Doogh
In its own language: دوغ
A cold, savoury Iranian drink made from fermented milk or yogurt
Doogh is a traditional Iranian drink made by fermenting milk or yogurt, then diluting it with water and adding salt. Served cold, it is a staple alongside many Persian meals and is known for its tangy, savoury taste. Its roots trace back to ancient Persia, and it remains popular throughout Iran today.
- Doogh is made by fermenting milk or yogurt, then diluting it with water and salt.
- It has been enjoyed in Iran since ancient Persian times.
- The drink is usually served cold with meals like Dizi and Chelow Kabab.
- In Isfahan, doogh is paired with the sweet pastry Gosh-e fil.
- Longer fermentation makes doogh more savoury and tangy.
What is Doogh?
Doogh is a cold, savoury drink from Iran made by fermenting milk or yogurt and then diluting it with water. Salt is added for taste. The drink has a tangy, slightly sour flavour that becomes more pronounced with longer fermentation. It is smooth and refreshing, with a consistency thinner than yogurt but thicker than water. Doogh is usually served chilled, making it a popular choice in warm weather.
Where does Doogh come from?
Doogh has deep roots in Iranian history, with references found in ancient Persian literature and even Avestan scripture. The name comes from the Persian word for milking, reflecting its dairy origins. It was already known in ancient Persia and is mentioned in Avicenna's Canon of Medicine. Over centuries, doogh has remained a staple in Iranian life, valued for its cooling and savoury qualities.
How is Doogh made?
To make doogh, milk and plain yogurt are mixed, typically in a ratio of about 15 parts milk to 1 part yogurt. This mixture is gently heated, then salt is added. The blend is poured into a sealed container and left in a warm place for several days to ferment. The longer it sits, the more savoury and tangy the flavour becomes. Some regions in Iran prefer a longer fermentation for a stronger taste.
How and when is Doogh eaten?
Doogh is commonly served with Persian meals, especially with dishes like Dizi (a meat and bean stew) and Chelow Kabab (grilled meat with rice). In Isfahan, it is paired with a sweet pastry called Gosh-e fil as a traditional snack. The drink is enjoyed cold and is a familiar sight at family tables and restaurants. It is sometimes thought to have a calming effect, leading to jokes about drinking it at work or school.
Kinds of Doogh
While the basic method of making doogh remains similar across Iran, some regions prefer a longer fermentation, resulting in a more pronounced sourness. In Isfahan, the custom of serving it with sweet pastries highlights a local twist. The drink may also be made with buttermilk instead of yogurt, depending on local preferences and traditions.
What Doogh means
Doogh is a central part of Iranian food culture, often found on the table with everyday meals. It is especially associated with traditional dishes and is a point of regional pride in places like Isfahan. The drink's reputation for being relaxing has made it a subject of jokes in popular culture. Its long history connects modern Iranians with their ancient heritage.
Questions people ask about Doogh
What is doogh made of?
Doogh is made from milk or yogurt that is fermented, then diluted with water and mixed with salt. Sometimes buttermilk is used instead of yogurt.
Where does doogh come from?
Doogh is from Iran and has been part of Persian food culture since ancient times. It is mentioned in old Persian literature and medical texts.
How does doogh taste?
Doogh has a tangy, savoury flavour that becomes stronger with longer fermentation. It is refreshing and slightly sour.
When is doogh usually served?
Doogh is typically served cold alongside main meals, especially with dishes like Dizi and Chelow Kabab. In some regions, it is also enjoyed as a snack with pastries.
Is doogh vegetarian?
Yes, doogh is vegetarian as it is made from dairy products like milk, yogurt, or buttermilk, with water and salt.
Good reading and sources
The facts on this page come from the Wikipedia article "Doogh", written by its contributors and used under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). Thali rewrote the text in its own words, with AI assistance, and compares every page with the article to make sure no passage is copied. It may be reused under the same CC BY-SA 4.0 licence with a link back.
It may contain mistakes, and it is not dietary or allergy advice: recipes differ from cook to cook. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-03.
More from Iran
All the food of Iran
TeaVegan茶
🇨🇳 China and 5 moreA drink made by soaking tea leaves in hot or cold water
Drink
AyranVegetarian
🇹🇷 Turkey and 5 moreChilled yogurt drink mixed with water and salt, popular in Turkey and beyond
Drink, Breakfast, Lunch
SharbatVeganشربت
🇮🇷 Iran and 5 moreSweet fruit or flower drink, served chilled or as a syrup
Drink, Snacks
SalepVegetarian
🇹🇷 Turkey and 3 moreA thick, hot drink made from wild orchid tubers, enjoyed in winter
Drink, Snacks
Its cousins elsewhere
All drinks
Hot chocolate
🇲🇽 Mexico and 5 moreA warm drink made from chocolate or cocoa, milk or water, and sugar
Drink, Breakfast, Snacks
Atole
🇲🇽 Mexico and 4 moreHot drink made from masa (corn dough), sweetened and flavored with spices or fruit
Drink, Breakfast, Snacks
MazamorraKaguyjy
🇪🇸 Spain and 10 moreTraditional corn-based dessert or drink found across Spain and Latin America
Drink, Breakfast, Lunch
Champurrado
🇲🇽 Mexico and 1 moreThick Mexican hot chocolate drink made with corn dough and spices
Drink, Breakfast, Snacks