Iran: What to Know Before You Go

Cuisine Highlights

• Ghormeh sabzi, Iran's beloved national stew; slow-cooked herbs (fenugreek, parsley, dried limes) with kidney beans and lamb; eaten over saffron rice
• Chelow kebab, the quintessential Iranian meal; skewers of ground lamb (koobideh) or marinated chicken (joojeh) served over fluffy saffron-steamed basmati
• Fesenjan, a luxurious pomegranate-walnut stew traditionally made with duck or chicken; bittersweet, rich, and uniquely Persian
• Saffron, Iran produces over 90% of the world's saffron; used in rice, sweets, and ice cream (bastani); hospitality means saffron tea is always offered

Traditions & Festivals

• Nowruz (March 20–21), Persian New Year; the most important holiday; celebrated with the Haft-Sin table of seven symbolic items, spring cleaning, and family visits
• Yalda Night (December 21), winter solstice celebration; families gather to eat pomegranates and watermelon, read Hafez poetry, and stay up until dawn
• Chaharshanbe Suri, fire-jumping festival the Tuesday before Nowruz; people leap over bonfires chanting "give me your redness, take my paleness"

Language & Communication

Persian (Farsi) is the official language, written in Arabic script. English is spoken in Tehran's educated circles and among younger Iranians.

Key phrase: "Salaam" (سلام) means hello; "Mamnoon" (ممنون) means thank you. Iranians are extraordinarily hospitable, the concept of ta'arof (elaborate politeness ritual of offering and declining) governs social interactions; always accept food at the third offer.

Note: many Western governments advise against travel; consult current advisories thoroughly.

Cultural Etiquette

• Women must wear a hijab (headscarf) and cover arms and legs in public, enforcement varies but is legally required; carry a scarf at all times
• Public display of affection between unmarried couples is prohibited; same-sex relationships are criminalized
• Avoid criticizing the Islamic Republic government, the Supreme Leader, or Islamic law, this can result in serious legal consequences
• Credit cards do not work in Iran due to sanctions, bring sufficient USD or EUR cash to exchange on arrival