Hamam-e Vakil Chaykhaneh

Top choice in Southeastern Iran


Architecturally magnificent, this elegantly arched subterranean teahouse was built as a bathhouse in 1820. Live music – typically a singer accompanied by santur (dulcimer-like instrument) – plays throughout the day; meals are available from 1pm to 4pm. At other times, you can drink a variety of herbal or fruit teas or even smoke a qalyan (IR120,000). Note that there's a small admission fee (foreigner/Iranian IR30,000/10,000).

Dining specialities include kashke bademjan (mashed roast eggplant; IR100,000) and the Kermani speciality boz ghormeh (IR120,000), a similar dish but using mutton rather than aubergine.