Iraqi cuisine

Iraqi cooking descends from Mesopotamia: wheat, dates, river fish and sweet-sour sauces built on pomegranate and tamarind.

The Tigris and the Euphrates supply river fish, and the country's signature dish is a fish dish — unusual in the Arab world.

The baharat blend here is its own: black lime, cardamom and cinnamon. It is also what separates Iraqi rice dishes from Iranian and Turkish ones.

2 dishes

  • Masgouf

    River fish butterflied and cooked standing beside an open fire. A Baghdad dish from the banks of the Tigris.

    105 min · Medium · Main course

  • Iraqi dolma

    Vine leaves and vegetables stuffed with spiced rice and meat, layered in one pot and cooked under a weight.

    150 min · Takes practice · Main course