33 Countries of Origin’ Profiles

10 yogurt, stuffed grape leaves (dolma), kebabs, and coffee while the Arabs brought a greater prevalence of figs and dates, around which new dishes were centered. Today the greatest outside influences that can be tasted are the spices from India and some dishes from Turkey. In the past century the foods have changed slightly in Iran a s politics has dictated what can and cannot be imported. In 1979 some foods from Europe a nd North America w ere imported in smaller numbers, but today there are no true embargoes on Iran and western-influenced foods are making a return. American f ast food is growing in popularity as are American dishes like pizza, hamburgers, and fried chicken. Chinese a nd other Far Eastern foods as well as some European ethnic foods, like Italian a re also growing in popularity. The one constant in all of these influences though is that they aren't really altering local foods, but are only adding new dishes as the traditional foods remain fairly unchanged. Staple Foods Bread: bread is fairly common, but it is a flat bread called nan Rice: numerous styles exist, including basmati rice; often the rice are flavored with a spice like saffron and are served with most meals Regional Variations, Specialties, & Unique Dishes Dolma: fruits, meats, and/or vegetables with rice stuffed in grape leaves, but sometimes also served in peppers or tomatoes Kebab: roasted lamb or chicken served with rice and vegetables in pita bread Kofta: meatballs using Indian and Persian spices often served with rice and grilled vegetables Rice Tah-chin: saffron rice topped with chicken Dining Etiquette When eating in the Muslim country of Iran t here are a few etiquette rules you must know and follow (although some, like not eating pork or drinking alcohol won't be an issue as they are not available in Iran). If you get invited to dine with the local people in Iran the first thing you must know is to dress conservatively. As Muslims, it is considered rude and offensive to show too much skin; this includes any part of the legs and the arms from the elbows, or better yet the wrists, up. For women, their hair should also be covered, which brings us to rule number two. Often times men dine only with men and women only with women so don't bring a guest of the opposite sex to any meal unless you are specifically invited to do so. In many restaurants there is a "Men Only" section and a "Family Section," in which women and men can dine together (there is no "Women's Only" section). In the home many people disregard this rule and will allow people of the opposite sex to dine together with little issue; just follow your host's lead. If you dress appropriately and bring, or don't bring, the right guests you've already cleared two of the largest obstacles. Try to arrive on time for a meal and if eating in a local's home remove your shoes at the door if others have done so. Greet the elders first, but be sure to greet every person individually and shake their hands (although some conservative Muslims