Ispahan

[is-puh-hahn, is-puh-hahn]

noun

1. Isfahan.

2. a Persian rug characterized by hand-tied knots and ornamented with floral and animal patterns, usually on a deep red, blue, or green background.

Word History and Origins

Origin of Ispahan¹

First recorded in 1930–35

Example Sentences

There, the temptations are macarons in flavors like lemon and salted caramel; boxed chocolates; beautifully adorned poundcakes and pastries that include a variation on vanilla; and Mr. Hermé’s signature specialty, Ispahan, with a combination of rose, litchi and raspberry.

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I often make bûches from cakes I’ve made before, like the Ispahan.

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Then, I devoured the best mille-feuille cake I have ever tasted, and with the most unusual flavor, too: Hermé’s signature “Ispahan” rose, litchi and raspberry combo.

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Over four decades, he has created countless pastries — their looks becoming sparer, their flavors and textures more complex — but among the hundreds of inventions, there’s one that stands apart: the Ispahan.

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Named for an ancient Persian city famous for its Damask roses, the Ispahan is Pierre’s obsession.

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