Rasht Souvenirs : A Blend of Tasty Treats and Traditional Crafts
Undoubtedly, every journey is a collection of delightful experiences that together create a unique and memorable adventure for any traveler. From interacting with local people and discovering a new culture to visiting recreational attractions and valuable historical sites, each experience contributes to shaping the ideal essence of travel.
One of the most enjoyable activities that many travelers engage in during their trip—and one that is considered an essential part of a memorable journey—is strolling through local markets and shopping centers, and purchasing souvenirs that reflect the creativity and unique taste of the people of that region. In this article, we will take a closer look at one of the most popular cities in northern Iran and introduce you to its well-loved souvenirs.
The city of Rasht, one of the most visited destinations in northern Iran, offers the greatest variety of souvenirs, especially edible ones. So much so that its name has been inscribed on UNESCO’s list of Creative Cities as a “Creative City of Gastronomy.”
What Are Rasht’s Famous Edible Souvenirs?
Reshteh Khoshkar
One of the most delicious and well-known souvenirs of Rasht is Reshteh Khoshkar. This sweet treat is in fact a traditional pastry that dates back nearly 300 years. For centuries, it has been a favorite snack among the people of Gilan, especially Rasht, and is commonly served at gatherings and celebrations. In fact, if you visit a local household in Rasht, you will almost certainly be treated to tea accompanied by this pastry.
During the holy month of Ramadan, Reshteh Khoshkar is also a staple on Iftar tables. The main ingredients of this traditional sweet include walnuts, ground cardamom, rice flour, cinnamon, and sugar. To prepare it, rice flour is first mixed with water to create a batter used to form the thin pastry strands. The filling is then made from crushed walnuts combined with sugar, cinnamon, and cardamom. The pastry strands are filled, shaped, and fried in hot oil until golden and crisp.
In pastry shops and souvenir stores, Reshteh Khoshkar is sold in two varieties: raw (ready-to-fry) and pre-fried, ready to eat.
Olives – A Signature Souvenir of Rasht
The city of Rudbar in Gilan province is one of Iran’s main olive-growing regions. For this reason, olives are among the signature souvenirs of Gilan and cities like Rasht. Travelers can buy them in different forms—whether unripe or ripe olives. However, olive oil and seasoned olive products (Zeytoon Parvardeh) are especially popular among visitors due to their rich flavor and health benefits.
Some Rasht shops even sell homemade olive oil, which tends to be thicker and more aromatic compared to factory-produced ones. While some may prefer milder, odorless varieties, the richness of these homemade oils makes them a favorite choice. In any case, olives and their by-products are among the best edible souvenirs you can bring home from Rasht, with plenty of options to suit every taste.
Fuman Cookies (Kolucheh Fuman)
In nearly every souvenir shop in Rasht, you will come across packages of Kolucheh Fuman. Though originally from the city of Fuman in Gilan province, these cookies are baked daily in Rasht as well, and no visitor can resist their taste. They pair perfectly with tea, milk, or other warm drinks.
Traditionally, Kolucheh was baked in clay ovens at home, but nowadays they are often prepared in household ovens, bakeries, or factories, packaged and sold as souvenirs. Still, freshly baked cookies in local markets remain unmatched in flavor. If you want friends and family to enjoy them too, the packaged versions are a great option.
These cookies are made from wheat flour, milk, sugar, butter or ghee, yeast, eggs, walnuts, brewed saffron, and vanilla. For extra aroma and flavor, spices such as cardamom powder, cinnamon, and black cumin seeds are also added. Before baking, bakers stamp unique patterns onto the cookies with a carved mold, brush them with egg yolk and saffron glaze, and sprinkle them with black seeds—making them as visually tempting as they are delicious.
Pomegranate Paste (Rob-e Anar)
Thanks to the many pomegranate orchards around Rasht, pomegranate paste has long been considered a traditional and local specialty. Many families in Rasht prepare it at home and use it as the key ingredient in Fesenjan, the famous Persian walnut and pomegranate stew. For travelers, a jar of authentic Rasht pomegranate paste makes for a tasty and ideal souvenir.
Pomegranate paste comes in different flavors, ranging from sour to mildly sweet-and-sour, allowing visitors to choose according to their preference. You can easily find it in local food shops and organic product stores throughout Rasht. Since it keeps well without spoiling, it’s also a practical souvenir to bring back home.
Siahmezgi Cheese
Among Rasht’s edible souvenirs, Siahmezgi Cheese is a specialty known not only for its distinctive taste but also for its nutritional value. This cheese is named after the village of Siahmezgi in Gilan, where it is traditionally produced before being distributed to other cities, including Rasht.
With a yellowish hue, this cheese is classified as high-fat. Traditionally, it is stored in sheep’s skin for about three months until fully matured, giving it a sharp, salty flavor. Despite its strong taste, it is highly beneficial, particularly for children in their growth years and the elderly who need to maintain bone density.
What sets it apart from regular cheeses is the type of milk used. Siahmezgi Cheese is usually made with goat’s milk—considered the most nutritious—or sometimes sheep’s milk. Goat’s milk not only provides higher protein content but is also easier to digest, making it a great alternative for those sensitive to cow’s milk and related dairy products.
If after exploring the attractions of Rasht you decide to buy some souvenirs, all you need to do is head to its bustling local markets.
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Rasht Rice Cookies (Nan-e Berenji or Nan-e Tamijan)
When you hear the name Nan-e Berenji (rice cookies), you may first think of the famous version from Kermanshah. But interestingly, Rasht also has its own rice cookies that are quite different and equally popular. Locally, they are mostly known as Nan-e Tamijan. This traditional bread has such a long history that it has been registered on the list of intangible cultural heritage in Gilan province. Originally baked in the ancient village of Tamijan in Rudsar, it later spread to other cities of the province, including Rasht.
The history of Nan-e Tamijan dates back more than a thousand years, when villagers would serve it to merchants or soldiers visiting their lands. Today, this rice flour-based bread remains one of the region’s most delicious traditional treats and a favorite souvenir for travelers. To try it, you can visit bakeries or pastry shops throughout the city.
Rashti Cookies (Kuki Rashti)
Another delicious souvenir of Rasht is Rashti Cookies. Travelers often buy them while browsing the markets and bring them home as a tasty gift for family and friends. These cookies don’t have a special recipe compared to others—they are essentially raisin-filled pastries made with flour, raisins, milk, walnuts, and sugar. Some ready-made packages may also contain sesame seeds.
Whether freshly baked in local pastry shops or sold in packaged form in souvenir stores, they all taste delightful. Paired with hot milk or tea, Rashti Cookies make for a wholesome and satisfying afternoon snack.
Jasmine Baklava (Baghlava-ye Yas)
Among Gilan’s special sweets is Jasmine Baklava, which is also a popular souvenir of Rasht. As its name suggests, it is flavored with jasmine flowers, giving it a unique aroma and taste that sets it apart from other types of baklava.
Instead of using cardamom for flavoring, bakers soak peeled almonds in water and mix them with jasmine petals, allowing the nuts to absorb the flower’s fragrance. These almonds are then used as the filling. The dough itself is made from egg yolk and milk, layered with nuts, and baked to perfection. To find it, simply stop by Rasht’s souvenir markets.
Rasht Rice (Berenj Rasht)
Rice is without doubt one of Rasht’s main souvenirs and is loved across Iran. Northern rice varieties are famous nationwide for their quality, aroma, and flavor, and Rasht’s rice is among the finest.
It is sold under various local brands, all known for being fluffy, fragrant, and delicious. If you visit Rasht, buying some rice not only makes a great souvenir but also ensures you can relive memories of your trip every time you cook it at home.
Rasht Tea
Gilan province is one of Iran’s key tea-producing regions, and some of the country’s most famous teas—such as Lahijan tea—come from here. Since most of the province’s harvest is distributed to Rasht, the city is a great place to purchase high-quality northern tea.
In Rasht, you’ll find a wide variety of teas in markets and shops, making it an excellent souvenir choice. Whether for yourself or as a gift, northern tea is always appreciated.
Derar or Dollār (Green Salt)
Gilan’s cuisine is considered one of the most flavorful in Iran, and Rasht, as its culinary hub, is home to many unique condiments. One of the most popular is Derar (also called Dollār or green salt), which is also sold as a local souvenir.
This seasoning is made from ground dried herbs—mainly dried mint—mixed with plenty of salt. Sometimes other herbs like coriander or pennyroyal (Khalivash) are also added. Traditionally, it is served with fruits such as unripe plums (Gojeh Sabz) or with yogurt, enhancing both flavor and aroma.
Caspian White Fish (Mahi Sefid)
Seafood is among the healthiest and most beneficial sources of nutrition, and northern fish dishes like Fish Pilaf or Fish Stew are especially popular. For visitors, Rasht offers the chance to taste and buy some of the freshest fish in Iran.
The most famous is Caspian White Fish, caught in the Sefidrud River in Gilan. Despite having many bones, its delicious flavor has made it a local favorite. To buy the freshest fish, head to Rasht’s traditional markets, where you can select by checking the appearance and smell of the fish.
Smoked Fish (Mahi Doodi Rasht)
First-time visitors to Rasht are often surprised to see rows of dark, dried fish hanging in local markets. These are smoked fish, one of Rasht’s most distinctive souvenirs and a top-selling local delicacy.
The fish are salted and smoked, which allows them to be preserved for a long time without refrigeration. They are commonly served with traditional northern dishes like Torsh Tareh or Torsh Vash.
If you want to cook it yourself, first soak the fish in water, changing the water several times to reduce its saltiness. Remove the scales, head, and tail, then cook it by frying or boiling. Served with plain rice, it offers a uniquely delicious northern taste.
Citron Jam (Morabba-ye Balang)
If you enjoy jam at breakfast or tea time, citron jam will be a delightful discovery. Known as Morabba-ye Balang, it is one of the most special and tasty jams of northern Iran and a popular souvenir of Rasht.
Made from the thick-skinned citrus fruit called Balang (citron), which grows abundantly in Gilan, this jam has a distinct flavor. While you can find it elsewhere, homemade versions sold in Rasht’s local markets are particularly delicious.
Quince Halva (Halva-ye Beh)
Halva is a well-known Iranian sweet prepared in many variations across the country. In Rasht, one traditional version is Quince Halva, considered both a local delicacy and a popular souvenir.
It is prepared using quince jam as its base. First, the quince is cooked with sugar until most of the water evaporates, then mashed and sautéed in animal fat. Finally, cardamom powder and slivered nuts such as almonds or pistachios are added for flavor. Traditionally, it is cooked in copper pots and shaped into diamond slices before serving.
Handicraft Souvenirs of Rasht
Handicrafts are among the most valuable and lasting souvenirs of any region. That’s why they are often considered one of the wisest choices for travelers when buying souvenirs. Many visitors prefer to purchase artistic and handmade items as keepsakes, while also complementing them with a selection of local edible products.
For travelers to Rasht, in addition to its delicious food souvenirs, there is a wide variety of traditional handicrafts to choose from—each reflecting the rich cultural and artistic heritage of Gilan. Below are some of the most notable handicrafts you can find in Rasht as souvenirs.
Basket Weaving (Hasir-Bafi)
Basket weaving is one of the oldest handicrafts of Gilan, and in Rasht you can find many woven items created by skilled local women. Popular products include baskets, trays, mats, strainers, and table covers.
Most of these woven crafts are made from rice stalks and can be used both decoratively and practically, especially in kitchens. In fact, if you visit a Gilan household, you’ll often find handmade basketry items in daily use.
Chamush-Making (Traditional Leather Shoes)
Chamush is a type of traditional handmade leather footwear that dates back thousands of years. These shoes are entirely hand-stitched and typically feature long straps that wrap around the leg. Many are crafted in rural areas of Gilan and later brought to Rasht’s bazaars, where tourists can buy them as authentic local souvenirs. Some artisans in Rasht itself also continue this craft, offering their handmade shoes in local markets.
Bolaki Wooden Chests
Another notable handicraft is the Bolaki chest. These wooden trunks, originally introduced to northern Iran by Russians, were once used for storing clothing and food. Today, while they are no longer used for everyday storage, they are beautifully decorated with metal fittings and sold as ornamental pieces in Rasht’s souvenir shops.
Traditional Straw Brooms (Kouloshi Jaru)
Known locally as Kouloshi Jaru or Espili Jaru, these handmade brooms are another craft of Gilan. Made from rice stalks and decorated with brightly colored silk threads, they come in various sizes. Although modern households now rely mostly on electric cleaning tools, these traditional brooms remain popular as rustic, decorative, and functional souvenirs. Many women still produce and sell them, helping preserve this heritage while supporting their families.
Rashti Embroidery (Rashti-Douzi)
Rashti embroidery is one of Iran’s most exquisite and historic crafts, recognized as part of the country’s intangible cultural heritage. Sometimes referred to as a form of traditional needlework or crochet, it is particularly associated with Rasht—hence the name Rashti-Douzi.
In this craft, silk threads in vibrant colors are stitched onto plain fabric to create intricate and delicate designs. These embroidered textiles are used for tablecloths, curtains, bedspreads, clothing, and decorative items.
Bamboo Weaving
Bamboo weaving, introduced to Gilan centuries ago (likely through Chinese influence), has become a well-developed craft in the region. Today, Lahijan is considered the main hub of bamboo weaving, but Rasht also plays a significant role thanks to its humid climate and the abundance of bamboo (locally known as Ney Khizan). Bamboo is used to make chairs, tables, lamps, wall décor, and other items that combine functionality with artistry.
Chadorshab Weaving
Chadorshab is a traditional handwoven fabric made from silk, wool, or cotton. This craft has been practiced in Gilan for centuries, particularly by women in rural areas. The textiles come in simple and colorful designs and are commonly woven in a size of about 2 meters by 2 meters.
The village of Qasemabad in Gilan is especially famous for this craft, to the point that it has been registered globally as the center of Chadorshab weaving. Today, these fabrics are mainly available in silk or wool variations and are woven on special looms.
