Ferni vs. Shir Berenj: What’s the Difference?

Ferni and Shir Berenj are both traditional Persian desserts made with milk and rice, but they are prepared differently. Ferni is made with rice flour, while Shir Berenj is made with whole rice, giving the two desserts different textures and cooking times.

If you enjoy Persian desserts and are wondering which one is smoother, quicker to make, or closer to a traditional rice pudding, here’s a simple comparison.

What is Ferni?

Ferni is a creamy Persian rice flour pudding made with milk, rice flour, sugar, and aromatic ingredients such as rosewater and cardamom. Using rice flour gives Ferni its smooth, silky texture.

Because the rice is already ground into flour, Ferni is also relatively quick to prepare. It can be served warm or chilled and is often finished with cinnamon, saffron, or other simple toppings.

Read our Ferni Recipe

What is Shir Berenj?

Shir Berenj is a traditional Persian rice pudding made by slowly cooking whole rice with milk. As the rice cooks and softens, it thickens the pudding and gives it a softer, fuller texture.

Rosewater and cardamom are commonly used to add fragrance, while cinnamon or other toppings can be added when serving.

Try our Shir Berenj Recipe

What Is the Difference Between Ferni and Shir Berenj?

The main difference between Ferni and Shir Berenj is the type of rice used. Ferni uses rice flour, while Shir Berenj uses whole rice grains.

Feature	Ferni	Shir Berenj
Main ingredient	Rice flour	Whole rice
Texture	Smooth and silky	Soft and slightly textured
Cooking time	Quicker	Longer
Rice flavor	Mild	More noticeable
Best for	A smooth, creamy pudding	A traditional rice pudding texture

Both desserts have familiar Persian flavors and can be made with ingredients such as milk, sugar, rosewater, and cardamom. The biggest difference you’ll notice when eating them is the texture.

Which One Should You Try?

Choose Ferni if you prefer a smooth, creamy dessert that is relatively quick to prepare.

Choose Shir Berenj if you enjoy the soft texture of cooked rice and don’t mind a longer cooking time.

They may look similar at first, but Ferni and Shir Berenj have their own textures and character. If you enjoy Persian cuisine, trying both is the best way to decide which one you prefer.