Step aside, avocado toast – Baghdad’s streets are serving up a 4,500-year-old delicacy that’s basically time-travel on a plate. Meet masgouf, Iraq’s smoky grilled fish dish that’s survived empires, wars, and food trends to remain the ultimate crowd-pleaser today.
Cooked over open flames using methods dating back to Mesopotamia, this crispy-skinned carp is marinated in olive oil, tamarind, and regional spices. Locals swear by its ‘slow-grilled perfection’ at riverside street stalls, while upscale restaurants reinterpret it with modern flair.
What makes masgouf iconic? It’s not just the flavor – it’s a living symbol of Iraqi resilience. Food blogger Layla Ahmed tells us: \"When we share masgouf, we taste our ancestors’ legacy and Baghdad’s enduring spirit.\" From family gatherings to TikTok food tours (#MasgoufVibes), this ancient dish keeps uniting generations.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com