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Qom Festivals & Events by Month (2026)
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Best Food in Qom (2026)
Begin your culinary journey at the bustling Bazaar-e Qom, where you'll find a cluster of traditional restaurants serving classic Persian dishes. Try Sofreh Khaneh Sonnati Haj Mahβ¦ π½οΈ Where to Start
Begin your culinary journey at the bustling Bazaar-e Qom, where you'll find a cluster of traditional restaurants serving classic Persian dishes. Try Sofreh Khaneh Sonnati Haj Mahmood for authentic dizi (meat and bean stew) at around 150,000 IRR per portion. The bazaar is open daily from 8 AM to 8 PM, but arrive early to avoid the lunch rush.
π₯ Must-Try Street Food
For a quick bite, head to the stalls near the Holy Shrine of Fatima Masumeh, where you can sample sambuseh (savory pastries filled with meat or vegetables) for about 50,000 IRR each. Another local favorite is ash-e reshteh, a hearty noodle soup sold at street carts for around 80,000 IRR per bowl. These stalls are busiest in the evenings, especially after prayer times.
π² Traditional Restaurants
For a sit-down meal, visit Restaurant Haj Ali, located at 15 Shahid Beheshti Street, known for its excellent kebabs and tahdig. A full meal costs around 300,000 to 500,000 IRR per person. Another option is Restaurant Shabestan, near the Qom Museum, which offers a set menu of Persian stews and rice dishes for about 400,000 IRR.
π₯ Local Specialties
Qom is famous for its saffron-infused rice dishes and slow-cooked lamb. Try the baghali polo (rice with fava beans and dill) at Baghali Polo House, located at 22 Imam Khomeini Street, for around 200,000 IRR. Don't miss the local version of khoresht-e bademjan (eggplant stew), which is often sweeter than in other regions.
π° Sweet Treats
For dessert, visit Qom's traditional confectioneries like Shirini-e Qom on 15 Khordad Avenue, where you can buy gaz (nougat) and sohan (saffron brittle) for about 100,000 IRR per box. Another popular spot is Bastani-e Sonnati Qom, an ice cream shop at 30 Taleghani Street, serving saffron and rosewater ice cream for 50,000 IRR per scoop.
β Tea and Coffee Spots
Take a break at Chai Khaneh-e Bagh-e Ferdows, a traditional tea house located inside Bagh-e Ferdows park. A pot of Persian tea costs around 50,000 IRR, and they serve snacks like dates and cookies. For coffee, try Cafe Roozbeh at 5 Saadi Street, where a cappuccino is 80,000 IRR and the atmosphere is modern.
π° Budget Tips
Eating at street stalls and bazaar eateries is the most affordable option, with meals averaging 100,000 to 200,000 IRR. Sit-down restaurants in the city center cost 300,000 to 600,000 IRR per person. Avoid tourist-heavy spots near the shrine for better prices. Carry cash, as many smaller places don't accept cards.
πΆ Neighborhoods to Explore
The old quarter around the Qom Bazaar is the best area for food exploration, with narrow alleys hiding small eateries. The neighborhood of Shahrak-e Qods has a growing number of casual restaurants serving fusion dishes. For a more upscale dining experience, head to the streets near the Qom University campus, where you'll find modern cafes and international options.
the baghali polo house on imam khomeini is solid but honestly i prefer the one tucked behind the bazaar near the panzdah-e khordad intersection. smaller place, family run, they put way more dill and the rice has that perfect saffron crust. costs the same 200k but the portions are bigger and they give you this yogurt dip with mint that's not on the menu.
also for tea, chai khaneh-e bagh-e ferdows is fine but if you walk five mins north to the little alley off shahid beheshti there's a hole in the wall called Chai Haj Reza. no sign, just an old guy with a samovar. his tea is stronger and he serves it with those tiny qom rock candies that melt slow. 30k for a pot and he'll refill it twice if you're chill about it
honestly this is a solid guide, nice work. one thing i'd add is that the dizi at Haj Mahmood is good but if you want the real deal go to the smaller place two alleys down called Dizi Sara. they mash it up at your table with that wooden pestle and the bread they serve with it is fresh from the tannur, not the usual stuff. costs the same 150k but feels more authentic.
also for sweets, skip the touristy gaz shops on 15 Khordad and walk a bit further to Haji Ali's confectionery on Shahid Beheshti. his sohan has this perfect crunch without being too sweet, and he sells it in little tins that make good souvenirs. the ice cream at Bastani-e Sonnati is legit tho, that rosewater flavor is prob the best in town.
yeah this is a really helpful guide, nice work. one thing i'd mention is that for the ash-e reshteh near the shrine, the best cart is the one with the green awning by the east gate, not the ones in the main square. the lady there makes it with way more herbs and she puts these little fried mint oil drops on top that make it amazing. costs the same 80k but she's only there from like 6 to 9 pm, so timing matters.
Qom Festivals & Events by Month (2026)
Qom's festival calendar follows the lunar Hijri and solar Persian systems, so dates shift each year. In 2026, key events include Nowruz in March, Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr in Febβ¦ π Year at a Glance
Qom's festival calendar follows the lunar Hijri and solar Persian systems, so dates shift each year. In 2026, key events include Nowruz in March, Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr in February-March, and Muharram commemorations in June-July. This guide gives approximate timings and practical tips for each.
πΈ Nowruz (March 20-24)
Nowruz, the Persian New Year, falls on March 20, 2026, with celebrations lasting about four days. In Qom, families gather at the Shrine of Fatima Masumeh and parks like Al-Ghadir Park for picnics. Tourists can enjoy special sweets like samanu and see haft-sin displays, but expect crowded bazaars and book hotels early.
π Ramadan & Eid al-Fitr
Ramadan in 2026 is expected to begin around February 17 and end with Eid al-Fitr around March 19. In Qom, the holy month brings nightly iftar meals at the shrine and mosques, open to visitors. Dress modestly and avoid eating in public during daylight; Eid prayers at the shrine are crowded but welcoming.
π Eid al-Adha (May 27)
Eid al-Adha, around May 27, 2026, is marked by prayers at the Shrine of Fatima Masumeh and animal sacrifices. Many locals distribute meat to the needy, and visitors may be invited to share meals. The shrine area is busy from early morning; arrive before 7 AM for a spot.
π―οΈ Muharram Commemorations
Muharram, expected to start around June 16, 2026, is a month of mourning with processions and passion plays. In Qom, the shrine hosts nightly recitations, and streets near the bazaar fill with crowds. Non-Muslim tourists should observe respectfully, wear dark clothing, and avoid photography during rituals.
π Yalda Night (December 21)
Yalda, the winter solstice on December 21, is celebrated with family gatherings, poetry, and fruits like pomegranates and watermelon. In Qom, some restaurants and cultural centers offer special Yalda menus; try traditional cafes around the bazaar. It's a quiet, home-based holiday, so book a restaurant dinner in advance.
π Local Cultural Festivals
Qom hosts smaller events like the annual Handicrafts Exhibition in May at the Permanent Exhibition Center on Enqelab Street. The city also celebrates National Day of Qom in January with lectures and tours of historical sites. Check local posters at the shrine or ask your hotel for exact dates.
𧳠Practical Tips
Book accommodation at least a month ahead for Nowruz and Ramadan, as hotels near the shrine fill up. Dress modestly year-round, and expect separate hours or sections at some events. For Muharram, avoid the shrine area during peak procession times if you're not comfortable with crowds.
one thing the guide skips: the shrine has separate visiting hours for women & men, so check the posted schedule before u go. also the samanu at the little shops off Chahar Mardan is worth the walk
Nowruz park picnics, book by mid-January.
Yalda restaurants in Qom book out days ahead since it's mostly a home holiday, so reserve early or you'll be stuck with supermarket pomegranates.
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