A café typically focuses on serving coffee, along with other beverages like tea, pastries, and light meals. The word “café” originates from the French word for “coffee.”
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.
On June 5, 2025, I visited Erbil's Citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, filled with anticipation to explore its rich history. However, upon arrival, I learned the Citadel was closed for renovations. Despite the disappointment, I found joy capturing views of the Citadel from outside, enjoying the nearby bustling Qaysari Bazaar, and sharing a moment with a small bird at a café. I left with a promise to return and explore its ancient treasures.
Experiencing Iraqi cuisine in Baghdad offered a profound connection to its history and culture, epitomized by the iconic dish Kubbah Saray. As I savored this royal-inspired food at Kubbat al-Baghdady, the blend of spices and textures spoke of Iraq’s rich heritage, from the Abbasid Caliphate to the Ottoman Empire. This culinary journey revealed the importance of food in fostering community and cultural understanding in Iraq.
