Exploring Baghdad: An Epic Journey of Iraqi Breakfast and Bazaars
Baghdad, Iraq’s capital, is a city rich with history, culture, and culinary delights. In his latest video, David Hoffman, the creator behind the popular YouTube channel Davidsbeenhere, takes viewers on a captivating journey through the heart of Baghdad. From enjoying traditional Iraqi street food to wandering through ancient bazaars, David explores the vibrant streets and shares his first-hand experiences with the locals. Watch the full video here.
A Taste of Iraq: Traditional Breakfast in Baghdad
David’s day begins with a quintessential Iraqi breakfast—a culinary experience that introduces him to the rich and hearty flavors of the city. His guide, Jaffar, takes him to a local shop to try a traditional dish called "Fool Medames", a flavorful meal made with fava beans, eggs, tomatoes, and soaked bread. The dish is topped with generous amounts of olive oil and served with a side of spicy chili peppers and pickles, creating a combination of savory and tangy flavors.
David describes the dish as incredibly filling, highlighting the moisture and softness of the bread soaked in fava bean broth. The oiliness of the dish, combined with the freshness of the tomatoes and eggs, makes for a rich, comforting meal. This is a traditional Iraqi breakfast enjoyed by locals, offering a hearty start to the day before heading out to explore the bustling streets of Baghdad.
Street Food in the Heart of Baghdad
As David continues his food tour, he dives into the world of Iraqi street food, encountering vendors who proudly prepare some of the city’s tastiest dishes. One of the standout moments is his visit to a vendor who makes fresh falafel, frying the chickpea-based patties in front of David. The crispy, golden falafel, served with fresh tomatoes and bread, is a delight to watch and taste.
In addition to falafel, David tries a lamb omelet known as "Mahlama". The dish features minced lamb, tomatoes, eggs, and spices, cooked together and served with fluffy bread. David marvels at the smoky flavor and the delicate balance of the savory lamb with the tangy tomatoes. The richness of the lamb, combined with the freshness of the bread, makes this dish a must-try for visitors to Baghdad.
The Richness of Iraqi Hospitality
One of the most memorable aspects of David’s journey is the overwhelming kindness and hospitality of the Iraqi people. From vendors offering free samples of their food to shopkeepers sharing stories of their family businesses, David is constantly met with warmth and generosity.
As he navigates through the Rashid Street Bazaar, David encounters a variety of vendors selling dates, a staple in Iraq. He learns about the local tradition of eating dates in odd numbers, such as one, three, or five, and tries a half-ripe, half-soft date that offers a unique combination of textures. In Iraq, dates are not just a sweet treat but also a symbol of hospitality, and David’s interaction with the vendors showcases the welcoming nature of the locals.
Exploring Baghdad’s Iconic Bazaars
The journey continues as David and Jaffar visit one of Baghdad’s most famous markets, the Copper Bazaar, also known as Safafir Market. This historic bazaar is renowned for its copper artisans, who create beautiful, handcrafted items such as plates, teapots, and traditional cookware. David is particularly fascinated by the intricate work of the local coppersmiths, many of whom have been practicing their craft for generations.
In one shop, David is shown a certificate from the British government dating back to 1918, a testament to the long-standing history of the copper trade in Baghdad. He purchases a few copper pieces, including handcrafted plates, marveling at the skill and artistry involved in their creation.
The Copper Bazaar is not just a place to shop; it’s a living museum where visitors can witness the artisans at work, hammering away at copper sheets to create stunning pieces of art. The rhythmic sound of hammers, which once echoed throughout the market, earned it the nickname “The Whistlers’ Market.”
Baghdad’s Culture Through Its Bazaars
In addition to the Copper Bazaar, David visits various other bazaars in Baghdad, each offering a glimpse into the city’s vibrant market culture. He comes across stalls selling prayer beads and evil eye amulets, learning about the spiritual significance of these items in Iraqi culture. The prayer beads, used during prayers to count repetitions of phrases, are a common sight in the markets, symbolizing faith and devotion.
The evil eye amulets, known as "The Seven Eyes", are believed to ward off bad luck and protect the wearer from harm. These amulets, often found in homes and shops across Iraq, are an important part of the country’s cultural and spiritual traditions.
Baghdad’s Hidden Culinary Gems
Throughout the video, David also highlights some lesser-known but equally delicious street foods that visitors should not miss. One of these is a liver kebab, which David tries at a small vendor in the bazaar. The liver is marinated in herbs and spices, grilled to perfection, and served with fresh bread. David is impressed by the rich, smoky flavor of the liver, which is a popular dish in Iraqi cuisine.
Another highlight is David’s encounter with a vendor selling walnuts coated in syrup, a sweet treat that provides a quick energy boost while exploring the market. The vendor insists on giving David the walnuts for free, yet another example of the generosity that defines Iraqi hospitality.
The Whistlers’ Bazaar: A Window into Iraqi Craftsmanship
One of the most fascinating parts of David’s exploration is his visit to the Whistlers’ Bazaar, where copper artisans have been practicing their craft for centuries. The bazaar is filled with copper workshops, where artisans create everything from teapots to decorative plates. David is captivated by the skill and dedication of these craftsmen, many of whom have been working in the bazaar for generations.
David purchases a few copper pieces from a shop that has been in the same family for over 100 years. The shopkeeper proudly shows David a certificate from the British government, dating back to 1918, which honors his family’s long history in the copper trade. David leaves the bazaar with a deeper appreciation for the artistry and craftsmanship that defines Baghdad’s markets.
A Warm Farewell from Baghdad
As David’s day comes to an end, he reflects on the incredible experiences he’s had in Baghdad. From the delicious street food to the bustling bazaars and the overwhelming kindness of the people, David’s journey through Baghdad offers a fresh perspective on a city that is often misunderstood. He encourages his viewers to visit Iraq and experience the warmth and beauty of the country for themselves.
In the closing moments of the video, David expresses his gratitude to the locals who made his trip so memorable, from the friendly vendors to the skilled artisans. He leaves Baghdad with a heart full of appreciation for the city’s rich culture and generous people.
For those looking to explore a destination off the beaten path, Baghdad offers a unique and unforgettable experience. Whether you’re savoring the flavors of Iraqi street food or wandering through the historic bazaars, Baghdad is a city that will leave a lasting impression on any traveler.
Watch David’s full journey through Baghdad here, and start planning your own adventure in this fascinating city.