Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them in Erbil, Arbīl, Iraq

Erbil, Iraq, Erbil, Food & Drink, Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them

Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them in Erbil, Arbīl, Iraq

1. Kabar Maqluba

Upside-down layered dish with rice, vegetables, and meat cooked together to create a unique presentation.
  • Cultural Significance: A traditional dish dating back centuries, showcasing the local culinary heritage.
  • Presentation: Flipping the dish upside-down to serve adds a unique element of surprise and excitement.
  • Texture: The combination of soft rice, tender vegetables, and flavorful meat creates an appealing texture.

2. Dolma Sabanekh

Stuffed vine leaves filled with a mixture of rice, herbs, and sometimes meat.
  • Local Ingredients: Uses fresh local vine leaves and ingredients sourced from the region.
  • Taste: Aromatic combination of herbs, rice, and sometimes meat creates a delightful flavor.
  • Healthiness: A vegetarian option for those looking for healthy and tasty food.

3. Sambusak Erbil

Triangular pastries filled with meat or cheese.
  • Historical Origins: Traced back to ancient Babylon, this dish showcases the city's rich history.
  • Versatility: Available with various fillings such as meat or cheese, catering to different preferences.
  • Portability: Easy to carry and eat on-the-go, perfect for busy travelers.

4. Kharcho Erbil

A hearty meat and rice stew with walnuts and spices.
  • Spiciness: Incorporates local Kurdish spices for a spicy kick.
  • Warmth: A filling and comforting dish, ideal for cold days or nights.
  • Nutty Flavor: The addition of walnuts adds a unique nutty flavor to the stew.

5. Mahshi Warqa

Thin pastry rolls filled with seasoned meat and served in a yogurt sauce.
  • Artisanal Skill: Traditional skill required to make the delicate, thin warqa pastry.
  • Creamy Sauce: The yogurt sauce complements the flavor of the meat filling beautifully.
  • Texture Contrast: The crispy pastry contrasts nicely with the tender, seasoned meat filling.

6. Chai Halabja

A sweet, milk-based tea flavored with cardamom from Halabja region.
  • Regional Specialty: A unique flavor profile coming from the Halabja region.
  • Warmth: Perfect for cold days or evenings, offering comfort and warmth.
  • Aromatic: The aroma of cardamom adds a delightful touch to this popular drink.

7. Kubba Nasiria

Rice-stuffed dumplings made with meat and served in a yogurt sauce.
  • Local Tradition: A dish passed down through generations, showcasing local culinary traditions.
  • Flavorful Sauce: The yogurt sauce adds a tangy and cooling element to the meal.
  • Versatility: Available as both a main dish or a side, catering to different preferences.

8. Zumbura Erbil

Traditional flatbread filled with cheese and cooked on a hot stone.
  • Cultural Significance: A traditional dish that has been enjoyed for centuries in the region.
  • Simplicity: A simple, tasty food that can be easily found and enjoyed everywhere.
  • Cheesy Flavor: The melted cheese creates a gooey and flavorful filling.

9. Fata Fata Erbil

Thin, crispy flatbread rolls served with various dips such as garlic sauce or tomato sauce.
  • Portability: Easy to carry and eat on-the-go, perfect for busy travelers.
  • Versatility: Variety of dips available to cater to different taste preferences.
  • Texture: The crispy texture contrasts nicely with the creamy dips.

10. Borani Sabzi

A creamy yogurt-based dish made with fresh herbs and spices.
  • Freshness: Uses fresh, locally sourced herbs for maximum flavor.
  • Cooling Effect: Ideal for hot days or after spicy meals, offering a cooling effect.
  • Taste: The combination of fresh herbs and yogurt creates a refreshing taste.

11. Hawijat Dagh

A spicy, crispy dish made with ground meat, bulgur, and pine nuts.
  • Spiciness: The perfect choice for those who enjoy spicy food.
  • Crunch Factor: The crunchy texture of the dish adds an interesting contrast.
  • Flavor: The combination of spices, meat, bulgur, and pine nuts results in a flavorful dish.

12. Halva Erbil

A sweet dessert made from sugar, semolina, and sesame seeds.
  • Traditional Sweet Treat: A traditional dessert enjoyed in the region for centuries.
  • Texture: The soft and crumbly texture of halva is delightful to eat.
  • Sweetness Level: Available in varying levels of sweetness, catering to different preferences.

13. Molasses Halva

A dense, sweet dessert made from molasses and sesame seeds.
  • Unique Flavor: The molasses adds a unique, rich flavor to the halva.
  • Texture: The dense and chewy texture of this molasses halva is different from traditional halva.
  • Sweetness Level: Offers a higher level of sweetness compared to traditional halva.

14. Date Syrup

A thick, sweet syrup made from dates.
  • Local Ingredients: Made with locally sourced dates.
  • Versatility: Can be used as a dessert topping, in beverages, or even as a condiment for various dishes.
  • Sweetness Level: Offers a high level of sweetness, catering to those with a strong sweet tooth.

15. Karabij

Traditional Iraqi cookies made from semolina and sesame seeds.
  • Cultural Significance: A traditional cookie with deep cultural roots.
  • Texture: The crunchy texture of the cookies is delightful to eat.
  • Portability: Easy to carry and enjoy as a snack while exploring the city.