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Shafaq News
20-03-2025
- Shafaq News
From clay tablets to modern tables: Iraq's timeless cuisine
Shafaq News/ Iraqi cuisine is a reflection of the country's rich history and deep-rooted traditions, offering more than just nourishment—it embodies culture and hospitality. From the smoky aroma of Masgouf grilling along the Tigris to the delicate sweetness of date-filled pastries, every dish tells a story. Bustling markets overflow with the scent of spices, while family tables are filled with slow-cooked stews, fragrant rice, and freshly baked bread, making Iraqi cuisine an experience of warmth, generosity, and heritage. A Multi-Layered Taste For Palestinian media professor Lubna Al-Ashqar, a visit to Iraq was as much about flavors as it was about landscapes. 'There are similarities between Iraqi and Palestinian cuisine,' she reflects, 'but the distinct spices and ingredients here truly stand out. The richness and depth of the dishes are unique.' Iraqi cuisine is known for bold flavors, slow-cooked stews, and generous portions. Al-Ashqar immersed herself in classics like Kebabs, Masgouf, and Pacha, a slow-cooked sheep delicacy, alongside Tashreeb, where chunks of bread soak up a fragrant broth. Yet, Iraq's sweets left the strongest impression. 'I couldn't resist taking some home,' she says with a smile. 'Iraqi baklava is unlike any other, perfectly balanced between sweetness and crunch.' Journalist Khaloud Al-Amiri, who has guided numerous foreign guests, shares a few must-try dishes: 'Dolma, Biryani, Siyaḥa (broad beans with eggs), Geymar Arab, Lamb Tashreeb, Kebabs, and grilled fish are always a hit.' Breakfast is where many visitors first fall in love with Iraqi cuisine. Kathrin Ioannis recalls tasting Geymar Arab, a creamy dairy treat served with honey and flaky Kahi pastries. 'I was hooked from the first bite,' she says. 'The honey's sweetness complementing the rich cream felt like a warm hug on a plate.' But the real magic came later, by the Tigris, where the smoky scent of Masgouf mingled with the evening breeze, making the experience unforgettable. 'This is like nothing I've ever had,' she says, clearly impressed by the rich flavors. 'The combination of smoke and spices is incredible.' Iraq's iconic dishes continue to captivate travelers. The beloved Biryani, distinct from its South Asian counterpart, is a fragrant rice dish studded with nuts, raisins, and spices. 'Iraqi Biryani is a celebration of texture and flavor,' says Baghdad-based chef Mustafa Hassan. 'The nuts and raisins add a sweetness that balances the spiciness of the rice, making it a complex yet comforting dish.' Iraq's beverages add another layer to the experience. British traveler Michael Thompson recalls his first taste of Chai Iraqi, brewed with cardamom and served in small glass cups. 'The deep, spiced flavor was unlike any tea I had before,' he reflects. Often brewed over a samovar, Iraqi Chai is a daily ritual that fosters conversation and connection. Another favorite is Laban, a chilled yogurt-based drink that offers a refreshing respite from Iraq's sweltering summers. Rooted in Ancient Traditions Iraqi cuisine traces its origins back to ancient civilizations like the Sumerians, Babylonians, and Assyrians. The earliest known recipes, preserved on clay tablets from 1750 BC, describe stews, roasted meats, and bread-making techniques still in use today. Folklore researcher Dr. Mahdi Munther explains, 'Many of Iraq's beloved dishes have roots in these civilizations. Iraqi cuisine stands as a testament to resilience, cultural exchange, and time-honored traditions.' One of Iraq's oldest dishes, Habeeṭ, dates back to the Sumerians, who cooked it in large clay pots over open fires. A symbol of hospitality, it was served at daily meals and grand feasts alike. 'Habeeṭ is not just food, it's a dish that tells stories of family, community, and history,' notes Dr. Munther. During the Ottoman period, Dolma, stuffed vegetables with rice, meat, and herbs, became a staple in Iraq, evolving with local ingredients. Baghdad-born food historian Layla Jamil explains, 'Iraq's Dolma is unique. The use of fresh herbs and vine leaves from Mesopotamia's fertile plains creates a distinct flavor that sets it apart.' Once the centerpiece of royal Abbasid feasts, Quzi, a whole lamb slow-roasted with rice, nuts, and spices, symbolizes Iraq's culinary mastery. 'We serve Quzi at large gatherings and weddings,' shares Iraqi chef Amira Al-Khansaa. 'It's a dish of abundance, bringing people together in celebration.' Kubba, crispy bulgur dumplings filled with spiced meat, traces its origins back to ancient Babylon. Over time, it transitioned from a royal delicacy to an Iraqi street food staple. 'Walking through Baghdad, you'll see people enjoying it everywhere,' says food vendor Mahmoud Al-Saleh. 'It's a dish that connects the past with the present.' Hospitality Beyond the Meal Meals in Iraq are about more than nourishment, they are moments of connection, storytelling, and warmth. Visitors are often surprised by the generosity of their hosts, who insist on serving more even when guests are full. During Ramadan, the tradition of Iftar extends beyond families to entire communities. American tourist Richard Hall, visiting Iraq during Ramadan, recalls, 'I was walking in Baghdad when a family invited me to their table. They didn't know me, but they welcomed me without hesitation. It was more than a meal, it was an embrace.' Tea is another cornerstone of Iraqi hospitality. Served in small glass cups, it is accompanied by sweets like Baklava or Kahi pastries. 'Drinking tea in Iraq isn't just about the drink,' says American traveler Ethan Scott. 'It's about conversation, relationships, and community.' Even beyond the home, this generosity is evident. Shopkeepers often offer customers extra treats, whether fruit, spices, or fresh bread. A 2023 study on Middle Eastern hospitality highlights Iraq as one of the region's most welcoming destinations, where visitors leave not just well-fed but deeply moved by the warmth they encounter.
Iraqi News
28-02-2025
- Business
- Iraqi News
British Ambassador on the occasion of the end of his mission: I express my gratitude for your friendship and hospitality over the past two years
Baghdad-INA British Ambassador to Iraq Stephen Hitchen sent a message to the Iraqis on the occasion of the end of his term. Hitchen said in his message via the Iraqi News Agency (INA): "Dear Iraqis, I will be leaving your beloved country in a few days, and I would like to express my deep gratitude for your friendship and hospitality over the past two years." He added: "I will tell you a secret, my wife is angry with me, and this is not new, but this time there is a specific reason! She saw videos of me enjoying the beauty of your country, she saw me on top of the Malwiya Minaret, and on the banks of the Euphrates in Ramadi, and she saw me tasting Masgouf, Dolma, Bajeh, Zarda, Dahina, and Turab Al-Muluk, she saw me in the mountains of Barzan and the marshes of Dhi Qar, and in the churches of Baghdad and Mar Mattai Monastery , and among the shrines of the Imams in Samarra, Najaf, Karbala, and Kadhimiya, and she also saw me celebrating the birth of the Prophet in Al-A'dhamiyah. The result? She is very angry and insists that we return one day as tourists!" 'I have learned a lot from you, the true meaning of courage, kindness, and I have seen how you, despite all the challenges, put hospitality first.!' He continued, 'I have been fortunate to see Iraq these days at its best since the 1970s, and despite the great progress, there are still challenges, and I am proud that the UK is working with you to address it. The economy remains the biggest of these challenges: we announced exports worth $15 billion during Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani's visit to London. In the field of education, we launched 12 new university partnerships, and the University of London opened in Erbil.' 'On climate change, which could threaten stability and progress, we have signed a new agreement on this issue, and announced significant British investment in water resource management. The threat of drug and human trafficking is no less dangerous than terrorism, so we are working with you to build a new agreement to support the police and enhance border security. Finally, we all know that success cannot be achieved without empowering half of society, which is why we have started a dialogue to enhance women's political and economic participation in a framework of respect and cooperation.' 'I have witnessed a significant transformation in Iraq and its place in the world,' the British Ambassador said in his message. 'Previously, the talk was about how Iraq's problems affect the region. Today, the focus is on how to protect Iraq from the crises of the region. Iraq is no longer just an item on the international agenda, but has become a participant in shaping it. Your experience and wisdom are of enormous value, especially to your neighbors in Syria, as they seek to emerge from the legacy of the past. Our partnership today is a partnership of equals. I have never been prouder than when I welcomed Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani to his meeting with the King as an honored guest. The weather was cold, but the welcome was warm.' He added: "I wish this great country prosperity and stability, but with the rapid population growth (2.3% annually) and the decline in oil prices since my arrival, there must be rapid economic reform that revives the private sector and invests in the Iraqi people." He continued: "Secondly, governance precedes political competition, and you have an upcoming test with the elections. There are two paths ahead of you: either quickly form a new government that will enhance the momentum of progress, or a long delay that may drain what has been achieved over the past two years. Patriotism requires making concessions, and quickly." Finally, Hitchen says: "You alone are capable of solving your problems. You have the creativity, intelligence and flexibility to overcome challenges, but we hope to be by your side in this journey, not only because we want to help, but simply because we find exceptional comfort and warmth in you." He concluded by saying: "It seems that I have talked at length, and I do not want to offend the prestige of "Abu Naji", but I am about to cry! It is time for me to go and reconcile with my wife All the best."
