Since Bread was such a large focus of the text I have included 4 Iranian flat bread types:
| Flatbread | Description |
|---|---|
| Nan-e barbari | thick and oval-shaped, also known as Tabrizi Bread or Nan-e Tabrizi, for its origins in and links to the city of Tabriz. |
| Nan-e lavash | thin, flaky and round or oval, and is also the oldest known bread in the Middle East and Caucasus. |
| Nan-e sangak | Triangle-shaped bread that is stone-baked. |
| Nan-e taftoon | Thin, but thicker than lavash, soft and round. |
(Aab Havij Bastani (Carrot Juice Ice-cream Float, Persian Recipes, http://www.persian-recipes.com/persianrecipes/2009/12/06/aab-havij-bastani-carrot-juice-ice-cream-float/, 12/21/11 )
Something that sounds quite interesting to try would be Aab-e Havij which is a sort of root-beer float from carrot juice. Mycitycuisine explains:
"The Aab-e Havij is juice produced from carrots, often consumed as a health drink. The carrot juice is freshly squeezed then made into an ice cream float and garnished with cinnamon, nutmeg or other spices. Carrot juice has a uniquely sweet flavor of concentrated carrots. Unlike many other juices, this one is non-translucent. Carrot juice constitutes an excellent invigorating drink characterized by a sweet taste and great health benefits."
("Aab-e Havij - Mycitycuisine.org." Mycitycuisine.org - A Traveler's Guide to Local Cuisine. 20 June 2011. Web. 21 Dec. 2011..)
("Aab-e Havij - Mycitycuisine.org." Mycitycuisine.org - A Traveler's Guide to Local Cuisine. 20 June 2011. Web. 21 Dec. 2011.
Hospitality
Iranian hospitality is overwhelmingly generous. While some may not care for the Western government however, a clear distinction is made between the civilians of the West and those in the government. Food is freely given with excess as is time and space. Several accounts I have read included Iranian people showing tourists around the city and taking them to their homes for a meal and inviting them to stay. A largely held religious idea is that guests are friends of G-d.
Coleman, Rick. "Persian Hospitality Two New Zealanders, One Motorcycle, Seven Days in Iran." Iranian. 28 Jan. 2004. Web. 21 Dec. 2011. .
"Iran and Its Legendary Hospitality." Babakoto.eu - Travel Stories & Photo Impressions. 5 Apr. 1998. Web. 21 Dec. 2011. .
Shahrzad. "That’s Iranian Hospitality « Shahrazad." Shahrazad. 29 Sept. 2007. Web. 21 Dec. 2011. .
Taghavi, Hamid. "Iranian Hospitality Attack (A Survival Guide for the Non-Iranian Traveler)." Digitalroom.net. 20 Mar. 1998. Web. 21 Dec. 2011. .
Paris Christiana | December 27, 2011 at 9:01 PM
I really enjoyed reading this blog about the different types of foods in your Country. I didnt know there was such a thing as root beer float with carrot juice? I am very intrigued to read more of their recipes. I also enjoyed how you provided us with the four different types of breads that are most popular, and the names of them in their language. Im interested to read more about Iran.
-Paris
Devon Wortmann | January 4, 2012 at 10:18 AM
I think it is wonderful to read about the hospitality in the Middle East. The fact that they would take time out of their busy lives to show a tourist around is truly amazing. Someone in the United States would almost never stop their busy lives and help out a lost tourist. The root beer float with carrot juice sounds interesting to say the least.
~Tanner | January 5, 2012 at 12:42 AM
@Devon I know- its sad to think that there is so much stigma to American's as tourists and how most Americans view tourists as bothersome and would hardly go to the efforts those in the Middle East would.