The story
Mirza ghasemi comes from Rasht, the main city of Gilan province on Iran's Caspian coast, a green region of rice paddies and tea gardens. The dish is named after Mohammad Qasem Khan, governor of Rasht under Naser al-Din Shah in the 19th century, who is credited with creating or championing it. The smoky mash of fire-grilled aubergine, garlic, tomato and egg became a favourite across Gilan, and when the governor was later posted to Fars province in the south, the dish is said to have travelled with him. Some sources describe it more simply as a traditional dish of the Gilan region.
Rival claims
Credited to Mohammad Qasem Khan, governor of Rasht; some sources describe it only as a dish of the surrounding province.
Also known as mirza ghassemi, mirza qasemi, میرزا قاسمی, mirza kasemi.
On the Meridish menu
Mirza ghasemi was the starter course on menu No. 10 on October 10, 2026. Its clue in the game, which hints at the place without naming it:
Smoky grilled aubergine mashed with garlic, tomato and egg. It's named after a 19th-century governor of this green, rice-growing city near the Caspian Sea.
In Meridish, every dish is pinned to the town or city most widely credited with creating it. A guess within 25 km scores all 100 points. How scoring works.
Sources
Food history is often disputed. Think we've pinned it in the wrong place? Tell us at hello@meridish.com, ideally with a source.
