Iraq

What to eat in Iraq: top 10 dishes

Traveling to Iraq? These are the ten dishes it is best known for, from everyday staples to festive classics, with a short background and a tip on where and when to eat each one. Ranked by how widely they are known around the world.

01
Kibbeh
Kibbeh is a popular dish in the Arab world and the Levant in particular, made of spiced lean ground meat and bulgur wheat. Kibbeh is considered to be a national dish of Lebanon and Syria.
Travel tip Kibbeh is found in homes and restaurants across the Middle East, and in Iraq it comes in several shapes, often fried or in a soup. It is a good dish to share as a starter.
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02
Khash
Khash (Armenian: խաշ) is a traditional dish made from a boiled cow or sheep parts, which might include the head, feet, and stomach (tripe). It originates from Armenia and is considered one of the oldest Armenian dishes.
Travel tip Khash is an acquired taste, often eaten as a hearty early-morning meal in cooler months. It is mostly found in specialty places or at home, and is usually served with bread and garlic.
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03
Tandoor bread
Tandoor bread is a flat bread baked in a clay oven called a tandoor. The technique has been in use for some five thousand years in Central and West Asia and the Indian subcontinent. It may be leavened or unleavened.
Travel tip Tandoor bread is baked fresh in bakeries all day, and the best time to buy it is when it comes straight from the oven. Tear it by hand and use it to scoop up dips, kebabs and stews.
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04
Gaz
Gaz (Persian: گز) is an Iranian nougat that originated in the Isfahan region. It is widely known as Persian Nougat in American and European countries.
Travel tip Gaz is a sweet nougat that is easy to carry, so it is popular as a gift or souvenir. Look for it in sweet shops and enjoy it with tea.
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05
Masgouf
Masgouf (Arabic: المسكوف), is a Mesopotamian dish consisting of seasoned, grilled carp; it is often considered the national dish of Iraq.
Travel tip Masgouf is best eaten at riverside restaurants, especially in Baghdad, where the fish is grilled on an open fire. It is usually ordered for sharing in the evening, with bread, onions and tomatoes.
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06
Piyaz
Piyaz is a bean salad or meze in Turkish cuisine and Persian cuisine that is made from any kind of boiled beans with raw onion, parsley and sumac. Optionally, a boiled egg can be added to this dish.
Travel tip Piyaz is a light bean salad served as a meze or side dish. Eat it with bread alongside grilled meats and other dishes.
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07
Quzi
Quzi (Arabic: قوزي), also spelled as qoozi or ghoozi, is a popular rice-based dish and is considered one of Iraq's national dishes. It is served with very slowly cooked lamb, roasted nuts, and raisins served over rice.
Travel tip Quzi is a celebratory dish, often served for weddings, religious holidays and big family meals. If you are invited to someone's home, you may be served it on a large shared platter.
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08
Samoon
Samoon (Arabic: صمون) is a type of yeast bread that is consumed mainly in Iraq. It is baked in traditional stone ovens. This bread is one of the most widespread breads in Iraq, along with khubz.
Travel tip Samoon is a diamond-shaped bread found in bakeries across Iraq, and is often sold hot. It is often used for sandwiches with kebab or falafel, or eaten with breakfast dishes.
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09
Daheen
Daheen (Arabic: دهين) is a popular dessert in Iraq. It is famous in the city of Najaf as this city is considered as its origin. Daheen literally means "oily" in Arabic.
Travel tip Daheen is a rich sweet that is especially linked to Najaf. It is best tried in local sweet shops and eaten with tea.
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10
ِAbbas bread
Khubz al-ʾAbbas (Arabic: خبز العباس, lit. 'bread of Abbas,') is a type of flatbread originating in southern Iraq. It is commonly offered as an act of charity during religious ceremonies, and various occasions of celebration or mourning.
Travel tip This bread is often distributed as charity during religious ceremonies, mainly in southern Iraq, so you may be offered some during such events. Accept it politely and, if possible, eat it there.
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Description: Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0 · Photo: Wikimedia Commons

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