Barbari (nan-e Barbari) is a traditional Persian bread known for its thick, golden crust, soft interior, and unmistakable hand-shaped ridges. In a city as diverse as Chicago, finding fresh, authentic Barbari is possible, but knowing where to look makes all the difference. So, whether you grew up with warm Barbari at the breakfast table or you’re discovering Persian bread for the first time, Nazdikia’s guide to finding the best Barbari bread in Chicago will help you.
Kabul Naan – Devon Ave
Business Description
The go-to spot for Chicagoans in search of authentic Persian and Afghan flatbreads. This bakery is located along Devon Avenue. Checking their customers’ reviews, you’ll find nothing but praise for the bread’s warmth, flavor, and value. You come for the bread, not the décor… However, the payoff is incomparable. For anyone planning a Persian meal or looking for the perfect companion to cheese and herbs, Kabul Naan delivers tradition in its purest, simplest form.
Middle East Bakery & Grocery – Foster Ave
Business Description
A Chicago institution since 1981, Middle East Bakery & Grocery is a beloved stop for anyone craving freshly baked Middle Eastern and Persian breads. This stone oven bakery is legendary, turning out soft pita and lavash so tender that it’s been described as a bed more than a bread. Of course, this one isn’t an exclusively Persian spot! However, it captures much of the same spirit, blending handmade craftsmanship with deep regional flavor. Beyond bread, their pistachio baklava, ma’moul cookies, and Turkish delight add a delightful sweetness to every visit.
Best Naan – West Devon, Chicago
Business Description
Best Naan is a popular bakery on Chicago’s culturally rich Devon Avenue, specializing in diverse Middle Eastern, Persian, and Afghan cuisine. It is highly regarded for its authentic baked goods, which include a variety of naan, pastries, and the sought-after Barbari bread (nan-e-barbari). The atmosphere is noted as welcoming and friendly, with a strong focus on quality and traditional recipes. The business is known for actively engaging with the local community, promoting cultural understanding through its food offerings.
What Is Barbari Bread?
Barbari bread is Iran’s most loved traditional flatbread alongside Snagak. The bread is instantly recognizable by its long, thick shape and the deep ridges pressed into the dough by hand before baking. Unlike thinner flatbreads such as lavash or pita, Barbari is hearty and substantial, with a crispy, golden crust and a soft, airy interior that stays tender when fresh.
Traditionally, Barbari is brushed with a light flour-and-water glaze called roomal and topped with sesame or nigella seeds before baking. It’s best enjoyed warm, often torn by hand and shared at the table. In Persian culture, Barbari is a breakfast staple, served with feta cheese, fresh herbs, walnuts, honey, or jam.
Barbari vs. Sangak vs. Naan: What’s the Difference?
If you’re browsing Persian or Middle Eastern bakeries in Chicago, you’ll often see Barbari listed alongside other flatbreads like sangak or naan. While they may look similar at first glance, each bread has its own texture, baking method, and place at the table.
Barbari is the thickest and most filling of the three. It’s hand-shaped, brushed with a light glaze, and baked until the outside turns golden and crisp while the inside stays soft and fluffy. This makes Barbari ideal for breakfast, sandwiches, or tearing and sharing with cheese and herbs.
Sangak, on the other hand, is thinner and baked directly on hot river stones. It has a distinctive irregular shape and a slightly chewy texture with crisp edges. Many Persian families choose sangak for stews or kebabs, while Barbari feels more substantial and comforting.
Naan (often South Asian or Afghan-style in Chicago bakeries) is usually softer, rounder, and less crusty. While delicious, it lacks the same glaze, ridges, and flavor profile that define authentic Persian Barbari.
Best Neighborhoods to Find Barbari Bread in Chicago
Chicago’s diverse food scene means you can find fresh Barbari bread in several neighborhoods where Persian and Middle Eastern communities have long made their home. These areas are your best bet for authentic bread, friendly service, and regular fresh baking schedules.
- Skokie, Lincolnwood & Niles: Well known for their Persian and Middle Eastern bakeries and markets.
- Albany Park & West Ridge: These neighborhoods have become hubs for flatbreads of all kinds, and you’ll find shops selling Barbari alongside sangak, naan, and Afghan breads.
- Devon Avenue & Rogers Park: While some places lean more toward South Asian or Middle Eastern styles, many also carry Barbari or similar Persian flatbreads.
- North Side & Downtown Chicago: While there may be fewer Persian bakeries in the heart of the city, many markets and cafes partner with local bakers that sell Persian breads.
How to Find Authentic Nan Barbari in Chicago
With so many bakeries and markets offering “Persian bread,” it’s fair to wonder whether what you’re buying is truly authentic Barbari or just a look-alike flatbread. In Chicago, knowing a few key signs can help you spot the real thing with confidence.
Look for the Shape and Signature Ridges
Authentic nan-e Barbari is long, thick, and slightly rectangular — not round or thin. The surface should have deep, finger-dragged ridges running lengthwise. These grooves aren’t decorative; they’re part of the traditional shaping method and help create Barbari’s unique texture.
Check the Crust and Interior
Real Barbari has a golden, lightly crisp crust with a soft, airy inside. If the bread feels dense, dry, or cracker-like, it’s likely been sitting too long or wasn’t made in the traditional style. Fresh Barbari should bend easily without tearing and feel substantial in your hands.
Notice the Glaze and Toppings
Before baking, traditional Barbari is brushed with a simple flour-and-water glaze known as roomal. This gives the bread its slight sheen and deeper flavor. Sesame or nigella seeds are common toppings, but even plain Barbari should still show that glossy, baked-in finish.
Barbari Bread Prices in Chicago: What to Expect
The price of Barbari bread in Chicago can vary quite a bit depending on where you buy it, how fresh it is, and whether it’s baked in-house or sold frozen. While Barbari is traditionally an affordable everyday bread, factors like location, quality, and convenience can affect the final cost.
| Type & Source |
Price Range |
| Grocery & Supermarkets (Lowest Range) |
$3.49 – $4.50 |
| Specialty & Ethnic Markets | $4.00 – $8.79 |
| Frozen Barbari (Less Common) | $2.89 – $4.00 |
Can You Order Iranian Barbari Bread in Chicago Online?
If you prefer the convenience of delivery or pickup, you can order Barbari bread in Chicago without leaving your home. Whether you want it for breakfast, a weekend gathering, or just to save a trip, there are a few reliable ways to get fresh or same-day Barbari delivered to your door.
Several delivery platforms and online marketplaces like Quickly, Instacart, DoorDash, and Uber Eats list Barbari bread from local bakeries and markets. A few bakeries even accept orders through their websites or Facebook pages, where you can choose delivery via local courier services or pickup.
How to Eat, Store & Reheat Barbari Bread
Barbari bread is at its best when it’s fresh, warm, and shared, but with the right handling, you can enjoy it well beyond the day you buy it. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast or saving a loaf for later, these tips help you get the most out of every bite. It’s most commonly enjoyed at breakfast or brunch, paired with:
- Feta cheese or Persian white cheese
- Fresh herbs (sabzi khordan)
- Walnuts, butter, honey, or jam
How to Store Barbari Bread
If you plan to eat Barbari the same day, keep it wrapped loosely in paper or a clean cloth at room temperature. Avoid sealing it in plastic right away, as trapped moisture can soften the crust. For longer storage:
- 1–2 days: Wrap tightly and keep at room temperature
- Up to 2 weeks: Freeze in an airtight bag or wrap in foil
Reheat Barbari Using Oven (Best Method)
- Preheat to 350°F (175°C)
- Lightly sprinkle the bread with water
- Wrap loosely in foil and heat for 5–8 minutes
Reheat Barbari Using Stovetop (Quick Option)
- Heat a dry pan over medium heat
- Warm each side for 1–2 minutes
Avoid the microwave if possible. While it’s fast, it often makes Barbari chewy or rubbery instead of light and crisp.