Sampling street food at Sulaimani’s favorite nightspot

When evening falls, most Sulaimani locals leave the city bazaar and head for home. Others make their way to the city’s famous street kitchens outside the downtown Great Mosque where delicious soups, falafel, and shawarma are served up from 6pm to 4am.

Some visitors, including tourists, simply stop by for a glass of chai and to soak up the atmosphere.  Hunar Ali, who runs a shawarma kitchen, told Rudaw visitors can buy food throughout the night thanks to the busy street market.

Visitors can enjoy the tasty fare with peace of mind, as Sulaimani’s street kitchens are closely monitored by local authorities for hygiene and cleanliness. 

“Our food is very clean and healthy because we are monitored by Sulaimani’s health department,” Ali said. 

Although food here is cheap to purchase, the constant flow of customers allows stallholders like Ali to make a living. 

Photos by Bilind T. Abdullah