Vancouver’s food scene is famously diverse, and Persian cuisine has earned a devoted following here. From North Vancouver to Coquitlam and the West End, you’ll find some of the best Persian restaurants but Coquitlam has some of the best ones so far. Many serving juicy kebabs, saffron rice, hearty stews, and classic desserts. These areas are well worth exploring if you’re seeking authentic and diverse culinary experiences.
What Makes Persian Food Unique?
Persian cuisine is built on layers of flavor. Saffron, turmeric, cinnamon, rosewater, and dried limes are staples that create both depth and brightness in every dish. Rice—is often the centrepiece, elevated with butter, saffron, and sometimes a crispy golden crust called tahdig. Meals are rounded out with fresh herbs, yogurt, and flatbreads, creating a balance of richness and freshness.
Persian Restaurants Worth Trying in Vancouver
There are many options but these are the ones I have tried and can recommend:
Shishlik Grill House: Quality, Flavor, and Warm Service
Vibe: Great quality and warm, friendly service. Although it’s a relatively new addition to Vancouver’s Persian food scene, it’s already making a strong impression.
Must-Try Dish: Mirza Ghasemi – a smoky eggplant dish with garlic and tomato that pairs beautifully with fresh bread or rice.
Cazba Persian Grill Restaurant – Traditional Flavors
Vibe: Cozy and casual, often with traditional Persian music. A long-time favorite with multiple locations in the city.
Must-Try Dishes:
- Fesenjan – the iconic walnut and pomegranate stew.
- Mirza Ghasemi – smoky roasted eggplant with garlic and tomato.
- Koobideh Kebab – juicy skewered minced beef, served with saffron rice.
Pasargad Restaurant – Where Tradition Meets Generosity
Vibe: Authentic, unpretentious, and all about the food. Known for hearty portions and classic Persian flavors.
Must-Try Dish: Their stews and kebabs are standouts—perfect for first-timers wanting the full Persian dining experience.
Grab and Go Persian Restaurant – Quick and Authentic Flavors in Coquitlam
Vibe: Casual, convenient, and full of authentic Persian flavors. Perfect for takeout or a quick meal.
Must-Try Dishes:
- Koobideh – minced beef or chicken kebabs.
- Ghormeh Sabzi – classic herb stew.
- Tahdig – saffron rice with a crispy golden crust.
- Faloodeh – rosewater noodle dessert for a refreshing finish.
Alborz Restaurant – Authentic Persian Flavors in Port Coquitlam
Vibe: Warm, welcoming, and committed to traditional Persian cuisine. Popular for both dine-in and takeout.
Must-Try Dishes:
- Koobideh, Chenjeh, and Barg Kebabs – juicy, perfectly seasoned skewers.
- Fesenjan – walnut and pomegranate stew.
- Zereshk Polo – saffron rice with barberries.
- Alborz Signature Joojeh Kebab – marinated chicken served with saffron rice.
Exploring Persian & Mediterranean Flavors in Coquitlam
Urban Gate is a must-visit if you want the best of both worlds: a Persian grocery and a restaurant under one roof. Their fresh bakery, flavorful kebabs, and hearty stews make it perfect for takeout or a quick meal while you shop.
Persia Foods is a larger grocery chain across Metro Vancouver, ideal for stocking up on fresh produce and Middle Eastern staples at affordable prices. While it’s mostly groceries, the variety and accessibility make it a go-to for everyday shopping.
Diana Mediterranean Market offers a charming, local experience with Mediterranean and Middle Eastern specialties. Their produce and deli items are perfect for those seeking authentic ingredients in a cozy, neighbourhood setting.
Whether you’re cooking at home or craving a ready-to-eat Persian meal, these spots bring rich flavors and cultural variety to the region.
Dishes Worth Discovering
- Chenjeh: Marinated chunks of lamb or beef grilled on skewers. Similar to Shish Kebab but with Persian-style seasoning.
- Barg: Thinly sliced, marinated beef or lamb, grilled and served with saffron rice and grilled tomatoes.
- Loghmeh: A street-food-style kebab made from minced meat, often wrapped in bread for easy eating.
- Vaziri Kebab: A combo of Koobideh and Joojeh (chicken kebab)—perfect for those who want both red and white meat.
- Tahchin: A savory saffron rice cake layered with meat, yogurt, and eggs, baked until golden and crispy.
- Ghormeh Sabzi: A deeply flavorful herb stew with dried limes, kidney beans, and lamb or beef—often considered Iran’s national dish.
- Fesenjoon: A luxurious stew made with ground walnuts and pomegranate molasses, traditionally
- Gheymeh Bademjan: A tomato-based stew with split peas, fried eggplant, and meat—a variation of the classic Gheymeh.
- Shirazi Salad: A refreshing mix of cucumber, tomato, onion, and dried mint, dressed with lime juice . A perfect side dish.
- Tahdig – The crispy, golden rice crust everyone fights for at the table. Sometimes layered with bread or potatoes for extra crunch.
- Ash Reshteh – A thick noodle and bean soup enriched with herbs and finished with fried onions, garlic, and kashk(fermented whey).
- Baghali Polo ba Mahicheh – Dill and lima bean rice paired with meltingly tender lamb shank. A dish often reserved for special occasions.
Persian Spices You’ll Fall in Love With
Even if you’re not cooking at home, these spices are the soul of Persian food and worth knowing:
- Saffron – The “red gold” of Persian cooking, lending fragrance, flavor, and a signature golden hue to rice and stews.
- Turmeric – Earthy and warm, forming the backbone of many classic dishes.
- Sumac – A tart, ruby-red powder sprinkled over kebabs for brightness and balance.
- Cinnamon & Cardamom – Sweet, floral spices that appear in rice dishes, stews, and desserts.
- Dried Limes (Limoo Amani) – Infuse stews like ghormeh sabzi with a tangy, citrusy depth.
- Pickled Lemons – Salty, sour, and aromatic, used sparingly to add punch to stews and rice dishes.
- Dill – Often paired with rice and beans (baghali polo), it adds freshness and a green, herbaceous lift.
- Barberries (Zereshk) – Tiny, tart red berries that brighten up saffron rice (zereshk polo) and add sparkle to festive dishes.
- Lima Beans (Baghali) – Traditionally combined with dill in baghali polo, a beloved rice dish often served with lamb shank.
Exploring Persian food in Coquitlam is more than just a meal—it’s an experience of culture, hospitality, and history. From saffron-kissed rice to hearty stews and melt-in-your-mouth kebabs.
Whether you’re picking up takeout for a cozy night in or gathering friends and family around the table, Vancouver’s Persian restaurants invite you to savor every bite with warmth, generosity, and flavor. Ready to explore? Start with one of these spots and experience the true spirit of Persian dining —and find more food inspiration at heavenlytable.