Nowruz is near! Welcome Spring’s arrival and the Persian New Year on March 20th! It celebrates fresh beginnings, as families come together to embrace vibrant traditions.
A traditional meal might include: fresh sabzi (aromatic herbs), salad shirazi (cucumber & tomato salad), and sabzi polo (herbed rice). At RFRK, we’re adding Nowruz-inspiration to the menu with our new Brown Rice w/Dill & Parsley, and Cuke & Tomato Shirazi Salad with a hint of mint. And since fish is a Nowruz staple, we’ll also be serving our Carrot & Flax Fish* on March 18th, a couple of days before the occasion.
*No Fish centres will receive an alternative main meal.
*Some centres will enjoy locally-baked onion bread in place of the Brown Rice w/ Dill & Parsley.
learn more about nowruz
Nowruz a time to visit relatives, exchange gifts, and of course, enjoy some delicious family favourite meals. Perhaps the most exciting part is the Haft-Sin tradition. This is a table presentation of seven food items that begin with the Persian letter S. It may include the following (with variations):
- Sumac (Somagh – سماق)
- Vinegar (Serkeh – سرکه)
- Apples (Seeb – سیب)
- Wheat (or sometimes lentils, barley, etc) grown in a dish (Sabzeh – سبزه) and used as a centrepiece.
- Sweet pudding (Samanu – سمنو)
- Oleaster (Senjed – سنجد)
- Garlic (Seer – سیر)
bring the joy of Nowruz to story time!
Seven Special Somethings, written by Adib Khorram and illustrated by Zainab Faidhi follows young Kian as he searches for the perfect addition to his family’s Haft-Sin table. His quest takes a lighthearted turn as he considers funny items, like his mom’s soap and dad’s sneakers—hey, they start with “S,” right?
As Kian explores what might make the table even more special, the story unfolds into a heartwarming celebration of Nowruz, making readers feel like a part of the family. With its playful charm and scrumptious food—from Persian pickles to fragrant rice and flaky baklava—it’s a tribute to togetherness and how the enthusiasm of kids can make every celebration shine.
Our Haft Sin by Anahita Tamaddon, translated by Soudabeh Ashrafi follows Dina and her family as they get ready for the Persian New Year. She grows sabzeh, makes sweet samanoo pudding, bakes treats, and paints eggs to welcome all the babies born in the upcoming year. The bright, beautiful illustrations—especially of the hyacinths and other spring blooms—make every page feel immersive. Read til the end to see Dina’s Haft-Sin come to fruition!
Nowruz: A New Day, written and illustrated by Maral Karaee with co-author Kiarash (Kiaa) Aalipour, offers fresh insight into Nowruz traditions, including the Charshanbeh Souri—the festival of fire held on the last Wednesday before Nowruz. Friends & family gather to sing and feast. It also has a colourful illustration explaining the Haft-Sin table, a recipe for naan-nokhodchi (chickpea cookies), and instructions for growing sabzeh.
What are some Nowruz meals & traditions your family enjoys? Leave a comment below or tag us @realfoodforrealkids!