Iraq might not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of dining destinations, but it should be. With its rich culinary history, the food of Iraq reflects centuries of tradition, influences from Persian, Turkish, and Arab cuisines, and a true love for spices and fresh ingredients. Eating in Iraq is an adventure for your taste buds. Let’s talk about what to eat while you’re there!
Traditional Iraqi Dishes You Should Not Miss
Masgouf
Considered Iraq’s national dish, Masgouf is a grilled fish prepared with a twist. The fish is split down the middle and grilled in an upright position. It’s slowly cooked over an open flame, sometimes for hours. The long grilling gives the fish a smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with lemon and tangy tamarind sauce. You can find Masgouf near the Tigris River in Baghdad, where the fish is usually caught fresh and cooked on the spot.
Dolma
Dolma is a hearty dish of vegetables stuffed with rice, meat, and spices. Expect flavors like cinnamon and allspice mixing with ingredients like tomatoes, peppers, and eggplant. Unlike the Greek version with grape leaves, Iraqi Dolma often uses vine leaves, but also includes vegetables like onions, zucchinis, and tomatoes.
Quzi
Quzi is a grand, celebratory dish featuring lamb, roasted whole, stuffed with rice, nuts, and spices. It’s slow-cooked to perfection, resulting in tender, flavorful meat that falls off the bone. You’ll often find Quzi served during special events or family gatherings. It’s typically paired with rice cooked in flavorful broth, cinnamon, and cardamom.
Makhlama (Iraqi Breakfast)
If you’re craving something special for breakfast, Makhlama is your go-to. It’s a dish made of sautéed ground lamb, tomatoes, onions, and spices, topped with eggs. It’s often served with Samoon, a classic Iraqi bread. Simple, hearty, and packed with flavor—expect to see a lot of locals digging into this first thing in the morning.
Iraqi Street Food
Street food is a big part of the Iraqi food scene. Whether in Baghdad, Basra, or Erbil, you’ll find some of the best bites on the streets. They’re quick, affordable, and made fresh right in front of you.
Shawarma
Like in many Middle Eastern countries, Shawarma is a street food staple in Iraq. It’s thin slices of seasoned meat, commonly beef or chicken, roasted on a spit and wrapped in flatbread with pickles, fresh herbs, tomatoes, and a generous serving of tahini. Every bite balances savory, tangy, and crispy elements.
Samoon and Kleicha
Samoon is Iraq’s signature bread. It’s shaped like a diamond and has a fluffy, tender interior, perfect for dipping into soups or pairing with street kebabs. Kleicha is a traditional pastry, often filled with dates or nuts. You can find these being sold by vendors on street corners; it’s a snack loved by everyone.
Falafel
Cheap and widely available, falafel is one of the most popular street foods around Iraq. Typically made from ground chickpeas, garlic, cilantro, and spices, falafel is deep-fried into golden balls and stuffed into wraps or sandwiches with fresh vegetables, pickles, and tahini.
Baghla Bil Dihin
This is one for carb lovers. Baghla Bil Dihin is a crispy, fried flatbread filled with broad beans, drizzled with yogurt, garlic, and herbs. It makes for an undeniably tasty street snack. You’ll see local food trucks whipping these up in minutes, offering a filling and flavorful bite on the go.
Sweet Treats
No meal in Iraq is complete without sampling some of the local desserts. Iraqis have a serious sweet tooth, and you’ll quickly see why after trying these sugary treats.
Baklava
Baklava is popular all over the Middle East, and Iraq is no different. However, it has its own style—less syrupy compared to other versions but just as indulgent. This dessert is made of thin layers of pastry filled with nuts and lightly scented with rose or orange blossom water.
Kleicha
Kleicha makes its second appearance—not just a snack but also a dessert. Iraqis take special pride in this cookie-like pastry. It’s most commonly filled with dates or crushed walnuts, flavored with cardamom. It’s often brought out during family gatherings, festivals, or celebrations.
Zlabia
Zlabia is a sticky, crispy fried dough, shaped into spirals or tubes, then soaked in a rich syrup made of sugar and rosewater. These sugary treats are particularly popular during Ramadan. They’re often sold by street vendors and can be dangerously addictive when eaten warm.
Where to Eat in Iraq
Local Markets
For an authentic food experience, visit the local markets. In Baghdad, Souk Al-Shorja is where you’ll find locals buying everything from spices to fresh meat. These markets are great to immerse yourself in traditional flavors, as you’ll find street food stalls scattered around too. Try dishes like Shawarma, Falafel, or fresh fruit juice here.
Restaurants
Iraqi restaurants have plenty to offer across the country. In Baghdad, Al-Mansur is a district filled with casual eateries. If you’ve got a bit more to spend, try Rekeet El Samak, a cozy restaurant that serves incredible Masgouf. In Erbil, stop by Tavera Restaurant for a mix of Kurdish and Iraqi dishes.
Fine Dining
Iraq has entered the world of fine dining too. In Baghdad, restaurants like Saj Al Reef bring together traditional Iraq foods with modern twists. Expect beautifully plated dishes like Quzi and exotic salads. Basra, an important port city, has some standout seafood restaurants, such as the famous Um Qasr Grill, where the freshest fish are prepared with Iraqi seasoning.
Vegetarian Options
If you’re vegetarian, don’t worry. Iraq offers plenty of vegetarian foods too. Dolma can be made without meat, and there’s always Falafel ready at every street corner. Enjoy fried eggplant, hummus, Baba Ghanoush, and various salads that will keep you full and satisfied.
Drinks in Iraq
Don’t forget the drinks! Iraqis love their tea, particularly black tea served strong and sweet. It’s called Chai in Iraq and is available everywhere, from street vendors to high-end restaurants. Sugar is key here—don’t expect it any other way.
If tea isn’t your thing, try a refreshing glass of ‘Sharbat’. It’s a fruit syrup drink, often flavored with pomegranate or orange blossom, and served cold. For an unusual experience, try Jallab, another fruit syrup mixed with water and often topped with pine nuts.
Alcohol
Things are stricter when it comes to alcohol. While it is available in Iraq, especially in Christian communities, it’s not widely consumed. If you’re looking for a drink in cities like Basra or Erbil, you can find alcohol-serving establishments catering mainly to foreigners or expats, but these are more discreet.
Final Tips for Eating in Iraq
Eating out in Iraq offers a lot of variety, but there are still some things to consider while dining there. Tipping in restaurants is common, usually around 10% unless service is already included in the bill. Don’t expect to see much pork, as it is not consumed in the predominantly Muslim country.
If you want to truly enjoy the Iraqi dining experience, embrace the local customs and foods. Whether you’re enjoying a plate of street-side Shawarma, indulging in date-filled Kleicha, or savoring the slow-cooked Masgouf by the Tigris River, the flavors of Iraq won’t let you down.
No matter where you go, savor every bite and don’t be afraid to try something new. The food in Iraq is a blend of history, tradition, and spice. Happy eating!
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