Real Persian Flavors. No Trade-offs.
Dive into a world of hand-crafted lavashak, tender barberry bites and other time-honored Persian treats. Each snack is made in small batches using only real fruit, traditional recipes and a passion for authentic flavor. At Sour & Sweet, we honor centuries of culinary heritage by delivering bright, tangy-sweet goodness across Alameda County. Experience the rich taste of Persia in every bite and transform your snack routine with genuine ingredients and timeless craftsmanship.
I launched Sour & Sweet in 2024 with a simple idea: what if a snack could do more than taste good? What if it could tell a story, start a conversation, or bring someone a little closer to home?
Growing up, the snacks I loved like lavashak weren’t the ones you’d find in vending machines or on grocery store shelves. They were homemade, deeply sour, full of character, and often met with curiosity from my friends. For a long time, I kept those flavors to myself. But over time, I realized that the foods we don’t see are often the ones that most deserve to be shared.
Sour & Sweet is my way of putting Persian fruit snacks on the map. We make lavashak and other tangy treats in small batches using real fruit and traditional techniques that stay true to their origins. There is no artificial sour and no trendy shortcut. Just bold, honest flavor made with care.
For many Iranians, these flavors are more than nostalgic. They are a connection to a home we may no longer be able to return to. Through food, we hold onto memory, culture, and identity. Sour & Sweet exists to honor that connection and to share it with a wider community that values authenticity and believes in the stories behind what we eat.
Meet the Founder
Dara Kashayar
Founder
Dara Kashayar is the founder of Sour & Sweet, a snack company rooted in culture, care, and community. Born and raised in Oakland, Dara is currently studying Economics at UC Berkeley, where he combines his passion for entrepreneurship with a deep commitment to equity and representation in food.
Before launching Sour & Sweet, Dara made his mark as a writer and storyteller. He was a two-time finalist for the Oakland Youth Poet Laureate and is the author of My Voice, My Roots, a poetry collection that explores identity, language, and the Iranian diaspora. His creative work and his culinary journey are both driven by the same belief: that honoring where you come from is a form of power.
Outside the kitchen and classroom, Dara is passionate about health, fitness, and time in nature. He finds inspiration in the Persian traditions he grew up with and is committed to building spaces that celebrate authenticity.
Contact Us
Calling all Alameda County partners! Got a flavor idea or want to carry our Persian treats? Share your details below and we’ll be in touch soon.