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.
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| 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.
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| Iranian dinner |
