Payam International Airport

Payam International Airport handles mostly cargo and charter operations, so don't expect the sprawling food courts you'd find at Imam Khomeini International. That said, the modest terminal building does offer a small café and snack counter airside where you can grab a glass of fragrant Persian tea, freshly brewed and served in the classic tulip-shaped glass, alongside simple pastries like koloocheh and zaban that taste far better than anything you'd find in an airport back home.

For something more substantial, a self-service canteen near the departure lounge serves rotating hot dishes that lean heavily on Iranian comfort food — think hearty ash-e reshteh, the thick herb-and-noodle soup beloved across the country, or a reliable plate of chelow with braised chicken. Portions are generous and prices are refreshingly reasonable. The staff are friendly and accustomed to passengers with time to spare between infrequent charter departures, so there's rarely any pressure to hurry through your meal.

Because Payam sits on the outskirts of Karaj, savvy travelers who have a few hours before their flight would do well to eat in the city first. Karaj has a strong local food scene, particularly around the Mehrshahr neighborhood, where family-run kebab houses and traditional tea houses outnumber chain restaurants by a wide margin. If you find yourself landside with time to kill, ask your driver to stop at one of the simple roadside establishments along the boulevard — the grilled lamb and fresh sangak flatbread alone make the detour worthwhile.