How much does it cost? prices start at 1€ for one gram and go above.

prices start at 1€ for one gram and go above. Where’s the best place to buy? Anywhere in Mashhad or Tajrish bazaar in Tehran. We love Novin Zaferan and Sahar Khiz if you’re looking for a reliable brand.

#19 Barberries

If you’d like to give your rice a sprinkle of barberries and give it a slightly sour taste, then barberries should be on your list of things to buy in Iran. They are a prominent ingredient of Persian cuisine and can be bought fresh or dried.

How much does it cost? A kilo costs around 5€ depending on where you buy it and the quality.

A kilo costs around 5€ depending on where you buy it and the quality. Where’s the best place to buy? Anywhere in Mashhad, Tajrish bazaar or Grand Bazaar in Tehran.

Souvenirs to buy in Qom

#20 Sohan

Sohan is another Iran sweet made out of wheat sprout, flour, egg yolks, rose water, sugar, butter, saffron, cardamon topped with pistachios and the best ones are found in Qom or Esfahan.

Souvenirs to buy in the North of Iran

#21 Lavashak

Lavashaks were our dream snacks as kids and to be honest, they still are. I’m one lucky gal who gets her yearly dose of homemade lavashak from her aunt which are dried under the son. As for the rest of you, you can buy them almost anywhere in Iran. But since northerners seem to be into everything sour, they tend to make the best ones. Lavashaks are fruit rolls made from all sorts of fruits that can taste from sour to sweet.

How much does it cost? Very cheap.

Very cheap. Where’s the best place to buy? Any market in the north of Iran, or really anywhere else.

#22 Torshi (Pickles)

If you’re a pickle lover like me, Iran will answer to all your cravings. We make pickles out of almost anything possible.

Make sure you ask them to be put in a jar and carefully wrapped if you’re planning to take some home.

How much does it cost? A small jar will be around 1-2€.

A small jar will be around 1-2€. Where’s the best place to buy? Tajrish Bazaar of Tehran

#23 Zeytun Parvardeh (Olives marinated in pomegranate sauce and walnuts)

They are just as tasty as they sound. I promise!

How much does it cost? A small jar will be around 2€.

A small jar will be around 2€. Where’s the best place to buy? Food markets in the north of Iran or Tajrish Bazaar of Tehran

#24 Jam

The variety of jam in Iran fascinates a lot of travelers. So why not take a bit back home?! Some of our very unique ones are the carrot jam, sour cherry jam, quince jam, rose jam, bitter orange blossom jam and a whole lot of other kinds.

#25 Caviar

Definitely not for the budget traveler as a small container could easily cost you over a 100€ and I have no idea where you can get it. But I know if you’re coming through an agency, they’ll provide you with them if requested. 😉

Souvenirs to buy in Khuzestan province

#26 Dates

Dates in Iran usually come from Khuzestan province and the best ones are from Behbahan. They are sold dry or fresh and come in different qualities.

How much does it cost? 1-2€ a kilo.

1-2€ a kilo. Where’s the best place to buy? Food markets of Ahvaz or really anywhere in Khuzestan, Grand bazaar and Tajrish bazaar of Tehran.

Souvenirs to buy in Tehran

#27 Scarves

In my Iran dress code guide, I explicitly explain why I think buying scarves from Iran is a good idea.

How much does it cost? 5€ and above

5€ and above Where’s the best place to buy? I personally think Tehran is the best place to find unique and elegant scarves. Forget about bazaars if you’re looking for something chic. You’d have to look into boutiques for the best ones and for that it’s best to go to Haft-e Tir square or check out the many shopping malls of Tehran or any other city.

#28 Nuts

Nuts are relatively cheap in Iran compared to other parts of the world. Buying packs of mixed nuts that come with cashews, pistachios, almonds, raisins, and walnuts are highly recommended.

How much does it cost? Depends on so many things but I suppose 8€ and above for a kilo.

Depends on so many things but I suppose 8€ and above for a kilo. Where’s the best place to buy? Grand Bazaar or Tajrish bazaar in Tehran or other bazaars in big cities.

Since Tehran is usually the last stop for many people, it’s not a bad idea to buy most of your Iranian souvenirs here instead of carrying them around the country. You’d find good quality products of almost anything in the capital but at a higher price. I personally think leaving food for Tehran is the best plan.

Best places to buy Iranian souvenirs in Tehran

Vila Street in Karimkhan st near the St. Sarkis cathedral: Here you’ll find handicrafts of great quality but expect them to be more expensive than their city of origin.

Here you’ll find handicrafts of great quality but expect them to be more expensive than their city of origin. Safavid market in front of Mellat Park in Vali-e asr street: High-quality handicrafts and probably one of the most expensive places to buy them.

High-quality handicrafts and probably one of the most expensive places to buy them. Jome bazaar (Friday market): Read all about it here.

Read all about it here. Laleh bazaar in Laleh park close to the Contemporary Arts Museum: A Cheaper version of handicrafts but with lower quality.

A Cheaper version of handicrafts but with lower quality. Grand Bazaar of Tehran: It’s huge and has almost anything except fresh products. Not a great place to go searching for handicrafts but perfect for buying nuts, saffron, spices, and dried ingredients.

It’s huge and has almost anything except fresh products. Not a great place to go searching for handicrafts but perfect for buying nuts, saffron, spices, and dried ingredients. Tajrish Bazaar: The only place you’ll find fresh food and all the other foodie products.

Read more: WHAT TO SEE, DO, EAT IN TEHRAN GRAND BAZAAR

Tips on avoiding scams when buying souvenirs in Iran

I always advise travelers to ask prices in Rials/Tomans especially for bigger purchases like carpets. There are probably many shops that would accept dollars/euros but with crazy exchange rates. Since the exchange rate in Iran is not stable and changes on a daily bases, it has become an easy way to take advantage of tourists. Especially because they’re usually unaware of the real market rate every day. What I personally recommend is getting a Mahcard (a trusted Iranian debit card) and avoiding the hassle. It’s extremely easy to use and can be used everywhere in Iran. They also have relatively better rates than anywhere else. Check out their website for all the info and also use the code MAH40 for 40% discount.

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I think I basically poured out all my knowledge of Iranian souvenirs into this single post. I’ll try to update with more information as I travel along. I hope you’ve found it useful and feel free to leave any questions or personal recommendations that could help anyone else. 🙂