Welcome Spring with Persian New Year
Nowruz (نوروز), the Persian New Year, marks the first day of spring and has been celebrated for over 3,000 years. On March 20, 2026, join us at Carnys Restaurant as we welcome the new year with traditional celebrations, authentic cuisine, and joyful festivities.
What is Nowruz?
Nowruz means "new day" in Persian. It's celebrated by over 300 million people worldwide, including communities in Iran, Afghanistan, Turkey, Central Asia, and the global diaspora. It's a time of renewal, family gatherings, and hope for the year ahead.
The Haft-Sin Table
Central to Nowruz celebrations is the Haft-Sin table, featuring seven items beginning with the Persian letter "sin" (س):
- Sabzeh: Sprouts symbolizing rebirth
- Samanu: Sweet pudding for affluence
- Senjed: Dried fruit for love
- Sir: Garlic for medicine
- Sib: Apples for beauty and health
- Somaq: Sumac for sunrise
- Serkeh: Vinegar for patience
Visit Carnys during Nowruz to see our beautiful Haft-Sin display and learn about the traditions behind each element.
Nowruz 2026 Special Menu
Chef Ali has prepared a traditional Nowruz feast featuring dishes symbolic of the new year:
Sabzi Polo ba Mahi (Herb Rice with Fish)
The essential Nowruz dish: fragrant rice studded with fresh herbs served with grilled white fish. The fish symbolizes life and the herbs represent rebirth.
Kuku Sabzi (Herb Frittata)
A vibrant green frittata packed with fresh herbs, representing the green of spring.
Reshteh Polo (Noodle Rice)
Rice with noodles symbolizing the threads of life and good fortune in the coming year.
Dolmeh (Stuffed Grape Leaves)
Tender grape leaves stuffed with rice, herbs, and meat—a symbol of wrapped blessings.
Traditional Sweets
- Baklava: Layered with pistachios and honey
- Nan-e Nokhodchi: Chickpea cookies
- Sohan: Saffron brittle
Nowruz Festivities at Carnys
Throughout the Nowruz period (March 20 - April 2, 2026), we'll be hosting special events:
Nowruz Eve Celebration - March 20
- Traditional Haft-Sin ceremony at sunset
- Live Persian music and dancing
- Special four-course Nowruz menu
- Complimentary Persian tea and sweets
Chaharshanbe Suri - March 18
The fire festival before Nowruz! Join us for this pre-celebration tradition with special events and flame-kissed dishes.
Sizdah Bedar - April 1
The 13th day of Nowruz, traditionally spent outdoors. We'll have special picnic-style dishes and outdoor seating available.
Reservations
Nowruz is our busiest time of year. We strongly recommend reserving early:
- Call (818) 489-2557
- Book online at carnys.org/reservations
- Large party? Email [email protected]
Nowruz Greetings
As we say in Persian: Nowruz Mobarak! (Happy New Year!) and Eid-e Shoma Mobarak! (Happy Holidays!)
We look forward to celebrating the new year with you at Carnys.
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About the Author
Chef Ali Rezaei • Executive Chef & Co-Owner
With over 15 years of Persian and Mediterranean culinary expertise, Chef Ali brings authentic flavors from Tehran to Los Angeles. Trained at Le Cordon Bleu and having worked in Michelin-starred establishments across California, Chef Ali specializes in traditional Persian cooking techniques while adding his own modern twist. His signature dishes include hand-ground koobideh kebabs, slow-cooked ghormeh sabzi, and the restaurant's famous saffron-infused tahdig.
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