Being Vegan in Iran is Hard

I'm currently in my fourth week of visiting Iran, and my second week in Yazd. While being vegan for the past 10 years (well, 9.5 years), I've traveled to and lived in 33 countries. Some places have definitely been more comfortable than others, often depending on the variety of food options available. However, in Iran, the challenge also intertwines with culture and family.

In Tehran, there are plenty of vegan restaurants and cafes that are very good. I think any vegan or non-vegan would enjoy them as a treat. However, for the health-conscious, a lot of the options are still heavy on traditional rice, bread, and oil. Nevertheless, in my hometown of Yazd, there are “organic stores” that have tons of vegan “meats,” “cheeses,” sauces, and desserts. So, food variety isn’t really an issue. I know not everyone is a fan of fake meats, and they’re not the healthiest option (though arguably healthier than animal products). Still, they are nice to have for variety or if you’re aiming for a higher protein fitness goal.

Now, on to the more tricky part: culture and family. I don’t really think this is necessarily an Iran issue. Though, I think Asian families are in general a little more, let’s say, involved. Also, Iran, unlike India, for example, has a more animal flesh-centered cuisine. Iranians eat plenty of vegetables, but more often than not, there’s some animal flesh, broth, eggs, or dairy involved too. Food is also, like in many places, an important part of family life, and Iranian culture is very hospitable, so family have regularly been more than willing to accommodate my needs. Yet veganism is still far from well understood in Iran, in general, and even more so the further you get from the capital. As a result, family meals often invite plenty of questions. Answering such questions is generally fine; it comes with the territory of being vegan anywhere. Though, it can also be tiring when the intention is more to refute and debate rather than understand. I am not the most activist vegan, although I respect those who are and the awareness they bring. However, for me, I usually find it more effective and personally sustainable to share my perspective when practical and let people reach their own conclusions.

Being vegan is unusual because the norm in the world is to use animals. In many parts of the world, including Iran, humans still see animals as created by a benevolent god to meet their needs. As much as I may disagree with this, it’s not an easy belief to shake. But regardless, my existence and health, for almost 10 years, is just another example that you can live a healthy and happy life without harming other animals. And if that forces family and friends to reflect for even a second on ideas they’ve taken as truth for their entire lives, then I guess it’s worth me taking a few (hundred) vegan jokes.