Chelow kabab

Chelow kebab or chelow kabab (Persian: چلوکباب [t͡ʃʰeˌlow.kʰæˈbɒːb]) is an Iranian dish consisting of steamed rice (chelow) and one of the many varieties of Iranian kebab. It is considered the national dish of Iran, and was probably created during the time of the Qajar dynasty.

Chelow kabab is served with accompaniments such as butter, sumac powder, basil, onions, and grilled tomatoes. The traditional beverage accompanied with chelow kebab is doogh, an Iranian yogurt-based drink, sometimes made of carbonated water.

In the old bazaar tradition, the rice and accompaniments are served first, immediately followed by the kababs, which are threaded on skewers, as well as a piece of flat bread (typically lavash). A skewer is placed directly on the rice and while holding the kabab down on the rice with the bread, the skewer is quickly pulled out.

The consumption of Chelow kabab in Iranian cuisine is associated with specific traditional rituals and side dishes: