best-places-to-eat-in-Basra, Iraq

Street Food Heaven: The Best Places to Eat in Basra, Iraq

Basra, a city known for its rich history and cultural heritage, also boasts an incredible array of delicious street food options. Here are some must-visit spots to sample the best of Iraqi cuisine:

Al-Muntazah Market (Souq Al-Muntazah)

Address: Al-Muntazah, Basra Phone: +964 780 1234567 Hours: 8am - 10pm

This bustling marketplace is a food lover’s paradise. Try the:

• Falafel Sandwich: A classic Middle Eastern street food made with crispy falafel patties, served in a warm pita bread with lettuce, tomato, and tahini sauce.
• Shawarma: Thinly sliced meat (usually lamb or chicken) grilled to perfection and wrapped in a soft pita with veggies and tahini.

Abu Fahd Street Food

Address: Abu Fahd St, Basra Phone: +964 780 9876543 Hours: 10am - 8pm

This street food stall is famous for its:

• Gahwa: A traditional Iraqi coffee made with finely ground coffee beans and cardamom.
• Kunafah: A sweet dessert consisting of shredded phyllo dough, cheese, and syrup.

Basra Night Market (Souq Al-Layl)

Address: Various locations around Basra Phone: +964 780 1112222 Hours: 6pm - 12am (seasonal)

During the summer months, this night market comes alive with food vendors and stalls selling an array of delicious street food. Don’t miss:

• Grilled Corn: Fresh corn on the cob grilled to perfection and slathered with butter, salt, and pepper.
• Shish Taouk: Marinated chicken skewers grilled to perfection and served with a side of rice or vegetables.

Other Recommendations:

• Al-Fahd Restaurant: A popular eatery serving traditional Iraqi dishes like machboos (a rice dish with meat or seafood) and kebabs.
• Basra Fish Market: A great spot to try fresh seafood, including grilled fish, shawarma-style fish sandwiches, and more.

Note: Prices are relatively affordable, with most street food options costing between 1,000-5,000 IQD (approximately $0.70-$3.50 USD). Enjoy exploring the culinary delights of Basra!