The best traditional dishes in Iraq

Iraq has arguably some of the most delicious food in the Middle East, and with such a long and dynamic history of interactions with neighboring countries and empires, the food of Iraq is as colorful as its people. Here are the top 7 best traditional Iraqi foods you need to try.

Kanafeh

You may be wondering if Iraq has something sweet in its list of traditional foods. The answer is yes, and you can satisfy your sweet tooth with a traditional Arab dessert called Kanafeh. This dessert is unique in that it is a thin pastry that resembles noodles. After it is baked, it is soaked in syrup but what sets it apart is the layers of cheese that are added later. You may try only one at first, you will want more because the taste is just perfect. The sweet syrup has a heavenly taste and you may go for that second helping after all.

Iraqi Kebab

Kebabs need no further introduction, though the Iraqi kebab varies in taste and flavorings from the other kebabs. This is also a popular street food, prepared primarily from lamb, mutton or any other red meat.

Masgouf

Easily one of the most recognizable Iraqi dishes, this is famous slow-grilled fish because of the Iraqi way, grilling it standing sideways and letting the fish cook in the flames and smoke from the side. Once finished, a generous amount of delicious sumac spice, fresh pomegranate seeds, and lemon are poured on top.

Bagila Bil Dihin

The best way to start the day in Iraq is by indulging in an Iraqi breakfast and one of the most delicious breakfast you can have in the country is Bagila Bil Dihin. Because it has egg and beans, a super combination. It is healthy, it is nutritious and it is balanced. The beans they usually use are broad beans and on top of the beans, you can enjoy your fried egg. Sometimes, you may also find khubz served with Bagila Bil Dihin.

Kubba Bil Burghur

While many other Middle Eastern countries have variants of kibbeh, a mixture of burghul cracked wheat, minced meat, onions, and spices, the Iraqi version is a region-wide favorite. Known also as kubbah mosul because of its the popularity from the Iraqi city of Mosul, this dish is a layered pocket of kubbah with different stuffings inside from nuts to cheese to rice with minced meat, there is no shortage of creativity when it comes to Iraqi kubbah.

Kuba

Known by different names like kibbe, kebbah, kubbeh, kubbah or kubbi, this is basically a fried patty made of ground lamb and various seasonings. The shape of the patty can vary from the original torpedo shape, and can be either boiled, baked, or stuffed. However, the raw version is considered to be the tastiest.

Depends upon the style of cooking and the ingredients or type of meat used, including ground lean beef, lamb, goat, and camel meat. A fried, stuffed kuba tastes different from a boiled gravy one, while kubas made of camel meat differ from the ones made with goat meat.

Dolma

Although variants of dolma can be found across the Middle East, the Iraqi version of this is truly one of the best. Instead of the usual stuffed grape-leaf that is used in the more common versions of this, Iraqis use boiled chard wrapped into finger-length stuffings of minced meat, rice, nuts, and spices all covered with lemon zest, you will have a hard time putting these down.

Read more: 5 safest countries to visit in the Middle East

Source Internet