In-Person Event: Saffron Stories: Persian Home Cooking with Omid Roustaei

NOTE: iphone and ipad users,to register for class.

What's on the Menu:

• Iranian Bruschetta
• Rice with a Crispy Saffron Layer (Polo ba tahdig)
• Peach and Saffron Chicken Stew (Khoresh hulu)
• Roasted Carrots with Feta Sumac Spread
• Saffron, Lemon & Olive Oil Cake

When guest teacher Omid Roustaei, whose virtual classes on Persian home cooking have been some of our most beloved events this year, said he was going to be in Boston this September, we leapt at the chance to invite him to our in-person school. Whether you’ve learned with Omid, who is the author of “Bitter and Sweet: Global Flavors from an Iranian-American Home Kitchen,” before or not, we can confidently say that you should also leap at the chance to learn with him. In this 2.5-hour hands-on, highly interactive cooking class, you’ll be immersed in a Persian approach to herbs, which are used in nearly every meal and are treated as a main ingredient in many traditional stews. You’ll learn how to achieve the signature crispy saffron layer, known as tahdig, on the bottom of a pot of fluffy rice. We’ll all hold our breaths as we practice the dramatic flip to serve up this showstopping dish. Working in pairs, you’ll build your own Iranian stew, sampling it as you go to understand how great Persian home cooks balance sour, sweet and spicy to create richly flavorful dishes that are aligned with the seasons. The thread that links our dishes together is saffron, a spice that gives most home cooks no small amount of anxiety. Omid will help you to understand how to select, store and use saffron to its greatest potential, whether it’s in deeply savory chicken stews or fragrant cakes. You’ll also come to appreciate saffron’s history and importance in Iran while also hearing stories of how Omid learned to cook, how his cookbook (which you can purchase as an add-on to your ticket!) came to be and why he thinks every American home cook should embrace the flavors and techniques of great Persian cooking.

About Omid: Omid Roustaei is an Iranian-American chef and culinary instructor who has been deeply involved in the culinary world for more than 20 years. Born and raised in Tehran, he attended the School of Natural Cookery in Boulder, Colorado, where he studied the art of intuitive cooking. Omid now balances a career as a psychotherapist with his enthusiasm for teaching and writing. He shares Iranian culture and traditions through cooking and storytelling, using the power of food to foster connections and serve as a gentle form of advocacy and activism. His writing can be found at thecaspianchef.com, and he is a regular contributor to The Kitchn and The Spruce Eats.

Our hands-on cooking classes are capped at 14 attendees. Students work in pairs of two at fully equipped stations. Each attendee requires their own ticket. Please note that Milk Street is not an allergen-free space; if you have a severe food allergy, please get in touch before registering to understand if this event is a good fit for you.

Thank you to the 2025 Annual Sponsors of the Cooking School who make our events possible:

• , whose Oleavia Extra-Virgin Olive Oils are made with olives that are harvested early, hand-picked and cold-pressed to ensure impeccable flavor. Use code MILK STREET to get 20% off your first order: https://www.coccinellastore.com/oleavia-evoo
• , which makes battery-equipped induction ranges that power premium cooking experiences and store renewable energy — without the need for complex, expensive electrical upgrades. Learn more: t.ly/cU1pO
• . With 80+ years of Japanese craftsmanship and heating innovation, they craft thoughtfully designed cast iron cookware that inspires chefs of all levels. Use code COOKLIGHT for 10% off their products at the Milk Street Store: t.ly/mu01T
• , which makes sharpening products that are fast, easy to use and work every time. Find their products on the Milk Street Store and use code SHARPSMART for 10% off: t.ly/SSsSz
• and . Together, Wulf’s and Savenor’s provide premium seafood and gourmet meat to chefs and home cooks across the country. Use code MILKSTREET for 20% off orders from Wulf’s (t.ly/REVSO) and Savenor’s (t.ly/CRwjA).

FAQs

Is this an in-person event?

Yes. This event will take place in person at our location at 177 Milk Street in Boston. Expect plenty of hands-on cooking - not just a demonstration! If you are looking for a livestream cooking class, you can find our upcoming virtual class calendar here.

What are my transport/parking options getting to the event?

Parking garages:

• Boston Harbor Garage (known as the Aquarium Garage)
• 75 State Street

Trains:

• Aquarium stop on the Blue Line
• State Street on Blue and Orange Line
• Government Center on the Blue and Green Lines
• Haymarket on the Orange and Green Lines, and multiple bus lines

Bus Lines:

• 4, 92, 93, 352, 354

The entrance to our school is directly across from 49 India Street. Our entrance doors have two bowties on them.

Is my registration ticket refundable?

No. We do not offer refunds for in-person registrations. However, your ticket is fully transferable to another person for this event. You are responsible for finding someone to use your ticket, arranging reimbursement, and for sending us the new attendee's full name, contact information, and any special dietary requests.

Is a meal included?

Yes. In addition to a welcome snack at the beginning of class, you will sit down to a full dinner, served family-style, at about 8:00 pm. Bring take-home containers in case we have leftovers!

I have an allergy or dietary restriction. Can I still come?

We work hard to accommodate as many allergies and dietary needs as possible. You are welcome to write us at [email protected] to get more detailed information on whether this event is a good fit for you.

Are children allowed?

Children 11-17 are allowed to participate if they attend and cook with an adult parent or guardian. The minor and the adult must each have a ticket to the class.

How many people does one ticket cover?

One ticket covers one attendee.

How early do I need to arrive?

You are welcome and encouraged to arrive up to 15 minutes before the event begins.

I'm an Insider. Do I get a discount to the in-person classes?

Yes! Insiders get 15% off their ticket. To access your discount, please send a message to [email protected].

This date doesn't work for me. Will this class be offered again soon?

We offer in-person events on a limited basis. Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee that this class will be offered again soon.

Where can I contact the organizer with further questions?

Write to us with any other questions at [email protected].

Host or Publisher Milk Street Cooking School