Zereshk polo is one of Persian cuisine's most famous «jeweled» rice dishes, traditionally served at celebrations and Iranian holidays. It features barberries — tart, tangy dried red berries — that balance the saffron-scented sweetness of the rice.

The rice is cooked in the classic Persian style so a crispy golden crust called «tahdig» forms at the bottom of the pot, widely considered the most coveted part of the dish.