Kish International Airport

Kish International Airport may be compact, but it punches well above its weight when it comes to food. The main terminal building hosts a handful of cafés and snack counters that serve up surprisingly good Iranian staples — think steaming bowls of ash reshteh, freshly baked noon barbari slathered with butter, and strong saffron tea that'll warm you through during a long layover. The atmosphere is unhurried and genuinely welcoming, very much in keeping with the island's free-zone, resort-town vibe.

For something a little more substantial, look for the sit-down restaurant tucked toward the departures lounge, where you can order proper Persian rice dishes — zereshk polo with tender saffron chicken being the standout. Given Kish's position as a Gulf island, seafood makes a welcome appearance too: grilled hammour and spiced shrimp platters are available and genuinely fresh, a nod to the island's coastal identity. Prices are reasonable by Iranian airport standards, and the staff are accustomed to international travelers, so language is rarely a barrier.

If you're short on time, the grab-and-go counters near the check-in halls stock packaged date sweets, saffron rock candy, and local pistachio mixes — all excellent edible souvenirs and perfectly suited to pocket and carry-on alike. Persian-style pastries like baklava and kolouche (walnut-filled cookies) appear regularly and make a satisfying companion to a quick espresso before boarding. Don't overlook the fresh-squeezed pomegranate juice if it's on offer — on a warm Kish morning, it's borderline essential.