Introduction
One of the best ways to experience Iraq’s rich culture is through its street food. From sizzling kebabs to freshly baked bread, the streets of Baghdad, Basra, Mosul, and Erbil are filled with delicious and affordable food options. In this guide, we’ll explore some of the best Iraqi street foods that you must try when visiting.
1. Shawarma – The Ultimate Grab-and-Go Meal
Shawarma is one of the most popular street foods in Iraq, made with marinated chicken or beef, slowly roasted on a vertical spit. The meat is shaved off and wrapped in samoon (diamond-shaped Iraqi bread) or thin lavash bread, along with garlic sauce, pickles, and fries.
- Best Place to Try: Local shawarma stands in Baghdad, Karbala, and Erbil.
- Price: Around 1,500–3,000 IQD ($1–$2 USD).
2. Bagila Bil Dihin – A Traditional Iraqi Breakfast
This is a rich and hearty dish made from fava beans, fried eggs, and samoon bread, often topped with clarified butter and pickles. It’s a favorite breakfast dish, especially in southern Iraq.
- Best Place to Try: Small cafés in Basra and Najaf.
- Price: Around 2,000 IQD ($1.50 USD).
3. Lahm Bi Ajeen – The Iraqi Meat Pizza
Lahm Bi Ajeen (literally “meat with dough”) is an Iraqi-style flatbread topped with a mixture of minced lamb, tomatoes, onions, and spices, then baked until crispy. It’s similar to Turkish Lahmacun, but with a unique Iraqi flavor.
- Best Place to Try: Bakeries in Baghdad and Mosul.
- Price: Around 1,500–2,500 IQD ($1–$1.50 USD).
4. Falafel – The Go-To Vegetarian Street Food
Falafel is a deep-fried chickpea ball, often stuffed into Iraqi samoon bread with tahini, pickles, tomatoes, and parsley. It’s one of the cheapest and most filling meals you can find on the streets of Iraq.
- Best Place to Try: Falafel stalls in Baghdad’s Karrada district.
- Price: Around 1,000–2,000 IQD ($0.50–$1 USD).
5. Kahi and Geymar – The Sweetest Iraqi Breakfast
Kahi is crispy, flaky pastry, topped with Geymar (clotted cream made from buffalo milk) and drizzled with date syrup. It’s a luxurious breakfast, usually eaten with sweet Iraqi chai (tea).
- Best Place to Try: Traditional cafés in Baghdad.
- Price: Around 3,000 IQD ($2 USD).
6. Kleicha – Iraq’s National Cookie
Kleicha is a traditional Iraqi date-filled pastry, flavored with cardamom and sesame. It’s often eaten during holidays and special occasions, but you can find it in bakeries year-round.
- Best Place to Try: Kleicha bakeries in Karbala and Najaf.
- Price: Around 2,000–3,000 IQD ($1.50 USD per box).
Conclusion
Iraqi street food is a mix of bold flavors, rich history, and cultural influence, making it a must-try for visitors. Whether you’re grabbing shawarma on the go or enjoying a traditional Iraqi breakfast, every bite tells a story of the country’s vibrant food culture.
