You don't have to leave home behind. The St. Louis area has Persian and Middle Eastern markets and restaurants, plus a welcoming Iranian community to connect with.
- For groceries and food, browse the directory — it lists Persian and Middle Eastern markets (saffron, herbs, rice, dried limes, sangak and barbari bread, feta, sweets) and Iranian restaurants.
- The Iranian American Cultural Society of the Midwest (IACSMW) is the main local community organization — it hosts the big seasonal celebrations like Nowruz and Shab-e Yalda and welcomes newcomers (iacsmw.com).
- Watch the events page for Nowruz, Chaharshanbe Suri, Sizdah Bedar, Mehregan, and Yalda gatherings.
- Students: look for an Iranian or Persian student association at the universities (WashU, SLU, UMSL, and SIUE) — an easy way to meet people.
- Local Facebook, Telegram, and WhatsApp groups are often where everyday questions get answered and events get shared — ask the community which ones are active.
- New here with a question? Reach out through the contact page — the community is glad to help.