Join us on a culinary adventure, exploring hidden eateries, signature dishes, and gastronomic stories that delight the senses and celebrate flavours near and far.
On a chilly winter day in Erbil, nothing warms the soul like a smoky, juicy kebab. From the legendary Yasin’s beneath the Citadel to Farooq Jaafar’s famed skewers on Iskan Street, Erbil’s kebabs are culinary ritual and cultural heritage. Wrapped in fresh naan, topped with sumac onions, and sipped with chilled Mastaw, each bite is a taste of Kurdish warmth.
We Bengalis practiced “healthy eating” long before it became fashionable — detoxing with nim-begun (neem and brinjal), finding protein in dal aar bori (lentils and dumplings), and strength in macher jhol (fish curry). Each meal balanced teto (bitter) for wisdom, mishti (sweet) for hope, and sorsher tel (mustard oil) for pure attitude.
The experience of dining on Iskender Döner at BayDöner in Erbil's Family Mall transcended mere consumption; it became a vivid memory. This iconic Turkish dish, rich in flavors and prepared traditionally, transported me through culinary history while also reflecting Erbil's diverse culture, blending Turkish culinary heritage with local life.
At Erbil's Grand Majidi Mall, I met up with my friend Arbab for a memorable dinner at Mandi Al-Hattab. The cosy atmosphere of the restaurant provided the perfect setting for enjoying a traditional Mandi meal. The dish, known for its deep flavours and cultural importance, offered both delight and a meaningful link to heritage, making the experience truly memorable.
Erbil is a city that combines a rich historical background with contemporary living, exemplified by Qazuan Restaurant, famous for its genuine Kurdish dishes. An impromptu lunch with coworkers turned into a delightful culinary journey featuring tasty meals and a welcoming environment. The traditional ambience added to the experience, enabling a stronger cultural connection. After a short wait, the food exceeded expectations, reflecting Kurdish hospitality. The gathering promoted friendship, creating lasting memories and emphasising the strong ties that food fosters within cultures.
On a hot summer evening in Erbil, I sought shelter in a cool café and ordered an Iced Matcha Latte, intrigued by its unique appeal. The drink, made from ground green tea and milk over ice, offered a refreshing and intricate flavour. This beverage, steeped in history, represented a moment of tranquillity in the heat, highlighting the value of enjoying life's simple pleasures and finding peace amid the chaos.
In Iraq, I discovered that tea is far more than a mere beverage; it's a profound ritual, a sanctuary, and a quiet testament to resilience, much as it is in India. From the timeless charm of Baghdad’s Shabandar Café to the sun-drenched benches near Erbil’s citadel, each sip of tea tells a story. It's a reminder that many of life's deepest lessons, like a perfectly steeped glass, are infused slowly, revealing their wisdom gradually.
In Erbil, I enjoyed Koshary, Egypt's national dish, blending lentils, rice, pasta, chickpeas, and spicy tomato sauce, with roots tracing back to India's khichri. This iconic vegetarian dish reflects cultural fusion and has become a staple in diverse culinary landscapes. Its affordability, filling nature, and universal appeal make it popular among locals and visitors, symbolizing food's power to connect cultures through shared heritage.
While in Erbil, I discovered freekeh, a green wheat grain roasted for a smoky flavor paired with chicken. This culinary exploration led to understanding freekeh's rich history and significance in Middle Eastern cuisine. Once a staple, it faced decline but has revived globally for its health benefits and sustainability. Freekeh offers a delicious link to cultural heritage and ancient culinary practices.
Erbil, the capital of the Kurdistan Region in Iraq, boasts a rich culinary scene, particularly at Kebab Farouq Jaafar in Iskan, renowned for its delectable kebabs. During a memorable lunch with colleagues, a variety of grilled meats and traditional dishes showcased the restaurant's authenticity. The meal culminated with fragrant Iraqi chai, reinforcing the joy of shared experiences amidst vibrant local culture, making it a must-visit for food enthusiasts.
