Erbil Iraq Travel Guide
Kurdish cuisine draws from West Asian, Turkish, and Persian culinary traditions. Food highlights fresh, seasonal ingredients, hearty portions, and aromatic spices. Historically, agricultural staples and pastoral traditions shaped dishes, with lamb and chicken as core proteins. Bread is a a a basic element.
Hospitality is central to Kurdish culture; sharing food conveys welcome and generosity.
Meals are often communal. Accepting food and drink offers is polite. Hosts may insist you eat more as a gesture of generosity.
Eat with your right hand when sharing from a collective dish or eating street food. Bread serves as both utensil and staple; avoid wasting it.
A small tip (5-10%) for good service is appreciated in restaurants. Erbil shares many culinary traits with the Kurdistan Region, with minor variations in preparation.
Sliced marinated meat (poultry or lamb) served in flatbread with edible plants and garlic/tahini sauce.
Find at: Street food stalls, casual restaurants, around the bazaar.
Grilled minced lamb or chicken meat, seasoned, on skewers. Served with fresh bread, grilled vegetables.
Find at: "Kebabchi" restaurants, most local eateries specializing in barbecued meats.
Vegetables (vine leaves, zucchini, etc.) stuffed with rice, minced meat, and seasonings, slow-cooked.
Find at: Traditional Kurdish eateries, often as a daily special.
Layers of filo a pastry containing chopped nuts (pistachios/walnuts), sweetened with syrup.
Dense, sweet confection from tahini or semolina, often flavored with pistachios.
Luxury international hotels (Divan, Rotana, Hyatt Regency) host most fine dining spots.
Numerous options specializing in traditional Kurdish and Middle Eastern fare.
Abundant street food and small local restaurants.
Offers fresh produce, nuts, dried fruits, prepared foods. Sample local snacks here.
Historic, bustling, and authentic.
Family Mall and Majidi Mall host food courts with fast food, casual dining, and international chains.
Contemporary and convenient for quick meals.
Pasta, pizza, and more.
Well-known international chains.
Growing number of choices.
Expanding options in Ankawa.
All meat served in the Kurdistan Region meets halal standards. You will not face issues finding halal food.
No special requests needed for halal meals.
Jewish-approved food is generally not available in Erbil.
Plan accordingly if kosher is a requirement.
Communicating specific allergies (nuts, dairy) can be difficult because of language barriers and less awareness in smaller establishments.
Carry translation cards explaining your dietary needs in Kurdish and Arabic. This greatly assists communication with restaurant staff.
Beyond dining, Erbil has opportunities to immerse yourself in its food culture.
Limited publicly advertised classes. Private arrangements possible through local tour operators.
Not widely advertised. Specialized food tours can be organized privately, focusing on local markets and eateries.
Rare directly within Erbil. Day trips to neighboring agricultural areas might provide fast looks at food production.
Occasional local festivals could include food, showing traditional dishes and regional specialties.
Explore tea houses around Qaysari Bazaar for an authentic glimpse into local social life. Men gather to drink tea, play backgammon, and socialize.
Many cafes, especially in Ankawa, offer shisha (hookah) alongside drinks and light snacks, a relaxed social setting.
Immerse yourself by sampling diverse street foods, a flavorful and rapid way to experience local tastes.
With local contacts, an invitation to a family-oriented dinner offers unparalleled hospitality and home-cooked meals.
Limited open to the public to production sites, yet local alcoholic drinks like Arak are available in specific areas.
Freshly squeezed fruit juices are widely available and refreshing, notably in warmer months.
Beyond black tea, explore local herbal infusions found in the bazaar or particular shops.
Some local restaurants might offer homemade seasonal drinks, an unique local taste.
Choose local, independent restaurants and street food vendors. This directly supports the local economy and traditional food culture.
Be mindful of food portions and avoid unnecessary waste. Water scarcity is an issue, so conserve water.
A tip of 5-10% for good service is appreciated, although not strictly required. You can round up the bill.
Tipping is less common here, but rounding up the bill or leaving a small amount for exceptional service is a kind gesture.
Tipping is not customary for street food vendors. They appreciate your business.
Do not hesitate to try food from smaller, bustling local eateries. These often give the most authentic and flavorful dishes. Observe where residents dine for good choices.
