Davar Ardalan

If you plan on traveling to Cuba, you'll be able to bring back $100 worth of the country's famed cigars. But that's not a lot — because they're actually kind of expensive.

Simin Behbahani, renowned for her piercing and fierce language, published 19 books of poetry over the course of six decades.

Judaism has a rich history in Iran dating back millennia. But in the late 1970s, thousands of Iranian Jews fled to the U.S. in search of a new home. They have integrated their ancient Persian heritage into American life.

The author of Vegan Indian Cooking: 140 Simple and Healthy Vegan Recipes touts the health benefits and tastiness of Indian spices. Americans seeking "more and more flavor ... just cannot get enough of Indian cuisine," says Anupy Singla.