When you visit Iraq, one of the most memorable experiences will be tasting the local food. Iraqi cuisine is rich and diverse, with a deep history that weaves influences from Persia, Turkey, and the Levant. You’ll find a mix of hearty rice dishes, rich stews, and grilled meats seasoned with fragrant spices like cumin, sumac, and cinnamon.
Top Traditional Iraqi Dishes to Try
1. Masgouf
Masgouf is one of Iraq’s most famous dishes. It’s a grilled fish, typically freshwater carp, that is butterflied and cooked slow over an open flame. The fish is seasoned with tamarind and sometimes lemon, giving it a tangy, smoky flavor. You can find it most easily in Baghdad, especially along the Tigris River where riverside restaurants specialize in it.
2. Qeema
Qeema is a spiced minced meat stew cooked with chickpeas and plenty of flavorful spices. This dish is traditionally served during the religious festival of Ashura, but you can enjoy it year-round at local restaurants. It pairs perfectly with warm bread or rice.
3. Kubba
Kubba, also called kibbeh in other regions, consists of bulgur wheat croquettes stuffed with spiced minced meat and onions. They are shaped into balls or ovals, then fried until crispy. You’ll find different variations, including kubba cooked with sumac or stuffed with vegetables like spinach and pumpkin.
4. Tashreeb
Tashreeb is a comforting stew made with bread soaked in meat broth. The broth is usually flavored with lamb or chicken, and the dish often has chickpeas and vegetables mixed in. If you’re craving something hearty during your stay, tashreeb is a perfect meal to warm you up.
5. Makhlama
Makhlama is a favorite breakfast dish. It’s a simple combination of scrambled eggs mixed with spiced meat, onions, and tomatoes. Served with bread, it makes for a satisfying start to the day. You’ll find it in many local cafes, or even being cooked up in homes.
6. Parda Plau
Parda Plau is an iconic rice dish covered with a thin layer of dough. Inside, you’ll find fragrant basmati rice, lamb, chicken, nuts, and dried fruits, all seasoned with cinnamon and other sweet spices. The dough is baked until golden, creating a savory, pastry-like shell.
7. Samoon
No meal in Iraq is complete without samoon, the Iraqi bread. It’s shaped like a diamond, crispy on the outside, soft inside, and perfect for eating with every dish. You’ll find bakers selling fresh samoon all over the country, particularly in traditional markets (souks).
Best Street Food in Iraq
1. Shawarma
Shawarma is everywhere in Iraq. Whether you’re wandering through the streets of Baghdad or Erbil, you’ll see shawarma vendors slicing meat off the rotating spit and serving it in flatbreads with garlic sauce, pickles, and tomatoes. It’s cheap, filling, and makes the perfect quick snack.
2. Falafel
Falafel is another beloved street food in Iraq. These crunchy fried chickpea balls are served in flatbreads with tahini sauce, pickles, and fresh herbs. Falafel stands are easy to find, and it’s a fantastic option if you’re looking for something vegetarian and affordable.
3. Lahm Bi Ajeen
Lahm Bi Ajeen is sometimes called Iraqi pizza. It’s a thin dough topped with minced lamb or beef, mixed with spices and tomatoes, then baked to perfection. It’s popular as a snack or a light lunch and can be eaten on the go while exploring the markets.
4. Kebab
Iraqi kebabs are a go-to street food for meat lovers. Ground lamb or beef is mixed with onions and spices, then grilled on skewers over hot coals. The result is juicy, flavorful meat that’s served either with rice or wrapped in bread with salad and yogurt sauce.
Top Restaurants to Visit in Iraq
1. Al Saj Al Iraq Restaurant – Baghdad
Located in Baghdad, Al Saj Al Iraq Restaurant is a fantastic place to try traditional Iraqi dishes. The menu includes favorites like kebabs, qeema, and masgouf. It’s a popular spot for locals and tourists alike, so you’ll get an authentic taste of the region’s cuisine.
2. Samad Restaurant – Baghdad
For a more casual dining option, Samad Restaurant offers a great selection of everyday Iraqi comfort foods. Their kubba and tashreeb are especially well-loved among visitors. The restaurant has a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere and is a great place to experience home-style cooking.
3. Abu Nawas Fish Restaurant – Baghdad
If you’re craving masgouf, this is the place to visit. Abu Nawas is famous for its grilled fish dishes served right by the Tigris River. The setting is beautiful, especially at sunset, making it a popular place for both locals and tourists.
4. Sofrew Kabab – Erbil
Sofrew Kabab in Erbil offers a variety of grilled meat dishes, including kebabs, shish tawook, and lamb chops. The quality of the meat here is exceptional, and the dishes are served with an assortment of salads and fresh bread. It’s perfect for a meat-heavy feast while in the capital of Kurdistan.
5. Bait Jibreen – Karbala
In Karbala, head to Bait Jibreen for a more relaxed dining experience. They serve a range of Middle Eastern dishes, but their tashreeb and qeema are particularly good. It’s a cozy, no-frills restaurant where locals come for comfort food after visiting the city’s religious sites.
6. Saj Al Reef – Basra
Saj Al Reef is a top pick for traditional Iraqi dishes like parda plau and tassreeb. Located in Basra, they prepare the food with attention to detail, and the portions are generous. It’s a great place to dive into the rich flavors of southern Iraq.
Tips to Find the Best Local Food in Iraq
1. Visit Local Markets
Make time to wander through the souks (markets). Not only will you get a chance to see fresh produce and spices, but many markets also have small food stalls offering delicious street snacks like kebabs, falafel, and shawarma.
2. Ask Locals for Recommendations
When in doubt, ask a local where their favorite place to eat is. Iraqis take great pride in their cuisine and are often happy to point you to the best spots for authentic food. This is especially helpful if you’re outside major cities and want to try something off the beaten path.
3. Look for Busy Restaurants
The busier the restaurant, the better the food. If you see a lot of people lining up, chances are the food is worth the wait. Follow the crowds and you’ll often discover hidden gems.
Conclusion
Iraq offers some of the richest, most heartwarming food experiences that you can find in the region. Whether you’re sitting down for a leisurely masgouf by the riverside or grabbing a quick bite of shawarma from a street stall, there’s so much to enjoy. Get ready to indulge in incredible dishes and explore the unique flavors of Iraq!
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