The following highlights some of the popular Traditional Iraqi Foods. If you manage to be in an Iraqi restaurant or you are visiting Iraq, I recommend the following:
1. Masgouf
This is a delicious traditional Mesopotamian dish made with fish from the Tigris River. It is freshwater fish marinated in olive oil, salt, turmeric and tamarind and roasted for hours. It is served with lemon, chopped onions and tomatoes, as well as the clay-baked flatbread typical of Iraq and the Middle East.
2. Kuba
Known by different names such as kibbe, kebbah, kubbeh, kubbah or kubbi, this is basically a fried meatball made from ground lamb and various seasonings. The shape of the meatball can vary from the original torpedo shape, and it can be boiled, baked or stuffed. However, the raw version is considered the tastiest.
3. Iraqi Kebab
It is a very popular dish in Asian countries and consists of grilled meat on a skewer. The meats most commonly used are lamb and beef, although it can also be chicken or fish, although a vegetarian version can also be prepared.
4. Kanafeh
Kanafeh is a typical Middle Eastern cake, soaked in rosewater syrup, made with kadaif (angel hair), akawi cheese, butter and pistachios or walnuts. The sweet, golden result makes it a very popular dessert, and is eaten at Ramadan feasts. Over the centuries and across cultures, the authentic recipe for knafeh has been adapted and transformed many times. Today there are countless versions of this dessert, depending on the country and the cafés and bakeries that serve it.
5. Iraqi Biryani
Is the Iraqi version of the popular Biryani, rice and meat simmered with different spices, is popular in many Islamic countries in the Middle East and other Muslim-populated parts of the world. This very old main lunch or dinner dish is cooked in a uniquely Iraqi style, and is a common menu item for occasions such as local wedding feasts.
6. Bamia
Bamia, or okra, is a lamb, okra and tomato stew that originated in the Middle East. It is found in all Arab countries, as well as in Anatolia and Greece. In Arabic, bamia literally means okra. Okra is also seasoned with spices commonly used in Middle Eastern cuisine, such as cumin, turmeric and cinnamon. The presence of sugar and vinegar in the preparation gives it a particularly delicious sweet and sour effect. Okra can be made with fresh, frozen or even canned okra, is generally available in Asian or Middle Eastern grocery shops and is usually served with rice.
7. Dolma
Mixture of minced lamb or beef with rice is usually made in the same pot, along with pomegranate juice, largely used by northern Iraqis. Assyrians in Iraq may also call it yaprakh, a Syriac term for stuffed vine leaves. Iraqi Arabs often serve dolma without yogurt. Chicken or beef ribs are often added to the pot and served with dolma instead of masta or khalwah. Iraqi dolma is usually cooked and served in a tomato-based sauce. In Mosul, where dolma is very popular, courgettes, tomatoes, onions and peppers are included.
8. Timman Ou Keema
A delicious and comforting stew of minced meat, tomatoes and chickpeas, served with rice. It is traditionally prepared in southern Iraq in celebration of Ashura. The name qeema comes from ancient Akkadian and means ‘finely chopped’.
9. Quzi
Also called qoozi or ghozi or al-quzi or al qawzi. It is one of the most popular dishes in Iraq, the Persian Gulf and Turkey. It is prepared with rice and lamb that is cooked for a long time, and garnished with almonds, sultanas, potatoes and eggs. In Iraqi cuisine, authentic quzi is usually prepared by stuffing a whole lamb with rice, angel hair, vegetables, spices, sultanas and almonds and baking it slowly in the oven. The lamb must be well cooked and browned, i.e. it is almost completely separated from the bone.
10. Tashreeb
Tashreeb is the name of any dish in which bread soaked in broth is served with meat or vegetables. This is because the word ‘tashreeb’ means ‘to suck’ in Arabic. It is a very rustic Iraqi concept, originally a dish made by poor people who stewed whatever they had on hand and served it with bread as a filling. It is a staple in many Iraqi and Middle Eastern households today, and for good reason; absolutely delicious! There are many variations of this dish that vary from family to family.
If you found this list useful, here are some more Traditional Asian Foods to try out on my Pinterest channel.