When traveling to or living in a Persian-speaking country like Iran, a simple trip to the grocery store can be a rich cultural experience. However, navigating the aisles filled with Persian labels can be challenging if you’re unfamiliar with the language. This guide will teach you the essential words, phrases, and cultural tips to make grocery shopping in Farsi a breeze.

Whether you’re looking for fresh produce, pantry staples, or specialty Iranian ingredients, knowing a few key terms about groceries in Farsi can transform your shopping experience. 

Understanding “Grocery Store” in Farsi

In Farsi, the term for “grocery store” is “سوپرمارکت” (Supermarket) or “بقالی” (Baqali). These words are commonly used depending on the size and type of the store. Here’s a breakdown of what you might encounter:

• • سوپرمارکت (Supermarket): Large stores similar to Western-style supermarkets.

• • بقالی (Baqali): Smaller neighborhood grocery stores, often family-owned.

Essential Phrases for Grocery Shopping in Farsi

Learning a few key phrases will help you communicate effectively:

• • Do you have…?: “آیا دارید…؟” (Aya darid…?)

• • Where can I find…?: “کجا می‌توانم پیدا کنم…؟” (Koja mitavanam peyda konam…?)

• • How much does this cost?: “قیمت این چند است؟” (Gheymat in chand ast?)

• • I need…: “من نیاز دارم به…” (Man niaz daram be…)

• • Thank you!: “ممنون!” (Mamnoon!)

Common Sections of a Grocery Store in Farsi

To navigate the store effectively, familiarize yourself with the section names:

• • Produce Section (میوه و سبزیجات): Miveh va Sabzijat

• • Dairy Section (لبنیات): Labaniat

• • Meat Section (گوشت): Goosht

• • Bakery (نانوایی): Nanvaii

• • Beverages (نوشیدنی‌ها): Noshidaniha

Essential Persian Words for Groceries

Here’s a helpful table with some of the most commonly used grocery in Persian:

English	Farsi	Pronunciation
Bread	نان	Nan
Milk	شیر	Shir
Cheese	پنیر	Panir
Eggs	تخم مرغ	Tokhm Morgh
Meat	گوشت	Goosht
Chicken	مرغ	Morgh
Rice	برنج	Berenj
Sugar	شکر	Shekar
Salt	نمک	Namak
Tea	چای	Chai
Vegetables	سبزیجات	Sabzijat
Fruit	میوه	Miveh

How to Ask for Help in a Persian Grocery Store

Sometimes, you’ll need assistance locating an item. Use these phrases to ask store employees for help:

• • Excuse me, where is the bread section?
    “ببخشید، بخش نان کجاست؟” (Bebakhshid, bakhsh-e nan kojaast?)

• • Do you have fresh vegetables?
    “سبزیجات تازه دارید؟” (Sabzijat-e tazeh darid?)

Politeness goes a long way in Persian culture. Always remember to say “لطفاً” (Lotfan) for “please” and “متشکرم” (Motshakkeram) for “thank you.”

Persian Culture in Grocery Shopping

In Iran, grocery shopping is more than just a task—it’s a cultural experience. Many traditional bazaars still thrive alongside modern supermarkets. Here are some key differences:

• • Fresh Produce: In bazaars, sellers often allow you to taste fruits before purchasing.

• • Bartering: While not common in supermarkets, haggling is a standard practice in traditional markets.

• • Specialty Items: Persian stores are known for spices, saffron, and herbal teas—essentials for Iranian cuisine.

List of Groceries in Farsi

Below is a detailed list of grocery items categorized by type to help you plan your shopping trip:

Fruits (میوه‌ها – Miveh-ha)

• • Apple: سیب (Sib)

• • Banana: موز (Moz)

• • Orange: پرتقال (Porteghal)

• • Pomegranate: انار (Anar)

• • Grapes: انگور (Angoor)

Vegetables (سبزیجات – Sabzijat)

• • Tomato: گوجه فرنگی (Goje Farangi)

• • Cucumber: خیار (Khiar)

• • Onion: پیاز (Piaz)

• • Potato: سیب زمینی (Sib Zamini)

• • Spinach: اسفناج (Esfenaj)

Pantry Staples

• • Flour: آرد (Ard)

• • Oil: روغن (Roghan)

• • Lentils: عدس (Adas)

• • Chickpeas: نخود (Nokhod)

• • Pasta: پاستا (Pasta)

Shopping for Persian Cuisine Essentials

Iranian cooking relies heavily on fresh herbs, unique spices, and high-quality staples. Here are some must-haves:

• • Herbs: Parsley (جعفری – Jafari), Mint (نعناع – Na’na), Dill (شوید – Shevid)

• • Spices: Turmeric (زردچوبه – Zardchoobeh), Cinnamon (دارچین – Darchin), Saffron (زعفران – Za’faran)

• • Rice Varieties: Persian rice (برنج ایرانی – Berenj Irani) is prized for its long grains and fragrant aroma.

Learning Farsi While Shopping

Practicing Farsi during grocery trips is an excellent way to improve your language skills. Here are some tips:

• • Label Reading: Many products feature bilingual labels, making it easier to learn new words.

• • Engage with Shopkeepers: Start conversations with store staff or other shoppers to practice speaking.

• • Flashcards: Create flashcards with grocery terms and review them before each trip.