I get this question often enough that I think it’s worth addressing directly: “Is there anything for vegetarians?” And every time, my answer is the same, yes, and it’s not an afterthought. Vegetarian Persian food isn’t a modern accommodation tacked onto a meat-heavy menu. Some of these dishes have existed in Persian kitchens for generations, long before “vegetarian” was even a term anyone used.
Kashk-e Bademjan
This roasted eggplant dip, mixed with whey and topped with fried mint and onion, is one of the most beloved dishes in Persian cooking, vegetarian or not. It’s rich, smoky, and often the dish that surprises non-vegetarian guests the most.
Adas Polo
Rice cooked with lentils, dates, and raisins, Adas Polo is a sweet-and-savory dish that shows off the balance Persian cuisine is known for. It works well as a main dish on its own or alongside grilled vegetables.
Bagali Polo
Dill and fava beans folded into rice — simple, fragrant, and a favorite among guests looking for something lighter. It pairs beautifully with a side of yogurt.
Mirza Ghasemi
A smoky eggplant and tomato dish, sometimes made with egg, that carries deep, roasted flavor without any meat involved. It’s one of those dishes that proves Persian food doesn’t need meat to feel hearty.
Grilled Vegetable Platters
For guests who want something closer to our grilled menu, we also offer grilled vegetable platters — tomatoes, peppers, and seasonal vegetables prepared with the same open-flame technique as our kabobs.
Why This Matters to Me
I’ve had guests come in hesitant, sometimes apologetic, about dining out with a vegetarian in the group. I always tell them the same thing: they’re in the right place. You can see our full offerings on our Persian food menu, and our Persian restaurant page covers the full dining experience for mixed groups.
As this collection of traditional Iranian recipes shows, vegetable and legume-based dishes have always had a real place at the Persian table — not as a substitute, but as their own tradition.
We regularly welcome mixed groups from Atwater Village and Highland Park where not everyone eats the same way, and it’s never a problem here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Persian food have vegetarian options?
Yes, Persian cuisine includes a long tradition of vegetable and legume-based dishes, independent of meat.
What’s a good vegetarian Persian dish to start with?
Kashk-e Bademjan (roasted eggplant dip) is a great introduction and a favorite even among non-vegetarians.
Are vegetarian dishes at Shamshiri made separately from meat dishes?
Yes, our vegetarian dishes are prepared as their own traditional recipes, not modified versions of meat dishes.
Bring the Whole Group
Whatever everyone at your table eats, there’s a place for them here. Visit Shamshiri Persian Grill at 122 W Stocker St, Glendale, CA 91202. Call 818-246-9541, or find us here: Shamshiri Persian Grill on Google Maps.
