Bastani

Bastani is the Persian word for ice cream, most commonly referring to bastani sonnati, the traditional Iranian ice cream. The dessert has its roots in Iran and is closely tied to Persian culinary tradition. It is especially associated with cities such as Isfahan and Shiraz, but it is enjoyed throughout the country and in Iranian communities abroad.

The traditional base combines dairy milk and cream with sugar, flavored with saffron and rosewater for fragrance. Cardamom is sometimes added. Pistachios, almonds, or pistachio paste are commonly mixed in or sprinkled on top. Some regional variants incorporate dried fruits or saffron threads visible through the ice cream. The texture is typically dense and creamy with a distinctive chewy or stringy quality that results from careful churning.

Bastani is typically sold in cups or cones from street vendors or specialized shops known as bastani houses. It is often served with toppings such as chopped pistachios or saffron strands and enjoyed as a dessert after meals or as a refreshing treat in hot weather.

Beyond Iran, bastani appears in Persian restaurants and ice cream shops in the diaspora, where traditional flavors are sometimes blended with local tastes. While modern producers may offer varied flavors, bastani sonnati remains a cultural emblem of Persian dessert culture, celebrated for its saffron-fragranced profile and nutty garnishes.