Be Familiar with Food and Table Etiquette in Iran

Many people who have never traveled in Iran may come to the conclusion that it is a bona fide paradise for travelers. If you’re looking for a destination where you can look forward to lots of pleasant interactions, head to fantastic Iran known as the home of some of the world’s friendliest people. Of course many of its other stereotypes also holds true, like its magnificent monument, four-season weather, dazzling islands, and tasty food. 

Iran is often referred to as the land of hospitality, and while it may be a cliché, it also happens to be quite true. On the whole, Iran is a very welcoming, friendly country, particularly when you get outside the large tourist centers like Shiraz and Isfahan. One of the world-famous customs of our culture is to have some people over for a meal. Even the warmth and hospitality of the rural people in isolated villages will surprise the travelers. As a foreigner you may encounter locals who invite you to their homes and ask you to dine with them. According to Iranian culture, the host and guest have duties towards each other that they must observe. You’d better to be familiar with these customs, not to mean rude unintentionally, while you have supper in a cozy Iranian house. 

Iranian dinner

Meals are generally served family-style and Iranians are rather formal. Although some meals in the home are served on the floor and most tablecloth are set with a spoon and fork only, it does not indicate a lack of decorum. For Iranians, Meals are an important time to realize how lucky they are to have enough to eat, and give God thanks.  It’s more polite to keep quite while the host is reciting short prayers before the meal. Next, as a guest, you will be invited to start eating first. One of the ethical duties of the Iranian host is to eat with his guests and not to stop eating until all the guests eat their foods.  It’s hard to believe but there is often more food than you can eat. Part of Iranian hospitality is to shower guests with abundance. The main typical Persian dishes are a blend of rice with meat, chicken or fish but rice can also be prepared as the main dish. If the host find your dish empty, expect to be offered second and even third helpings. Initial refusals will be assumed to be polite gestures (taarof) and are not taken seriously. Try to comment on the food if at someone's home - the term “Merc” or “Mamnoon” is used to thank someone for doing something for you. When all ate their food, you can show your politeness by helping the host to clear the table.

If you are interested to sit down with an Iranian family for a delicious dinner that everyone enjoy, Uppersia is eager to arrange a great night for you.

 

Iranian dinner

Iranian Kebabs.

Iranian people enjoy eating and cooking but they love parties and gatherings more! In their parties, they usually serve traditional cuisines of Iran like different kinds of stews and Iranian kebabs. Kebab is an old Iranian cuisine and is a good choice for gatherings and camping days of the weekends because preparing the Kebab is done by two or three people and it gathers the friends. As a custom in Iran, preparing the kebab is the men’s job so it is usually done by the men. The meat for Iranian kebab should be fresh and healthy and it is usually marinated in spices, onion, yogurt or different sauces some hours earlier.

Grilling the kebab is the fun part. Friends gather around the broiler, while the meat is getting done and it spreads an appetizing smell in the whole area. Persian kebab is served with saffron steamed rice or Lavash bread. Sumac, Salad Shirazi (chopped tomato and cucumber with mint and verjuice), raw onion and basil are the inseparable mates of Iranian Kebab.