Why it matters: Baghdad, located on Tacket Street in Ipswich's town centre, will bring traditional Middle Eastern flavours to Ipswich, offering local diners the chance to experience cuisines with ancient roots dating back to the fertile crescent.
The big picture: Iraqi cuisine reached its peak during the Islamic Golden Age when Baghdad was the capital of the Abbasid Caliphate (750-1258 AD), while Kurdish culinary traditions share cultural similarities with neighbouring regions, including Iran, Iraq, Turkey, Syria, and Armenia.
What to expect: While specific menu details have not yet been confirmed, here's what you could expect:
Both cuisines are known for extensive use of fresh herbs and spices
Iraqi cuisine varies by region, with pomegranate-flavoured dolma in the north and fish dishes common in the south
Popular Kurdish dishes include biryani, white rice dishes (with meat or vegetables), and various salads and pastries
Traditional beverages include sweetened black tea and strong coffee
Location: The restaurant will occupy the former Salt 'n' Pepper café premises on Tacket Street, which closed in November 2023.
The bottom line: The restaurant is in the final stages of the fitting-out process. When it opens its doors in the next couple of weeks, Baghdad will become the town's first Iraqi and Kurdish restaurant.
