There are a surprising number of Persian supermarkets in the area, selling Persian and other Middle Eastern foods.

Assal Market, 112 Glyndon Street NE, Vienna, 703 281 0000

Caspian Supermarket, 9191 Baltimore Natl Pike # B1, Ellicott City, 410 313 8072

International House, 765 Rockville Pike, Rockville, 301 279 2121

Iransara Market, 6039 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, 703 578 3232. As well as a wide selection of Persian teas and vacuum-packed Turkish coffees is a range of prepared Persian dishes for take-out eating.

Mash Hassan Persian Market & Bakery, 46970 Community Plaza #111B, Sterling, 703 948 9155

Orchard Market & Deli, 8815 Orchard Tree Ln, Towson, 410 339 7700

Persian Market and Bakery, 46970 Community Plaza, Sterling, 703 948 9166

Sauson Market, 8486-G Tyco Road, Vienna, 703 288 0019

Sizar's Food Mart, 6955A Oakland Mills Rd Columbia, 410 381 4375

Yas Supermarket, 131 Maple Ave W, Vienna, 703 242 2800

Yasaman Persian Bakery, 785 Rockville Pike # J, Rockville, 301 762 5416

Yas Café & Market, 765 F & G Rockville Pike, in the Ritchie Center. 301 762 6666

Yekta, 1488 Rockville Pike, Rockville, 301 984 0005

Zam Zam Market, 9017 Gaither Rd, Gaitherburg, 301 840 2225