33 Countries of Origin’ Profiles

11 don't believe men and women should touch so wait for locals to extend their hand first if they are of the opposite sex). Let your host seat you and when sitting be sure to keep your feet flat on the floor or pointed behind you as pointing the soles of your feet at another can be offensive. Once the food is served follow your host's lead he or she may invite everyone to begin eating at the same time or may request that either you or the elders be served first. Try a bit of everything offered as turning down food is rude. Eat as the locals eat; in most settings this means eating in the continental style (knife in the right hand, fork in the left), although sometimes a knife is not present, in which case most locals will hold the spoon in their right hand and eat primarily from the spoon. No matter which utensil you hold in which hand, be sure to only bring food to your mouth with the utensil in your right hand. On some occasions and with some foods you may eat with your hand, but only touch your food with your right hand. Be sure to only take a small amount of food at first if served family style as you will certainly be offered a second and third helping. Turn down the first offer of a second helping, but on their insistence accept the offer. As you finish your food, leave a bit on your plate to show there was more than enough and place your fork and knife together in the 5:00 position. If dining in a nice restaurant make sure to check the bill for a service charge. Most restaurants catered to tourists include a service charge that will replace the tip, but if no service charge is included and you're in a restaurant catered to tourists, leave a tip of about 10%. In other restaurants no tip is expected. Celebrations & Events The Persians l ove their food and after you taste it you most likely will as well. For nearly every festival or event in Iran, it is accompanied by a celebration of food; this includes birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, guests, and anything else one can think of. At any of these festivals you will be sure to have plenty of food offered and most meals finish with dessert as well. The Iranian N ew Year takes place during the Spring Equinox and during this time foods are plentiful. Although there are no particular dishes that are universal served on this occasion, the event is sure to guarantee plenty of traditional Persian foods, including meats, rice, and desserts. There are two major Muslim holidays in Iran a ssociated with food, including Eid al Fitr, an event that takes place after Ramadan, a religious holiday that requires fasting for 30 days. To celebrate the end of this fast, Eid al Fitr offers numerous foods, which differ from family to family and region to region, but generally consist of various meats as a base with multiple grains and vegetables. The second major religious celebration associated with food is Eid al Adha, an event only celebrated after a pilgrim returns from haj, the mandatory journey for every able Muslim to go to Mecca. Again, this festival contains a large number of rice and meat dishes, including many of those served during Eid al Fitr.