Nan Luleh: Savory souvenir from Iran’s Birjand

The Iranian city of Birjand in the eastern province of South Khorasan is popular for a tasty sweet called Nan Luleh which has been cooked for 150 years by local women of the city.

The skill of baking Nan Luleh is registered on Iran’s Intangible Cultural Heritage List.

The primary ingredients of this delicacy are white flour, eggs, sugar, rosewater, ground cardamom, and saffron.

A cast iron mold with long handles is used for cooking the sweet.   

The sweet is bought in abundance as souvenirs by travelers. It is also a very popular treat to be served at parties, celebrations, and wedding ceremonies.

Nan Luleh is cooked throughout the year. However, it is mostly purchased or cooked during celebrations for Nowruz, also known as the Persian New Year.

MM/AG