0%Lighting the coals
Al Muraqqabat (Deira)
10 Al Muraqqabat St, Deira, Dubai
+971 4 272 0843
Sharjah
Al Taawun St, Al Khalidiya District, Sharjah
+971 6 565 8255
Hours
Daily 09:00 - 03:00
Englishالعربية
Iraq's National Dish

Masgouf in Dubai
grilled over wood coals.

A whole river fish, split open, seasoned and slow-roasted upright beside an open wood fire — exactly as it is done on the banks of the Tigris.

The dish

What is Masgouf?

Masgouf (مسكوف) is the national dish of Iraq and the single most-ordered plate at Kabab Erbil since we opened in 2003. A whole freshwater fish is butterflied, brushed with a marinade of tamarind, turmeric, olive oil and salt, then stood upright on stakes around an open wood fire and cooked slowly for two to three hours.

The slow, indirect heat is the whole point. It dries and crisps the skin while the flesh stays moist and smoky — a texture you simply cannot reach with a gas grill. Near the end, the fish is laid flat over the coals to finish, then served on a wide platter with grilled tomato and onion, lemon, fresh herbs, pickles and hot Iraqi bread.

We serve Masgouf at both branches — our Iraqi restaurant in Deira, Dubai and the best Arabic & Iraqi restaurant in Sharjah. Because each fish is cooked to order over real wood, we recommend calling ahead or including it when you order Iraqi food online. It is also the centrepiece of our Iraqi catering in Dubai, where we set up a live Masgouf station at your event.

Browse the full Iraqi menu to pair it with mezze, kubba and charcoal grills.
Masgouf

Questions about Masgouf

What kind of fish is used for Masgouf?

Traditionally a freshwater carp from the Tigris and Euphrates. In Dubai we use the closest available freshwater fish, selected fresh each day so the flesh holds up to two to three hours of slow wood-fire cooking.

How long does Masgouf take to prepare?

Two to three hours over wood coals — it cannot be rushed. If you are dining in, call ahead so it is ready when you arrive; for delivery or catering, please order in advance.

Is Masgouf available at both branches?

Yes — at our Deira (Al Muraqqabat) branch in Dubai and at our Al Taawun branch in Sharjah. Both cook it over real wood, never gas.

Is it halal?

Yes. Everything at Kabab Erbil is 100% halal and no alcohol is served on the premises.

Taste real Masgouf.

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