Must-Try Foods In Hawler Castle (Erbil) For Tourists 2026 - 2027

Food History of Hawler Castle, Erbil, Iraq

The ancient city of Erbil, also known as Hawler, is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Its famous landmark, Hawler Castle, also known as Erbil Citadel, is a tell or occupied mound that rises above the cityscape and has been the historical and cultural heart of the region for millennia. The food history in and around Hawler Castle is steeped in the diverse culinary traditions of the various peoples and civilizations that have inhabited the area, including the Assyrians, Akkadians, Sumerians, and Kurds.

Traditional Kurdish cuisine has been influenced by the region's agrarian lifestyle and the need to prepare dishes that could be preserved due to the changing seasons. Dishes often consist of grains, legumes, and vegetables, seasoned with a variety of herbs and spices unique to the Middle East. Meat is also a significant part of Kurdish gastronomy, with a focus on lamb and chicken.

Must-Try Top 10 Food Dishes in Hawler Castle, Erbil, Iraq

1. Dolma (Non-veg) - Grape leaves or vegetables stuffed with rice and sometimes meat, seasoned with herbs and spices.
2. Biryani (Non-veg) - A flavorful rice dish mixed with spices, vegetables, and usually chicken.
3. Kubba (Non-veg) - A popular Middle Eastern dish made of bulgur or rice and chopped meat, usually shaped into balls or patties.
4. Tapsi (Veg) - A vegetarian dish consisting of eggplants, potatoes, and tomatoes baked with aromatic spices.
5. Bamia (Veg/Non-veg) - Okra cooked with tomato and garlic, and can be served with or without meat.
6. Yaprakh (Non-veg) - Stuffed vine leaves similar to dolma but primarily prepared with meat fillings.
7. Falafel (Veg) - Deep-fried balls made from ground chickpeas or fava beans, often served in pita bread.
8. Tabbouleh (Veg) - A refreshing salad made with bulgur, fresh parsley, mint, tomato, and lemon juice.
9. Kofta (Non-veg) - Spiced meatballs that are often grilled or baked and served with a variety of dipping sauces.
10. Hummus (Veg) - A creamy dip made from cooked, mashed chickpeas blended with tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and salt.

Top Famous Restaurants in Hawler Castle, Erbil, Iraq

• Name: Machko Traditional Tea House
  Address: Erbil Old City, near Hawler Castle
  Famous For: Traditional teas and Kurdish snacks (Veg/Non-veg options)
• Name: Jiger Khana
  Address: Ankawa, Erbil, near Hawler Castle
  Famous For: Kurdish barbecue, especially Chicken (Non-veg)
• Name: Abu Shahab City Restaurant
  Address: 100m Street, Erbil
  Famous For: Biryani and Tapsi (Veg/Non-veg options)
• Name: Karwan Saray
  Address: Erbil Centre, close to Hawler Castle
  Famous For: Kubba and Tabouleh (Veg/Non-veg options)
• Name: Chalak's Place
  Address: Iskan Street, Erbil
  Famous For: Pizza and Pasta with a Kurdish twist (Veg/Non-veg options)