What Are the Souvenirs of Yazd? The Most Famous Handicrafts and Delicious Treats

Yazd is a traditional city renowned for its local sweets, which have been famous for generations. Yazd’s cakes and pastries, known for their variety, delightful taste, and captivating aroma, are among the most popular souvenirs of the city.

Many travelers and tourists make a point of purchasing these delicious and diverse treats as souvenirs during their visit, considering them an integral part of their Yazd experience. If you travel to Yazd, don’t miss the opportunity to try the city’s unique sweets, crafted with exceptional skill.

Popular Yazd Souvenirs

1. Yazdi Cake

Yazdi Cake is one of the most iconic souvenirs of Yazd, and it’s safe to say that almost everyone has tried it at least once. This delicious cake is widely available across Iran and is incredibly popular. It’s often served at mourning ceremonies, during Muharram, at religious gatherings, and even paired with ice cream and falooda.

Yazd is the main hub for producing this cake. The cakes made in Yazd are distinguished by their exceptional texture, aroma, and taste. This sweet treat, made with flour, sugar, eggs, yogurt, milk, oil, and baking powder, is one of Yazd’s finest souvenirs. Some recipes also include sesame seeds, powdered pistachios, or almond slivers for added flavor.

In Yazd, you can experience the authentic taste of Yazdi Cake, enjoying its soft and delicate texture. Baking these cakes during religious ceremonies has been a longstanding tradition in the city.

2. Yazdi Baklava

Undoubtedly, one of the most tempting and delicious souvenirs of Yazd is Yazdi Baklava. With its unparalleled flavor, this pastry is a favorite choice among tourists as a Yazd souvenir.

Baklava is also popular in other Iranian cities like Tabriz and Qazvin, each offering its unique variation. The key ingredients of Yazdi Baklava are flour, sugar, oil, milk, powdered pistachios, coconut, and cardamom. This energy-packed sweet comes in diamond, square, or rolled shapes. Amir Chakhmaq Square in Yazd is an excellent spot to buy a variety of Yazdi Baklava.

3. Qottab

When it comes to Yazd’s sweets, Qottab is one of the first that comes to mind. This traditional pastry is among the most delicious and famous souvenirs of Yazd.

Qottab is also common in other cities like Kerman and has many fans. Yazdi Qottab consists of two parts: the outer layer and the filling. The outer layer is a dough fried in oil, made from wheat flour, egg yolks, and milk or yogurt, and then coated in powdered sugar. The filling is a mixture of powdered sugar, almond powder, and cardamom.

There’s also a type of Qottab called Honey Qottab, sweetened with honey. If you visit Yazd and plan to buy souvenirs, don’t miss these tasty Qottabs.

4. Yazdi Loz

Loz is a traditional and delicious sweet made in various parts of Iran. Interestingly, Yazd is one of the leading producers of Loz, with its unique flavors that are especially delightful. These popular Yazdi treats are typically cut into diamond shapes and come in different varieties. While the main ingredients are consistent, the distinct flavors and additional ingredients give each type its unique taste.

Pistachio, almond, and coconut Loz flavored with cardamom or borage are just some of the many varieties. Loz is sold in assorted packages featuring single or mixed flavors, making it a perfect souvenir for loved ones.

5. Ardakan Sesame Halva

Sesame Halva, a delicious and nutritious treat, is synonymous with Ardakan in Yazd province. This sweet and tasty product is a rich energy source and is often recommended as a breakfast item. Among the various sesame halva products, Yazd’s version stands out for its flavor, aroma, and texture.

Considered one of Yazd’s most authentic souvenirs, sesame halva is packed with protein, vitamins, and unsaturated fatty acids. It’s made from roasted sesame seeds, eggs, sugar, cardamom, and pistachio, almond, or hazelnut kernels. This delicacy is an excellent breakfast option, keeping you energized throughout the day. Stored in a cool, dark place, it retains its freshness for up to six months.

6. Haji Badam

Haji Badam is another renowned Yazdi sweet that, like other local pastries, is both popular and highly regarded. Also known simply as Badam, this light and delicious treat is made from chickpea flour and nutmeg, which give it a high nutritional value. The inclusion of nutmeg in its recipe makes it effective in relieving joint pain and rheumatism.

Haji Badam is prepared using wheat flour, chickpea flour, powdered sugar, almond kernels, eggs, cardamom, and nutmeg. This hollow and uniquely flavored pastry is a must-try when buying Yazd souvenirs.

7. Yazdi Nougat: A Sweet Delight from Yazd

Nougat is a delicious sweet often enjoyed with tea. Although it can be found in many cities across Iran, Yazdi nougat has a unique flavor and aroma. Besides its wide range of flavors, Yazdi nougat is softer than sugar cubes, making it even more popular.

The variety of Yazdi nougat is impressive, with flavors like orange blossom, cardamom, rose, saffron, and vanilla being among the most loved. The addition of almonds, walnuts, or pistachios further enhances its taste, making it an irresistible treat.

8. Persian Window Cookies

Window cookies are a unique and beautifully crafted sweet from Yazd. These cookies are typically served during religious festivals, ceremonies, and celebrations. Their distinct shape is the inspiration behind their name.

While they may not be the most famous Yazdi sweet, window cookies certainly rank among the best. Known locally as “Nan Nogh,” they showcase the artistry and creativity of Yazdi women. The main ingredients include rice flour, white flour, eggs, saffron, oil, rosewater, and powdered sugar.

To make these cookies, molds of various shapes are used. After preparing the dough and shaping the cookies, they are deep-fried. Their distinctive taste and crispy texture have earned window cookies a spot among Yazd’s finest souvenirs.

9. Yazdi Rice Cookies

Rice cookies are a traditional Iranian sweet with widespread popularity. While these cookies are also associated with Kermanshah and Qazvin, they are available in Yazd as well. Yazdi rice cookies are typically less sweet than those from other cities, making them an excellent choice as a Yazd souvenir.

The main ingredients include rice flour, wheat flour, powdered sugar, egg yolks, cardamom, rosewater, solid oil, and poppy seeds. Depending on your preference, saffron can also be added. Two types—plain and saffron—are available in the market, catering to different tastes.

With their excellent flavor, soft texture, and delightful aroma, Yazdi rice cookies are undoubtedly one of the best souvenirs from Yazd. Interestingly, a similar treat called “Rice Cake” is also made in Yazd. These cakes are larger and lighter in color compared to rice cookies.

10. Yazdi Cotton Candy (Pashmak)

Another light and delicious Yazdi souvenir with many fans is Pashmak, or cotton candy. This treat, particularly loved by children, comes in various flavors. Pashmak is made by combining water, sugar, lemon juice, and flour. Ingredients like saffron, cocoa, or coffee can be added to give it different colors and flavors.

This Yazdi specialty is not only visually appealing but also deliciously aromatic and delightfully light. If you’re a fan of cotton candy, Yazdi Pashmak is a must-try.

11. Yazdi Sohan (Flour and Honey Varieties)

When it comes to Sohan, most people immediately think of Qom. However, Yazd offers its own version of this sweet, known as “Flour Sohan” and “Honey Sohan,” which are among the city’s finest souvenirs.

Flour Sohan is made from wheat germ flour, oil, sugar, rosewater, and saffron. Its crispy texture and high energy content, thanks to the wheat germ, make it a delicious and nutritious treat.

In addition to Flour Sohan, Yazd also boasts Honey Sohan, made from white flour, wheat germ flour, pistachios, egg yolks, cardamom, and cinnamon. This version has a unique taste and appearance, resembling the famous Sohan from Qom.

A Tour of Yazd’s Handicrafts

Now that we’ve explored Yazd’s delicious sweets and souvenirs, it’s time to discover the city’s handicrafts. Yazd is a city of talented and authentic artisans who have showcased their skills in various fields. Yazd’s handicrafts have played a significant role in the brilliance of traditional Iranian art for centuries. If you want to learn more about the works of Yazd’s artists, stay with us for this section as well.

1. Yazd’s Zilu

One of the most beautiful and valuable souvenirs of Yazd is undoubtedly the zilu. While the main hub of zilu weaving is the city of Meybod in Yazd Province, you can also find various designs and colors of zilu in Yazd itself. A zilu is a soft and comfortable floor covering made of cotton thread.

These rugs are designed to suit Yazd’s climate and provide extra comfort during the summer. Meybod, the center of zilu weaving in Iran, was recognized by the World Crafts Council in 2018 as the “World City of Zilu.”

The use of natural fibers and dyes in zilu production ensures its high quality and health benefits. Yazd’s zilu is an excellent alternative to carpets, especially for individuals with sensitivities or respiratory conditions. No chemical substances are used in dyeing this Yazd souvenir; the vibrant colors come from natural sources like pomegranate peel, walnut skin, madder, and lapis lazuli.

If you’re looking for one of the most unique and valuable souvenirs from Yazd, don’t hesitate to buy a zilu. The vivid colors and distinctive patterns of this product, inspired by the customs of this beautiful city, are part of its allure.

2. Yazd’s Termeh

Since Yazd was situated on the Silk Road, its people have long been involved in producing exquisite and luxurious fabrics. One such stunning fabric is termeh, a colorful and vibrant Yazd souvenir that resembles a delicate painting. This beautiful textile has many admirers.

Termeh boasts exceptional quality and is a luxurious fabric made from fibers like wool, silk, and cotton. Its intricate patterns often include boteh jegheh (paisley), deer antlers, almond-shaped designs, and Shah Abbasi flowers. Termeh comes in various colors, with blue, green, burgundy, and brown being the most popular.

The appeal of this product is so great that it can be considered a symbol of Yazd. Its unmatched colors and patterns captivate every traveler and tourist. Among Yazd’s souvenirs, termeh is a favorite choice for both domestic and international visitors.

3. Chador Shab

Another traditional Yazd souvenir with a long history, showcasing the artistry and creativity of Yazd’s craftspeople, is the chador shab (night cloth). This lightweight product is made of silk and cotton, offering a very soft and comfortable texture. Chador shabs are produced in checkered designs and come in various colors.

This handcrafted item is created by artisans from cities like Ardakan, Zarach, and Yazd, in diverse colors and patterns. Chador shabs are available in two thicknesses: thin and thick. The thinner variety is called rakht-khab pich (bedding wrap) and is used for wrapping and storing mattresses, quilts, and pillows.

The thicker variety is known as chador shab-e sahraei (desert night cloth) and features striped patterns, commonly used for carrying agricultural goods. Alongside these, there are other types of chador shabs with different uses, such as serving as tablecloths, men’s headscarves, or women’s shawls.

4. Yazdi Shamd

The hot and dry climate of Yazd makes using thick covers difficult. To address this, Yazdi artisans created light, soft bedcovers called shamd.

A shamd is an incredibly soft and cool bedcover, making it one of the most famous souvenirs of Yazd. These covers are highly popular and an excellent choice for warm days. Regardless of where you live, having a shamd at home is always a delight. You can use this lightweight cover during hot days to stay comfortable and protect yourself from insect bites.

5. Daraee Weaving Products

Daraee weaving is an ancient craft in Yazd, boasting a history of about 800 years. Although this art is less widespread today than it once was, traces of it can still be found in Yazd’s alleyways. In the past, Daraee weaving was exclusive to the wealthy, which is reflected in its name (Daraee meaning “wealth” in Persian).

The fabrics produced in this craft are made from silk, dyed using natural colors. These luxurious fabrics are often used as tablecloths, bedspreads, and decorative throws. By purchasing these Yazd souvenirs, you contribute to preserving and promoting the legacy of Daraee weaving.

6. Sha’ar Weaving Products

Sha’ar weaving is a traditional art found in Yazd and cities like Kerman and Kashan, though it has become less common today. This craft involves creating textiles using silk, wool, or cotton threads with a chaharvardi (four-shaft loom). The fabrics are woven in plain or striped designs without any specific patterns, coming in a variety of colors.

Sha’ar is one of the most authentic and unique Yazd souvenirs you can choose as a gift for loved ones, embodying the traditional charm of this region.

7. Yazdi Copperware

A walk through the markets of Yazd reveals a wide variety of copper products, including cookware and jewelry. Copper cookware has long been popular among Iranians, traditionally used for cooking. Modern copper products now include jewelry such as bracelets, rings, and necklaces, which are also highly sought after.

Yazdi copperware is known for its exceptional quality and beauty, with a history spanning over 600 years. The city’s coppersmith bazaar is a testament to this enduring craft. When selecting souvenirs from Yazd, don’t overlook the stunning copper products this city has to offer.

8. Yazdi Pottery

Pottery is one of the oldest known crafts in the world and Iran. In Yazd, this art form has a long-standing history, supported by the region’s rich deposits of clay. The city of Meybod is the center of pottery in Yazd, where this craft has been passed down through generations.

The use of fine, pure clay and the artistic skills of Yazdi craftsmen have made Yazd pottery some of the finest in the country. Pottery items are among the most beautiful and important souvenirs of Yazd, admired for their quality and popularity.

Frequently Asked Questions About Yazd Souvenirs

What are the edible souvenirs of Yazd?

Qottab, baklava, loz (almond sweets), sugar-coated almonds (noghl), cotton candy (pashmak), haji badam (almond cookies), Yazdi cakes (kik-e Yazdi), rice cookies (nan-e berenji), and more.

What are the handicraft souvenirs of Yazd?

Termeh (traditional woven fabric), pottery, chador shab (traditional picnic cloth), shamd (light bedcover), ziloo (hand-woven rugs), daraee-bafi (silk weaving), shar-bafi (traditional textile weaving), and copperware.

Where can we buy Yazd souvenirs?

Khan Bazaar, Panj-e Ali Bazaar, Haji Ghanbar Bazaar, and Qeysarieh Bazaar.

What is the most famous brand of traditional Yazd sweets?

Shirini Haji Khalifeh Rahbar.