Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them in Karbalā’, Karbalā’, Iraq
1. Kufi Sandwich (Al-Zawraa Restaurant)
A popular Iraqi street food made with Kubba (meatballs), salad, and yogurt sauce. Al-Zawraa offers a large portion for a filling meal.
- Authentic Experience: Experience the traditional Iraqi street food in a local restaurant.
- Portion Size: Enjoy a generous serving of this hearty sandwich.
- Convenience: Located in the bustling Al-Zawraa Park, it's easily accessible for visitors.
2. Khach al-'Ajam (Al-Sayed al-Hakim Square)
A sweet rice pudding flavored with rosewater and topped with pistachios. Try it at Al-Sayed al-Hakim Square, where you can find several shops selling this delicacy.
- Traditional Delicacy: Indulge in a traditional Iraqi dessert with a unique flavor.
- Multiple Shops: Choose from various shops offering Khach al-'Ajam.
- Ideal Snack: Perfect for a sweet treat during your exploration of the city.
3. Mahshi Warak Enab (Restaurant Shams)
Stuffed vine leaves filled with rice and meat. Restaurant Shams is known for its delicious Mahshi Warak Enab.
- Unique Ingredient: Experience the unique combination of vine leaves, rice, and meat.
- Homemade Taste: Enjoy a home-cooked taste in a restaurant setting.
- Special Occasion Dish: This dish is often served during special occasions, making it a must-try in Karbalā’.
4. Samesem (Al-Abbas's Kitchen)
A traditional Iraqi sweet made from flour, sugar, butter, and sesame seeds. Al-Abbas's Kitchen offers a variety of Samesem flavors.
- Variety of Flavors: Choose from different flavors of this delicious Iraqi sweet.
- Ideal Souvenir: Take a box of Samesem as a tasty souvenir back home.
- Historic Location: Savor the sweet at Al-Abbas's Kitchen, located near the historic Imam Hussain Shrine.
5. Baghlawa (Al-Hayat Restaurant)
A crispy, layered pastry filled with nuts and sweet syrup. Al-Hayat Restaurant is known for its delectable Baghlawa.
- Delicate Pastry: Enjoy the delicate layers of this traditional Iraqi pastry.
- Breakfast Option: Start your day with a sweet and nutty Baghlawa.
- Central Location: Find Al-Hayat Restaurant in the heart of Karbalā’, making it easily accessible for visitors.
6. Kubba Makhloubeh (Al-Zawraa Restaurant)
A rice dish made with meatballs and layers of rice. The unique twist is that the meatballs are buried under the rice, making it a visually appealing dish.
- Visual Appeal: Enjoy the visual spectacle of this unique Iraqi dish.
- Generous Portions: Savor a generous serving of Kubba Makhloubeh.
- Authentic Experience: Experience the authentic taste of this dish at Al-Zawraa Restaurant.
7. Basturma (Al-Mansouria Market)
A type of cured, air-dried beef. Visit Al-Mansouria Market for fresh and high-quality Basturma.
- Quality Ingredients: Taste the high-quality Basturma at Al-Mansouria Market.
- Authentic Market: Experience a traditional Iraqi market for an authentic taste.
- Ideal Snack: Basturma makes a great snack to enjoy on-the-go.
8. Masgouf (Al-Najaf Street)
Grilled carp fish seasoned with spices and served with rice. Al-Najaf Street is known for its Masgouf restaurants.
- Local Specialty: Taste the local specialty of Karbalā’ – Masgouf.
- Fresh Ingredients: Enjoy freshly caught and grilled carp fish.
- Street Food Experience: Experience the vibrant street food atmosphere of Al-Najaf Street.
9. Besam (Al-Abbas's Kitchen)
A sweet dish made from tahini, sugar, and topped with sesame seeds. Al-Abbas's Kitchen is famous for its Besam.
- Traditional Dessert: Experience a traditional Iraqi dessert at Al-Abbas's Kitchen.
- Unique Taste: Savor the unique taste of tahini and sesame seeds in Besam.
- Ideal Souvenir: Take a box of Besam as a tasty souvenir back home.
10. Mahshi Batinjan (Al-Khayyat Restaurant)
Stuffed eggplant dish made with rice, meat, and spices. Al-Khayyat Restaurant is known for its delicious Mahshi Batinjan.
- Unique Ingredient: Experience the unique combination of eggplant, rice, and meat.
- Authentic Experience: Enjoy an authentic Iraqi dish at Al-Khayyat Restaurant.
- Hearty Meal: Mahshi Batinjan makes for a hearty and satisfying meal.
11. Samkeh Mashwi (Al-Najaf Street)
Grilled fish served with rice and salad. Al-Najaf Street is known for its fresh fish and excellent grilling.
- Fresh Ingredients: Taste the freshness of the fish at Al-Najaf Street.
- Street Food Experience: Experience the vibrant street food atmosphere of Al-Najaf Street.
- Hearty Meal: Samkeh Mashwi makes for a hearty and satisfying meal.
12. Tharid (Restaurant Al-Zahraa)
A dish made with bread, meat or chicken, and yogurt. Restaurant Al-Zahraa offers a delicious Tharid.
- Comfort Food: Indulge in this comforting Iraqi dish at Restaurant Al-Zahraa.
- Authentic Experience: Experience the authentic taste of Tharid at a local restaurant.
- Variety of Meats: Choose from various meats or chicken to customize your Tharid.
13. Karkade (Street Vendors)
A traditional Iraqi drink made from hibiscus flowers. Street vendors offer refreshing Karkade throughout Karbalā’.
- Refreshing Drink: Stay hydrated with a refreshing glass of Karkade.
- Authentic Experience: Experience the local culture by purchasing Karkade from street vendors.
- Ideal Drink: Perfect for quenching your thirst during a hot day in Karbalā’.
14. Baklawa (Al-Khayyat Restaurant)
A sweet pastry made from layers of filo filled with nuts and honey. Al-Khayyat Restaurant offers a variety of Baklawa flavors.
- Variety of Flavors: Choose from different flavors of this delicious Iraqi pastry.
- Ideal Dessert: End your meal with a sweet Baklawa dessert.
- Central Location: Find Al-Khayyat Restaurant in the heart of Karbalā’, making it easily accessible for visitors.
15. Shish Taouk (Al-Najaf Street)
Grilled chicken skewers served with rice and salad. Al-Najaf Street is known for its excellent Shish Taouk.
- Street Food Experience: Experience the vibrant street food atmosphere of Al-Najaf Street.
- Tasty Meal: Enjoy a tasty and filling meal with Shish Taouk.
- Fresh Ingredients: Taste the freshness of the chicken and vegetables in Shish Taouk.