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

Come to Singapore and visit its cutest cat cafes

There’s no better activity for feline lovers than cuddling up with a warm kitty while sipping a cuppa – without the responsibilities of being a full-time cat owner. Here are the cat cafes in Singapore for you to check out.

Meomi Cat Cafe

Surrounded by bar restaurants and cafes, the Meomi Cat Cafe is a hidden oasis for these bunch of furry creatures. Located along North Bridge Road, the spacious play area features plenty of toys for the cats, including wall steps and a catwalk. Though the food and drink menu is limited, it really makes the cats the star of the show!

Opening Hours: 11AM-10PM
Address: 668 North Bridge Road, Singapore 188801 (nearest MRT: Bugis)
Price: $13 for adults, $7 for children
Age Restrictions: Children have to be at least 6-years-old

The Cat Cafe

A stone’s throw away is The Cat Cafe, located above the jam-packed Bugis Street. This pet cafe comprises of 15 ex-stray or adopted cats, rescued by Kitty Kat Haven, a non-profit cat-rescue centre. Their entry fee is $16 with a complimentary soft drink, which can be topped up and upgraded to a coffee or tea.

Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday 10AM-10PM, Monday 3PM-10PM
Address: 241B Victoria Street, Singapore 188030 (nearest MRT: Bugis)
Price: $16/entry for all
Age Restrictions: Children have to be at least 6-years-old, children below 12 to be accompanied by an adult

Neko no Niwa

Translated as “cat garden” from Japanese, Neko no Niwa is Singapore’s very first cat cafe opened in 2013! The 13 friendly kittens – some of whom are siblings – were adopted in the same year, and now roam freely around the expansive floor area. It’s recommended to call in advance to place a reservation for your visit as this cat cafe does get crowded especially over the weekends!

Opening Hours: Monday, Wednesday, Friday 11AM-10PM, Saturday, Sunday 10AM-10PM
Address: 54A Boat Quay (Level 2), Singapore 049843 (nearest MRT: Raffles Place / Clarke Quay)
Price: First hour – $12, Every subsequent half hour – $5, 3-hour pass – $24, Whole day pass – $32. Drinks and desserts start from $2

See more: Visit the best animal cafes in Tokyo, Japan

Source: Internet

The best shopping malls in Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur is bursting with an array of shopping malls, featuring everything from high street fashion, local boutiques, branded retail, and cheap budget finds.

When you stroll into a Kuala Lumpur mall, you will find everything you need under one roof, from bars, restaurants to fashion and onsite attractions, so everyone in the family is satisfied during the day out.

Suria KLCC

Located at the base of the 88-storey, steel-clad Petronas Twin Towers (which rise to 451.9m), the crescent-shaped Suria KLCC is more than just a shopping and dining venture. Opened in 1999, the retail and entertainment complex on the junction of Jalan Ampang and Jalan P. Ramlee houses a plethora of interesting attractions.

Starhill Gallery KL

For a shopping and dining experience, you have Starhill Gallery in Bukit Bintang. Imagine walking around on carpeted floors in ambient lighting while the strains of soft jazz fill your ears.
Opened in 1996, this 250,000 square ft complex has over 100 renowned luxury brands as well as a 50,000 square ft spa and relaxation centre (the Pamper Zone). For foods, you can always visit the food court (Feast Village) on the lower ground area where you can sample food from award-winning restaurants. Otherwise, you can also sit and relax at one of the exclusive cafés surrounding the main concourse.

Pavilion Kuala Lumpur

Standing loud and proud in the heart of Bukit Bintang, Pavilion is the place to be for luxury shoppers and high-end fashionistas. The mall has dedicated itself as Malaysia’s power fashion hub with some of the world’s most sought-after brands such as Givenchy, Cartier and Saint Laurent on full glittering display. It is also home to the annual Kuala Lumpur Fashion Week which showcases the country’s best local designers.

Sunway Pyramid

Sunway Pyramid is 1.7 million-sq ft Egyptian-themed mall adjacent to Sunway Lagoon Theme Park in Bandar Sunway, Subang Jaya. A distinctive retail landmark, it is one of the largest shopping centres in the country and the only one with an indoor ice skating rink. Some of the brands represented at this mall include Coach, Ms. Selfridge, Mango and Timberland.

Bangsar Village I & II

Located in the heart of posh Bangsar neighbourhood, Bangsar Village is a one-stop mall popular among both locals and expats. Bangsar Village I (designed to be family-oriented), has a handful of stores catering to the needs of a growing family, from children’s clothing to home appliances. Bangsar Village II, on the other hand, is for those seeking simple elegance with a selection of contemporary restaurants, curated design goods and luxury fashion brands.

Mid Valley Megamall

The best shopping opportunity is not actually within Bangsar itself, but very near it; the Mid Valley Shopping mall is one of the largest in Southeast Asia and is arguably the Klang Valley's most popular shopping attraction. From Bangsar, it is a few minutes away using a large flyover that cuts across the smaller Bangsar roads that lead to other areas.

Plaza Low Yat

Gadget geeks and tech lovers nerd it out at Plaza Low Yat. Serving as Malaysia’s largest IT and lifestyle mall, Plaza Low Yat is a 9-floor complex that offers the world’s latest gadgets, from laptops and computers to smartphones and cameras. If your battery drains after spending hours browsing through the maze of electronics shops, there are plenty of eateries to help you recharge.

Read more: 5 best places to enjoy street foods in Kuala Lumpur

Source Internet