Tehran Travel Forum

I have a question about local customs, what should one bring to an iranian family when invited for lunch or dinner?

I think if you invited for a lunch or dinner no need to do anything! They will prepare everything but if this is the first time you are going to their home better to bring some flowers or maybe kitchenware

Flowers, sweatmeats, chocolate - wrapped if possible. And don't be offended if they just put it to one side - you are more important than the gift! For goodness sake, unless the object is nailed down, don't praise anything in partiuclar (i.e. I do love that plate/cushionh/picture) because they will give it to you, regardless of how precious it is. Don't forget to take off your shoes before entering the house.

Whoops, that should be sweetmeats!

Being Part Iranian and having lots and lots of family members in Iran I can tell you that according to local custom, you DON'T need to bring anything with you when you are invited to a home for lunch or dinner.

I think Flowers, Actually Tehran has Beautiful flowershops, alot nicer than any I've ever seen in the US.

A.

Hi! This was one thing that was concerning me before my trip to Iran. I was advised to bring english chocolate - I wasn't sure how long this would last without melting,but I purchased some bars at the airport.( I spotted quite a few people on the plane returning home with bags full of chocolate bars) Sure enough some melted before I had chance to share them out. I did carry hard boiled sweets made in my city.I also took stickers, pens, pencils, exercise books etc for the children. On my last night, I was invited to the home of my guide and his family for a meal, we stopped at a cake shop in Tehran near to their home and selected various cakes and tartlets, which were put into boxes and decorated with a ribbon.
Something from your country will no doubt be appreciated - but if foodstuff - check there's no pork products ie pork fat etc.
Best Wishes,
Sue

Sweets. Always a good gift! Tehran has thousands of good sweet shops.