Culture
Masgouf to Dolma: 10 Essential Iraqi Food Words You Need to Know
مسكوف
masgouf
Grilled fish (national dish)
The national dish: Masgouf
مسكوف (masgouf) is Iraq's national dish — Tigris river fish split open, marinated, and grilled over an open fire. If you visit an Iraqi home or restaurant, this is the dish everyone will talk about. Saying "خوش مسكوف" (khosh masgouf) — 'good masgouf' — is a sure way to compliment a cook.
مسكوف
masgouf
Grilled fish
تمن
timman
Rice
Iraqi-specific — standard Arabic uses 'ruz'
خوش أكل
khosh akel
Good food!
Dolma, Kubba, and the stews
دولمة (dolma) is stuffed vegetables — grape leaves, zucchini, peppers — filled with rice and meat. كبة (kubba) is a meat-stuffed dough, and بامية (bamya) is a rich okra stew. These are the backbone of Iraqi home cooking.
دولمة
dolma
Stuffed vegetables
كبة
kubba
Meat-stuffed dough
بامية
bamya
Okra stew
قوزي
quzi
Slow-cooked lamb with rice
The most important Iraqi drink
چاي (chai) isn't just a drink in Iraq — it's a social ritual. Served in small glass cups called إستكان (istikan), Iraqi tea is strong, dark, and loaded with sugar. If someone asks "تشرب چاي؟" (tishrab chai?), saying yes is a sign of respect and warmth.
چاي
chai
Tea
إستكان
istikan
Small tea glass
عاشت إيدك
asht eedak
Bless your hands (said to the cook)
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