Dubai is a city where every taste from around the world finds a home, and for Iranians living here, that sense of home often begins in a Persian grocery store. From fragrant saffron and long-grain Persian rice to fresh herbs for ghormeh sabzi and sweet treats for Yalda, these markets carry the flavors, aromas, and comforts that connect people back to their roots. This time, Nazdikia is here to guide you through the best Persian grocery stores across Dubai.
The Fresh Bazaar Supermarket
Business Description
The Fresh Bazaar is the biggest Persian supermarket in Dubai. As the name suggests, everything at this market is fresh, and the coming and going crowds guarantee that products are restocked quite frequently. Another good thing about Fresh Bazaar is that you can also order authentic Persian dishes if you’re shopping around noon or in the evening. It’s the kind of place where locals swap recipes over the counter, making every visit feel like catching up with old friends, and the variety ensures you’ll always find your favorite flavor.
Roya Minimart – Azizi Riviera
Business Description
Roya Minimart is a modern, clean, and complete Persian supermarket in Dubai. When you walk down the isles, you might forget that this isn’t a supermarket in Iran. You can see famous Persian grocery brand names like Mahram, Mihan, Maz Maz, Hazar, and many more. For those looking for a tangy Persian snack, Roya Minimart sells Lavashak in various flavors like, apricot and plum. Overall, if you’re looking for Persian groceries, this is your go-to place.
Iranian Market – Al Buteen
Business Description
Iranian Market is located between Al Buteen and Al Sabkha, one of Dubai’s most authentic places to shop for Persian goods. The market is designed to represent Persian culture and provide Persian products for those missing home. It’s more like a traditional bazaar with different vendors. It offers everything from genuine Iranian spices to home essentials. Shoppers often come here specifically for its high-quality imports, especially its famously rich “All Red” first-grade saffron, along with a wide range of Persian herbs, teas, dried goods, and kitchenware. The atmosphere is lively, nostalgic, and rooted in tradition, making it a favorite for those who want a true taste of Iran in the UAE.
Afshin Food and Beverage Supermarket
Business Description
Nadd Al Hamar is known for its quite warm atmosphere. Deep within this quiet neighbourhood, you can find Afshin Food and Beverage Supermarket, which helps Iranians keep their Persian kitchens running. While the supermarket isn’t exclusively Persian, many residents count on it for quick purchases thanks to its extremely long hours. Customers also noted its accessibility, wide range of daily essentials, and its role as a practical stop for urgent home supplies.
Cartimi – Persian Online Store
Business Description
Cartimi is an online Persian grocery store that ships authentic Persian products across Dubai. Of course, it sells a lot more than food products. For instance, you can order some household appliances, sanitary products, and stationery items as well. Most of these products are infused with Persian culture and cuisine. Lavashak is one of the many examples of Persian snacks you can order at Cartimi online store.
What You Can Buy at a Persian Grocery Store in Dubai
Dubai is close to Iran, yet the cultures are worlds apart. You might think that you would find everything in a Persian supermarket in Dubai. However, the bitter truth is that you’d mostly have access to essentials. So, let’s see what we can find:
Pantry Staples
Pantry staples are the heart of a Persian kitchen. Most Iranians will look for rice when they first arrive in a different country. The most important Persian staples that are likely to be found in Dubai are:
- Persian rice: Sella, Doodi, basmati
- Dried legumes: lentils, chickpeas, beans, yellow split peas
- Sabzi khoshk: dried herbs for ghormeh sabzi or sabzi polo
- Tomato paste, Persian noodles (reshteh), and cooking essentials
Spices & Seasonings
The other foundation of Persian cuisine is the spices used in the food. You can find most of these spices in Dubai, thanks to the similarity of seasoning in both the UAE and Iran.
- High-grade saffron
- Advieh blends for rice and stews
- Sumac
- Dried lime (limoo amani)
- Turmeric
- Cardamom
Persian Snacks & Sweets
Without them, long nights and tea parties will be over. Thankfully, you can find most Persian Snacks & Sweets in Dubai:
- Gaz
- Sohan
- Persian nougat
- Koloocheh
- Shirini
- zaban
- Lavashak
- Iranian-style biscuits
Dairy & Beverages
There are Persian foods that have dairy as their recipe. Thus, you might need Kashk or Persian yogurt for a dish. Fortunately, you can find almost all of them in Dubai.
- Doogh
- Kashk
- Persian yogurt and cheeses
- Herbal drinks and aromatic syrups
Bakery Items
We already listed Persian bakeries in Dubai. Based on Nazdikia’s research, in Dubai, you can find breads like:
- Sangak
- Barbari
- Lavash
- Taftoon
Online Ordering & Delivery Options in Dubai
Ordering Persian groceries in Dubai is easier than ever, thanks to a mix of online stores, delivery apps, and convenient neighborhood services. Whether you live in Jumeirah, Dubai Marina, Deira, or Business Bay, most Persian ingredients can reach your door with just a few taps. Many Persian supermarkets offer direct online ordering, home delivery, or simple phone/WhatsApp requests.
Delivery platforms like Talabat and Deliveroo support several Iranian groceries across the city, offering same-day or even one-hour delivery depending on your location. These apps are especially useful for quick orders of fresh herbs, dairy products, bakery items, snacks, and emergency household goods.
How to Choose an Authentic Persian Grocery Store in Dubai
Finding a truly authentic Persian grocery store in Dubai isn’t just about the products on the shelves — it’s about freshness, cultural familiarity, and trust. Whether you’re buying saffron, herbs for ghormeh sabzi, or sweets for Yalda, a good Iranian supermarket should feel reliable, well-stocked, and connected to Persian culinary traditions. Here’s a quick guide to help you choose the right one.
|
What to Look For |
Signs of Authenticity |
|
Real Iranian brands |
Sadaf, Golchin, Zarrin, Behrouz, Shirin, Farsi labels |
|
Fresh herbs & produce |
Parsley, coriander, fenugreek, dill, sabzi mixes |
|
Authentic spices |
High-grade saffron, advieh blends, dried limes |
|
Farsi labeling & imports |
Farsi text, imported jams, torshi, syrups |
|
Seasonal holiday items |
Haft-seen sets, Yalda sweets, Nowruz nuts |
Prices at Persian Grocery Stores in Dubai
Prices for Persian groceries in Dubai vary depending on the neighborhood, the store’s size, and whether products are imported directly from Iran. Overall, Dubai offers a wide range of affordable everyday staples, with some premium items — especially saffron and nuts — sitting at the higher end. Here’s a simple breakdown to help you know what to expect when shopping.
|
Category |
Typical Updated Price Range (AED) |
|
Persian Rice (Sella / Doodi / Basmati) |
7 – 15 AED per kg |
| Halal Chicken (Fillet / Pieces) |
22 – 30 AED per 0.5 kg |
| Halal Lamb / Beef (Cuts for stews & kebab) |
60 – 95 AED per kg |
|
Premium Iranian Saffron |
25 – 50 AED per gram |
| Common Spices (Sumac, Turmeric, Dried Lime) |
5 – 15 AED per pack / 100g |
|
Fresh Herbs (Sabzi mixes, Cilantro, Parsley) |
5 – 12 AED per bunch |
| Persian Bread (Lavash / Barbari / Sangak) |
6 – 15 AED per pack |
|
Persian Sweets (Gaz, Sohan, Nougat) |
15 – 45 AED per box |
|
Ajil & Nuts (mixed nuts, pistachios) |
30 – 80 AED per 500g – 1kg |
| Doogh, Yogurt, Kashk (refrigerated items) |
7 – 20 AED |
|
Nowruz / Yalda Seasonal Items |
Varies by product (moderate to high) |