Iraq has incredible food – and yes, there is so much more than just kebab! While it may be overlooked as a top food destination in the Middle East compared to tough competition of Syria, Lebanon and Turkey, Iraq has unique cuisine worth tasting. From street food to high dining, there is something for every budget, dietary requirements and taste! Here is a list of some of the best Iraq cuisine.
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10 – Anything Corn
Like many Middle Eastern Countries, the love for corn is not spared in Iraq. In many public areas in cities, where street vendors are set up, you are likely to see at least one corn stall – but probably more. You can get whole corn cobs char grilled for 1,000 – 1,500 IQD (60 cents – $1) and also corn kernels with melted cheese in a small bowl.
From Basra to Erbil and beyond, finding a corn stall is not only easy but common.
9 – Tashreeb
Tahreeb is any meat (in Iraq, it is commonly lamb) that is soaked in broth, left overnight and also with vegetables. In fact, the word tashreeb means to soak. Tashreeb is a common dish found across the Middle East, however different regions have different twists. In Iraq, it is most commonly made with lamb however some regions use chicken or even beef.
Tashreeb is believed to be the Prophet Muhammed’s (PBUH) favourite dish – making it extra special.
8 – Cardamon Chai
Chai is a staple in Iraq with most people consuming chai daily. It definitely helps in the winter months and it is believed that Iraqis drink twice the average amount of tea compared to other nationalities.
Chai is more than just a drink, but is often a drink for social settings (going out and catching up with friends and family can mean chia, cigarettes, shisha and backgammon), and as a sign of hospitality (many restaurants will provide complimentary chai after a meal and families may invite you in for chai as a good gesture).
Cardamon is an Indian-subcontonent spice made up of seeds from Elettaria and Amomum plants. Cardamon gives Chai a sweet taste, almost like apples.
7 – Kurdish Breakfast
You may ask – what is a Kurdish breakfast? A Kurdish breakfast consists of homemade yogurt (mast), tahin, cheeses, eggs, vegetables like tomato and cucumber, olives, and of course shakshuka. Some versions also come with potato chunks and cooked liver – always accompanied with bread and chai or coffee.
A Kurdish breakfast is very filling and very dairy heavy, but is a great way to start the day. Usually dishes are served as mezes (small dishes) on a larger circular serving tray.
One of the most famous places to have breakfast is in the Peshmerger or Martyrs cafe in Dohuk. This cafe is a tribute to the top commanders who have fallen in the line of duty, serving the Peshmerger. Here you will rub shoulders with police and Peshmerger!
6 – Sabach Sandwich (Eggplant or Meat)
Sabach is the ultimate street food in Iraq – you can purchase it in the countryside for less than 1,000 IQD and it is simple yet delicious. Sabah is a pita stuffed with fried eggplant slices and an array of fresh salads – cucumber, tomato, onion and fries. For a sweet taste, we recommend adding pomegranate sauce!
Its origin is believed to be traced back to an Iraqi jew named Sabich Tzvi Halabi who served this sandwich from a small kiosk in downtown Baghdad. Its popularity gained in the 1960s and with Jewish immigration, the dish is now popular amongst jewish communities around the world.
5 – Fasolia Yabsa/ Fasûlî
This dish is a very simple yet healthy and delicious meal and is commonly found in roadside restaurants. Fasolia Yabsa (or Fasûlî in Kurdish) is a mix of cannellini beans with a broth and often served with Kurdish styled rice.
You can get this dish served in a restaurant for under 3,000 IQD and you will most likely be fuul after eating!
4 – Shorba
Shorba (lentil soup) is a staple in many restaurants and while it is served worldwide, there is a certain love and fondness for it in the Middle East. Often if it is not on the menu, it may be because it is being served to you as a complimentary first dish. Most hotels will also have it as a breakfast option.
Lentil soup is not only super healthy, but warm for when it gets cold in Iraq. It is a simple and inexpensive dish. Lentil soup may be vegetarian or include meat, and may use brown, red, yellow or black lentils.
3 – Dolma
While there are many versions of dolma across the Middle East and Mediterranean, it is often known by other names (dolma/dolmades/yebra/dolması/mahshi). Dolma is vegetables stuffed with meat and flagrant rice and spices, then cooked in a tomato broth.
The most common vegetables to use are capsicums (bell peppers), eggplant and of course, grape vine leaves.
2 – Kebab and Shish
While I did say this list included more than just kebabs, it would be an injustice to not include kebab to the list. Kebabs or shish are meat sticks (minced lamb or beef, chicken, liver or lamb chunks) cooked and served on a flatbread plate with greens, charred tomato and onion, bulgur or rice. This meal is found in almost any restaurant – from 5 stars to a hole-in-the-wall shop. Often, the best kebabs are found where you least expect it!
A sore topic in the Middle East is who actually invented the kebab? Iraq also lays claims to the title. In the end, it doesn’t really matter who invented the kebab – kebab is great across all Middle Eastern countries and region to region, shop to shop, simple personal touches make the meal memorable.
1. Masgouf
Masgouf is an undisputed Iraqi dish and is in fact their National dish. Masgouf is a fish dish made from large carps found in the Tigris-Euphrates basin. They are caught, weighed, then killed. They are then cut through one side and fanned outwards to make one huge piece. They marinate in olive oil, rock salt, tamarind, and ground turmeric and are usually grilled over an open flame.
Masgouf can take between 45 minutes and 3 hours to prepare and cook so ordering ahead is highly recommended. As to where you should eat this incredible fish – while Baghdad claims it has the best masgouf, anywhere in Iraq and Iraqi Kurdistan nearby a river with the carp should be delicious.
Dining Etiquette in Iraq
- Often in Iraq and Iraqi Kurdistan you will be served with soup and/or salad before your meal. Most times these are complimentary. Sometimes you will have a table full of appetizers and you might be full before your meal arrives!
- Likewise, chai and coffee are sometimes served post meal for no additional charge and is one example of the multitude of Iraqi hospitality.
- Tipping is customary but not mandatory in most cases. Around 10% is greatly appreciated.
- Some places, particularly fine dining spaces you may need to pay an additional service charge (10-15%).
- If you are invited into someones house for a meal or chai, it is important to take your shoes off before entering. There will also be a living room in which you should not go beyond without being invited, especially men. Usually the women of the house will be in these back rooms and they may not be in appropriate wear to meet guests. For example, they may not be covering their hair inside the house as they would in public.
Where to Find The Best Iraq Cuisine In Country
YPT have been visiting Iraq since 2017 – so we know all the best spots in town! Join us on tour and try some of these incredible dishes!
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