At Shamshiri Persian Grill, food is more than flavor — it’s heritage, connection, and celebration. One of the most meaningful moments in Persian culture is Nowruz, or Persian New Year — a springtime festival that brings families together with symbolic rituals and delicious dishes.
If you’ve ever wondered how Iranians celebrate the new year, or why dishes like Sabzi Polo Mahi and Ash-e-Reshteh matter so much, this blog post is your window into the beauty of Nowruz traditions — and how we honor them right here in Glendale, CA.
What Is Nowruz?
Nowruz (pronounced no-rooz) means “new day” in Farsi. Celebrated on the spring equinox, it marks the first day of the Persian calendar and the rebirth of nature. Nowruz has been observed for over 3,000 years across Iran and parts of Central Asia, the Caucasus, and the Middle East.
It’s a time of renewal, family gatherings, and fresh starts, much like a cross between New Year’s Eve, Easter, and spring cleaning — all in one.
The Haft-Seen Table: A Symbolic Centerpiece
Central to every Nowruz celebration is the Haft-Seen table — a beautiful spread featuring seven symbolic items, each beginning with the Persian letter S (seen). These include:
- Sabzeh (sprouted greens) – Rebirth and growth
- Senjed (dried fruit) – Love and compassion
- Seer (garlic) – Health and protection
- Seeb (apple) – Beauty and vitality
- Samanu (sweet wheat pudding) – Power and strength
- Serkeh (vinegar) – Patience and aging with grace
- Somāq (sumac) – Sunrise and the triumph of light
You might also find goldfish (life), mirrors (reflection), candles (light), painted eggs (fertility), and poetry books like the Divan of Hafez on the Haft-Seen.
Traditional Nowruz Foods
Just like the symbolism on the Haft-Seen table, Nowruz meals are rich in meaning and memory. At Shamshiri Persian Grill, we’re proud to serve many of these dishes year-round — so you don’t have to wait for March to enjoy them!
🌿 Sabzi Polo Mahi
This is the quintessential Nowruz meal — herbed Basmati rice cooked with parsley, dill, cilantro, green onions, and garlic, served with white fish or salmon. The fresh herbs symbolize renewal and cleansing, while the fish represents abundance and life.
You can enjoy our Sabzi Polo Mahi every Saturday and Sunday — just ask your server!
🍲 Ash-e-Reshteh
A hearty Persian noodle soup made with herbs, lentils, beans, and noodles (reshteh), topped with tangy kashk and fried mint. The noodles are thought to symbolize the paths of life and the hope for a smooth journey ahead.
This dish is especially popular during the final days leading up to Nowruz.
🍚 Shirin Polo
While not always on the Shamshiri menu, this “sweet rice” dish is a festive favorite, made with orange peel, saffron, almonds, and pistachios, served with chicken. It’s often served at weddings and holidays to bring joy and prosperity.
Nowruz in Glendale, CA
Here in Glendale, home to one of the largest Iranian communities in the U.S., Nowruz is widely celebrated. From community events to family gatherings, the spirit of the holiday is alive and well — and Shamshiri Persian Grill is honored to be a part of it.
Whether you’re Persian by heritage or just Persian at heart, we invite you to join us in celebrating this beautiful tradition. Enjoy a Nowruz-inspired meal, try a new dish, or simply toast to a new beginning with friends and family.
Celebrate with Shamshiri
At Shamshiri, every day is a celebration of Persian culture — but during Nowruz, there’s something extra special in the air. Fresh herbs, golden saffron, and rich family recipes come together to welcome a new season of hope and connection.
Happy Nowruz!
📍 Join us at Shamshiri Persian Grill in Glendale, CA — and bring a little more spring to your table.
