Timcheh Akbarian

Tehran


This traditional teahouse occupies what was the first Iranian bank some 260 years ago during the Qajar era. Carpeted booths on two levels look on to a long thin pool with a fountain. The traditional lunch of dizi (lamb, potato and chickpea stew; IR150,000) is served 10am to 3pm, but the rest of the time its tea and water pipes only.

You'll find it opposite the Grand Bazaar, down a recently restored brick-vaulted passage that's worth a look in its own right.