Persian cuisine is often celebrated for its juicy kabobs and tender stews — but there’s a world of flavor waiting in its vegetarian dishes, too. At Shamshiri Persian Grill in Glendale, CA, we believe that vegetarian food shouldn’t be a compromise. It should be bold, comforting, and absolutely crave-worthy.
Whether you’re a full-time vegetarian, exploring plant-based eating, or just looking to switch it up, these Persian-inspired dishes are so flavorful and satisfying that even the most devoted meat lovers fall in love.
Why Persian Cuisine Is Naturally Vegetarian-Friendly
Many traditional Iranian dishes are built around fresh herbs, legumes, grains, and rice, making it easy to find hearty vegetarian options that are both nourishing and delicious. Persian cooking doesn’t rely on heavy sauces or processed substitutes — instead, it highlights the natural flavor of ingredients, enhanced with fragrant spices like saffron, turmeric, and dried limes.
Top Vegetarian Dishes at Shamshiri Persian Grill
Here are just a few standouts from our menu that prove meatless can still mean mouthwatering:
🌿 Vegetarian Fesenjan
A rich, sweet-and-sour stew made with ground walnuts and pomegranate molasses, served over saffron basmati rice. This dish is a bold flavor bomb — nutty, tangy, and comforting — without needing any meat at all.
🍒 Vegetarian Albalou Polo
Basmati rice mixed with tart, juicy sour cherries and our signature sweet-and-sour sauce, served with a grilled vegetable kabob. It’s a flavor pairing that surprises and delights, perfect for fans of bold, fruity notes.
🌱 Vegetarian Zereshk Polo
Fluffy saffron rice studded with sour barberries (zereshk), served with grilled vegetables. The barberries add a tart brightness that balances beautifully with the sweetness of the saffron.
🧅 Vegetarian Adas Polo
This comforting dish combines lentils, sautéed onions, raisins, and dates with basmati rice, creating a sweet-savory combination that feels like a hug in every bite. Served with a grilled veggie kabob and your choice of salad.
🌿 Vegetarian Sabzi Polo
Fresh herbs — parsley, cilantro, dill, green onions, garlic — baked into basmati rice, served with a vegetable kabob. It’s light, aromatic, and perfect for spring and summer meals.
🍚 Vegetarian Bagali Polo
A hearty, herbaceous rice dish made with lima beans and fresh baby dill, paired with veggie kabob and your choice of green or Shirazi salad. It’s a powerhouse of flavor and fiber.
Appetizers That Steal the Show
Start your meal with these vegetarian favorites:
- Boroni (Eggplant Yogurt Dip): Roasted eggplant with sautéed onions and garlic, mixed with yogurt — creamy, smoky, and comforting.
- Must O’Khiar: Yogurt with cucumber and dried mint — refreshing and probiotic-rich.
- Humus: A Persian spin on the classic, made with pureed garbanzo beans, tahini, lemon, and olive oil.
- Shirazi Salad: A fresh, zesty mix of diced cucumber, tomato, onion, and parsley tossed in lime juice.
Pair any of these with warm flatbread for a simple but satisfying start.
Plant-Based Doesn’t Mean Boring
At Shamshiri Persian Grill, we treat our vegetarian offerings with the same care and love as every kabob and stew. We believe that plant-based food should be vibrant, filling, and layered with flavor — not an afterthought.
Our vegetarian dishes are perfect for sharing, sampling, or building your own full-course meal — and they’re available for dine-in, takeout, or catering.
Discover the Best Vegetarian Persian Food in Glendale
If you’ve been searching for vegetarian food in Glendale that’s as exciting as it is satisfying, Shamshiri has your table ready. Come taste the heart of Persian cuisine — no meat required.
📍 Visit Shamshiri Persian Grill today and fall in love with flavor — one veggie dish at a time.
