Lavashak flavours: sour plum, pomegranate and more

Ask someone in Iran what their favourite lavashak flavour is and you will probably get a strong opinion. Because lavashak is simply fruit cooked down and dried into a thin sheet, the fruit you start with decides almost everything: the colour, the sourness, the sweetness and even the texture. Here is a friendly guide to the traditional flavours, from sour plum to pomegranate, so you know what to look for.

One quick note before we start: this guide is about traditional lavashak flavours in general. For what we are serving at Jerry's right now, check the lavashak page or ask at the counter.

Why the fruit matters so much

Lavashak has very few ingredients. Traditionally it is fruit, sometimes a squeeze of lemon and a pinch of salt. There is no frosting or filling to hide behind, so the character of the fruit comes straight through.

Most classic Iranian lavashak is made from naturally tart fruit. That is what gives it the mouth-puckering quality people love. Sweeter fruits can be used too, but the sour styles are the ones most people think of first.

Sour plum (aloo)

Sour plum is probably the most iconic lavashak flavour. In Persian it is often called "aloo", and Pakistanis will recognise the word straight away, since alu bukhara (dried plum) is a familiar ingredient here too.

What it tastes like: sharp, fruity and very sour, with a deep plum flavour underneath. It usually has a dark red to brownish colour.

Who it suits: anyone who loves khatta snacks. If imli candy was your childhood favourite, start here.

Pomegranate (anar)

Pomegranate lavashak has a bright, jewel-like colour and a slightly more complex flavour than plum. Pomegranates can range from sweet to quite tart depending on the variety, so pomegranate lavashak can also vary.

What it tastes like: tangy and fruity with a hint of tannin, the slightly dry feeling you get from pomegranate juice.

Who it suits: people who want sour but a little more rounded. It also pairs beautifully with tamarind, which is why many people love it with imli sauce.

Sour cherry

Sour cherry is a much-loved fruit in Persian cooking, used in drinks, jams and rice dishes, so it is no surprise it turns up in lavashak too.

What it tastes like: bright, tart and intensely fruity, with a clean finish.

Who it suits: anyone who likes a sharp, fresh taste rather than a deep, heavy one.

Apricot (khubani)

Apricot lavashak tends to be a lighter orange colour and, depending on the fruit, can be a little sweeter than plum or cherry.

What it tastes like: gentle, honeyed and slightly tangy.

Who it suits: first-timers who are nervous about very sour snacks, and kids who prefer something milder.

Barberry (zereshk)

Barberry is a small red berry used widely in Persian food, most famously sprinkled over rice. It is extremely sour.

What it tastes like: sharp and tart, with a bright red colour and a flavour that really wakes up your mouth.

Who it suits: true sour lovers only.

Mixed and other flavours

You will also find lavashak made from mixed fruits, and some sellers experiment with other fruits altogether. These can be fun, but if you want the classic experience, the tart traditional fruits above are the ones to know.

How flavour changes with imli sauce

In Pakistan, lavashak is usually served with imli sauce, and that changes the picture. Tamarind brings its own sweet-sour depth, so even a milder fruit becomes tangier, and a very sour fruit gets a little sweetness to balance it. That is a big reason the pairing has become so popular.

At Jerry's, our lavashak comes with imli sauce, and you can order extra imli sauce if you want more. Read lavashak with imli sauce for a closer look at why the two work so well together.

Choosing your lavashak

Here is a quick cheat sheet:

• Love very sour snacks? Look for sour plum or barberry.
• Want tangy but balanced? Pomegranate is a good bet.
• Prefer bright and fresh? Try sour cherry.
• New to lavashak? A milder fruit like apricot is an easy start.
• Sharing with a group? A large lavashak lets everyone try a bit. See small vs large lavashak.

New to the whole idea? Start with what is Iranian lavashak, then come and taste the real thing at Mall of Kharian on the GT Road, open daily from 1 pm to 11:30 pm. You can also order lavashak online for pickup in Kharian or delivery anywhere in Pakistan, from Guliana to Karachi.