Nowruz is a time for renewal, rejuvenation, and new beginnings, and the traditional foods served during this time reflect this spirit. One of the most important dishes is “sabzi polo mahi,” which is a fragrant and flavorful dish made with basmati rice cooked with fresh herbs such as dill, cilantro, parsley, and fenugreek, and served with fried fish. This dish represents prosperity and abundance, as fish is considered a symbol of fertility and rice is a symbol of wealth.

Another popular dish is “kuku sabzi,” a savoury herb and vegetable frittata made with eggs, parsley, cilantro, dill, scallions, and other greens. This dish is often served as a snack or appetizer during Nowruz celebrations.

Other Nowruz dishes include “ash reshteh,” a hearty noodle soup made with beans, lentils, herbs, and spices, and “dolmeh barg,” stuffed grape leaves filled with a mixture of ground meat, rice, herbs, and spices.

Finally, no Nowruz celebration would be complete without sweets, and one of the most popular desserts is “shirini berenji,” a sweet and fragrant rice pudding made with milk, sugar, and rosewater, and topped with pistachios, almonds, or other nuts.

Overall, Nowruz food is a wonderful and delicious celebration of the arrival of spring and the hope for new beginnings.

Here are some photos from the International Dinner: