How to Mehmooni like a Persian pro, that make other Wow!

6 min readNov 16, 2020

Meh.mooni (n)

A social gathering where people drink lots of Chai and Shirini.

OK so we all had been in that situation when you walk into Persian house and wonder is this the right place for me and my clothes?. What ever you are wearing concerns you and if you are already in Iran you get the idea of what to wear and what to do in case of facing a local. They are hot, warmhearted and might invite you to their house after the first 5 min talk.

So, how can you rock the Mehmooni?

What are some types of Persian Mehmooni?

Persian love to celebrate everything, once I heard a couple celebrate the anniversary of the first month they saw each other and called it “Mahgard”. It can be a usual family gathering, graduation party, birthday party or and afternoon tea with the ladies.

What’s interesting is Persian hospitality. A guest in Iran is like a cherished precious jewel. People will likely put themselves out for you by sharing what they don;t have enough of and spending on what they cannot afford- because you are like a gift sent from God.

There is an attraction in Iran that is not listed on the UNESCO world heritage sites or the national treasury list, or on any map or guiding books and applications; it is only in the heart of its people and will be devoted to the guests with kind eye contacts, genuine smiles, small friendly talks, and invitation for tea or dinner.

Afternoon tea with the ladies

The fresh smell of vanilla and cake at the doorstep and a long hallway of women shoes give you the idea of what’s going on in the afternoon. The host stand at the door asking to come inside” Befarmaeed” she said.

If there is something unique about local Iranian is undoubtedly their fashion. colorful skirts and stylish blouses are the brown hairs are women’s style in Iran. big bowl fruits and sweets on each table Aside with fresh juice or tea as drinks.

If they want to show off they wear high heels higher than Damavand mountain on the beautiful handmade rugs inside the house.

I attended one of these gatherings in the past,my first time. As I was introduced to others one hit the music and all hit the dance spot.

”khareji? Khareji?” she asked and played Despacito. I danced my ass off while everyone applauded for me,I thought I am a celebrity.

Who am I ?

You have to attend one to find out, the warm hearted people offering food, drinks and teach you how to wiggle like a Persian.

Youth Kharabi

Alcoholic drinks and finger foods on the counter, and Persian girls with tons of makeup dancing without hijab on the dance floor. Parties are pretty much synonymous with Persian youth, they dress to impress, and although it took me some time to get used to a whole hour in the bathroom, get ready before leaving.

Persian girls hold the record of doing that much of makeup and then say it ”Aww it’s nothing just what I’ve done at home”

My girl, Mina, who invited me to the party and guided me through the dress, says the party youth hotels are called “Kharabi” cause it’s really illegal in Iran.

Are girls and boys allowed to party?

Not exactly. While some families know that their children are going out, dating with opposite sex, hanging out with them, it’s 100 percent illegal to throw parties and drink alcohol in Iran.

Some are careful and choose the Mehmooni location out of the city so it would not bother authorities.

Mina and Mehdi, who were my company in the party.”baba It’s okay to have some fun’ and comfort me and made me feel comfy, offered me drinks and finger food. I ll try to write some tips you should know in case attending a party.

At a Persian Mehmooni, you won’t just learn new skills — dancing and speaking Spanish — but also achieve a higher sense of awareness of what you are capable of. This, however, cannot be achieved alone. Get some drinks with a friend, and make sure it’s good stuff, so at least one of you could drive back home and get some help.

Good Persian drinks are really bitter and burn the esophagus as it goes down. If you’re like me, your legs will start twitching as soon as you hear the music, or the simple kick drum. Go with it. Dance and take pride in your dancing.

Pick your remedy among many delicious choices on the counter such as ham, chips and dip with pickles or Russian potato salad.

Eid didani

Eid didani happened during the new years eve in Persian culture people visit their family but first elderly. Fabric shoes, Gucci bags, floral and striped material and fancy cloth speak for themselves. While you are distracted by the change of season to Spring, Persian love to pay visits to elderly as a gesture of respect and then other family members.

the Eid Didani might leads to a nice dinner with lovely family around a table cloth of Ghormeh Sabzi, Fesenjoon and some salad Shirazi and Doogh as drinks. If there was some yellow rounded crispy rice with some barberries on top. go for it, it’s Tahchin, my favorite and pretty sure you are gonna love it too.

Some Rules

You always say “Bale” ( yes) to a “Mehmooni” (Party) follow with “Berim” (let’s go). If you want to learn more of Persian words just check the link in here.
Iranians love to treat with Taarof, Offering each other some Chai or sweets : No thank you Nemikham and refuse it ,but deep inside they are craving for and really want it but they are really shy to say it out loud. The act is mostly done due to the respect to the host or just being really shy. If they’ve done Taroof with “go ahead, eat more and please” be upfront with them and refuse politely in case you don’t want it.
Most Persians are well educated and took English as their native language and practiced it for years. So don’t hesitate to ask them to clearly any clarification.
You don’t have to stay at the Mehmooni till the end, or sleep the night. just open TAPPersia website and ask them to book a close Hostel for you, as they help youth with their travel needs.