How to Plan an Iraqi Meal for Two, Four or Eight People

An Iraqi meal is ordered for the table, not per person: a few cold starters to share, one hot starter, then one or two centrepieces. For two, a mixed grill for two is enough. For four, add half a masgouf. For eight, a whole masgouf and a large grill platter carry the meal. Below are worked examples with our current prices.

How does ordering an Iraqi meal work?

Everything goes in the middle. Cold starters and bread arrive first, hot starters next, and the centrepiece — grills, masgouf or quzi — last. People eat from every plate, so you order by the table's size and appetite, not by counting mains. Two rules keep it simple: order one cold starter for every two or three people, and let one big dish anchor the meal. Twelve dishes, explained covers what each one is, and Khaleej Times on Iraqi dishes tells the story behind them.

What should two people order?

For a lighter meal, swap the grill platter for one kebab (Kabab Erbil, AED 88) and one lamb tashreeb (AED 88).

What should four people order?

Masgouf takes about an hour, so call ahead — how much masgouf to order explains the timing.

What should eight people order?

With eight, mix textures: something from the fire, something slow-cooked, and something stuffed. If quzi and ouzi confuse your guests, quzi vs ouzi settles it.

What if some guests don't eat meat or fish?

Iraqi starters are largely vegetable-based — hummus, moutabbal, tabbouleh, fattoush, falafel — so add two or three more of those. Everything we serve is halal and there is no alcohol.

Common questions

Do prices include VAT?

No. Menu prices are before 5% VAT, which is added at checkout.

Can I order these for delivery?

Yes — everything above is on our online menu for delivery across Dubai and Sharjah. Masgouf needs about an hour on top of the delivery time.

How many kubba per person?

As a starter, two or three pieces each. The small platter has six, the large thirteen.