Dining In Iraq

The flavors of Iraq can be traced back to the traders bringing loads of exotic spices through the silk route, to Baghdad. Iraq was once the cradle of ancient civilization and a world of plenty. Its food speaks of its history in its richness and lavishness. This trait of richness has not been lost in the years of violence. Iraq is no longer the land of plenty and poverty is a way of the common man's life. But traditional Iraqi food is still as lavish as it was.

Good restaurants in Baghdad and other cities are not many, but the ones that do serve traditional Iraqi food, do it at their best. Tikkas or chunks of mutton, chicken or beef meat grilled over a charcoal fire are quite the specialty. Or if your taste runs into the more exotic, you can try the ‘dolma' which is lettuce or vine leaves stuffed with meat and spices. Aubergine, cabbage, onions or cucumbers can also be similarly stuffed and made into a ‘dolma'. A fish called the Masgouf, a fresh water fish found commonly in the Tigris River is much loved. Also famous is ‘Qouzi' or a small stuffed lamb, grilled as whole. The stuffing is made with minced meat and spices and the lamb is served whole with rice. The traditional foods of Iraq can also be found in the lesser known restaurants but can be harder to find.

Spices in food mark Iraqi food and gives it identity of is own. If one has the taste to enjoy non vegetarian food, there is a variety to choose from.

Restaurants may not serve alcohol or even if they do serve it, they may charge astronomically for it. It is very difficult to procure it and thus alcohol is expensive in Iraq.

Food and drink has their own social dictates in the Iraqi world. The Arab society is very particular in maintaining their religious sanctity and a lot of stress is on what you eat and drink. Pork is not available at all. Liquor is also not available openly. While some international hotels may have a liquor license, availability is also dependant on the time of the year.

The holy month of Ramadan is sacred to the Muslim society and a lot of restriction on food and drink is common. It is inappropriate for anyone to be drinking or smoking in public around this time. This rule pertains to the foreigners and non Muslims as well. A lot of hotels in fact, stop serving alcohol around this time.

Drinking in moderation is however tolerated. In fact the traditional Iraqi drink called ark is a distilled alcoholic drink made from aniseed. The age limit for consumption of alcohol is 21 years.

Dining can be a most interesting adventure in Iraq, if one learns to be open to new things. Food is an experience that can be savored a lifetime.