Davidsbeenhere's Masgouf Feast and Sweet Shop Adventure in Baghdad
In the bustling streets of Baghdad, YouTuber David Hoffman from Davidsbeenhere embarks on a culinary journey that takes him to the heart of Iraq's rich food culture. His day begins with Iraq's national dish, Masgouf, and ends at the country's largest sweet shop, where he samples a variety of traditional Iraqi desserts. This vibrant adventure highlights the flavors, history, and hospitality of Iraq. Watch the full video here.
The National Dish: Masgouf – A Carp Fish Delight
David’s journey kicks off at 2 p.m. in Baghdad with a mission to try Masgouf, Iraq’s national dish, which is a unique preparation of carp fish. This traditional dish is beloved across the country for its rich, smoky flavors, and it’s a must-try for anyone visiting Iraq. David and his local guides, Ali and Jafar, lead the way as they enter a local restaurant that specializes in this iconic dish.
The cooking process of Masgouf is a spectacle in itself. The fresh carp is selected from a pool right next to the fire pit, ensuring that the fish is as fresh as possible. The fish is then scaled, cleaned, and cut with small incisions before being skewered and placed upright near an open flame, where it’s slowly roasted. The slow roasting method ensures that the fish is cooked from the inside out, absorbing the smoky flavor from the flames.
A Look Inside the Iraqi Kitchen
While the fish is roasting, David ventures into the kitchen to explore the other dishes being prepared. Inside, he finds a team of chefs preparing various meats, from lamb to beef, alongside fresh olives, pickles, and bread. The atmosphere is filled with the aromas of freshly baked Iraqi flatbread and grilled meat, giving viewers a sense of the care and attention that goes into every dish.
David is also invited to try his hand at bread-making, getting a behind-the-scenes look at how the traditional bread is prepared on a hot surface. This close interaction with the kitchen staff highlights the hospitality of the Iraqi people, who are eager to share their food and culture with visitors.
The Feast: Enjoying Masgouf with Iraqi Sides
Once the fish is ready, David and his companions sit down to enjoy a traditional Iraqi feast. The Masgouf is served with a variety of sides, including fresh basil, pickles, tomatoes, and Amba (a tangy mango pickle sauce that is a staple in Iraqi cuisine). David is particularly impressed by the crispiness of the fish’s skin, which crackles like a cracker, while the meat inside remains tender, buttery, and flavorful.
David explains that the key to eating Masgouf is to use your hands, carefully picking through the fish to avoid the small bones. He layers his fish with basil, pickles, and a generous helping of Amba, which he describes as the “national sauce of Iraq.” The combination of the smoky fish, fresh herbs, and tangy Amba creates a burst of flavors that David savors with every bite.
Exploring the Origins of Masgouf
David is fascinated by the fact that Iraq’s national dish is a fish-based meal, given that the country has only one port city, Basra, located on the Persian Gulf. However, Iraq is home to the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, which provide an abundance of freshwater fish, particularly carp. The fish is often caught in these rivers, making Masgouf a beloved dish throughout the country, especially in river cities like Baghdad.
David’s excitement grows as he learns that his next destination, Basra, is famous for its seafood, including the best fish dishes from both the sea and rivers. He looks forward to comparing the flavors of Masgouf in Baghdad to the seafood he’ll taste in Basra in the coming days.
Indulging in Iraqi Sweets: A Visit to Al-Hasaki Sweet Shop
After the savory Masgouf feast, David heads to Al-Hasaki, the largest sweet shop in Iraq. Here, he is welcomed by Yasin, who guides him through the shop’s vast selection of traditional Iraqi desserts. The shop is a paradise for anyone with a sweet tooth, offering everything from baklava to jalabi (a fried dough sweet soaked in syrup and topped with pistachios).
David begins by sampling the jalabi, which he notes is similar to the Indian dessert jalebi but thicker and topped with pistachios. The sweetness and texture of the jalabi are a hit with David, who marvels at the decadence of the dessert.
Next, David tries the triangle baklava, which is filled with layers of pistachios. Unlike traditional baklava, which usually contains a mixture of nuts and pastry, this version is almost entirely pistachio-based, making it a rich and flavorful treat. David is impressed by how the baklava crumbles and melts in his mouth, offering a perfect balance of sweetness and nuttiness.
A Dream for Dessert Lovers
Al-Hasaki is a dessert lover’s dream, with over 100 different types of sweets to choose from. The selection includes everything from cookie-like pastries filled with jam to pistachio and caramel delights. David can hardly contain his excitement as he moves from one sweet to the next, sampling as many as he can.
One of the highlights is Kunafa, a traditional Middle Eastern dessert made with shredded pastry, cheese, and syrup. David tries both the cream-filled Kunafa and the classic version, describing the crispy noodles on top and the soft, cheesy filling as a heavenly combination. He encourages visitors to Al-Hasaki to indulge in the Kunafa, calling it one of his favorite Middle Eastern desserts.
Iraqi Hospitality Shines Through
Throughout his culinary adventure, David is consistently met with the generosity and hospitality that Iraq is known for. Whether it’s the chefs inviting him into the kitchen or the sweet shop staff offering him endless samples, the warmth and kindness of the Iraqi people leave a lasting impression on David.
At the end of the day, David reflects on the incredible food he’s experienced, from the rich, smoky flavors of Masgouf to the decadent sweetness of Al-Hasaki’s desserts. He encourages his viewers to visit Iraq and experience the country’s rich culinary traditions for themselves, highlighting the fact that Iraq is a destination full of surprises.
A Culinary Journey Worth Taking
David’s exploration of Iraq through its food is a testament to the country’s rich culinary heritage. From the iconic Masgouf to the endless varieties of sweets, Iraq offers visitors a unique and unforgettable gastronomic experience. David’s enthusiasm for the flavors, history, and culture of Iraq is contagious, and his video serves as an invitation for travelers to discover the beauty of Iraqi cuisine.
For those looking to embark on their own food adventure, David’s journey through Baghdad is a perfect guide. Whether you’re sampling the national dish Masgouf or indulging in sweets at Al-Hasaki, Iraq’s culinary scene is sure to leave a lasting impression.
Watch David’s full adventure in Baghdad and get inspired to plan your own trip to Iraq. Check out the video here.