An-Nasiriyah is a city in southern Iraq, located in the Dhi Qar province. As of 2021, the estimated population of the city is around 750,000 people. An-Nasiriyah is known for its rich cultural heritage, which is reflected in its food and drinks.
The people of An-Nasiriyah lead a busy and often stressful life due to the challenges of living in a post-conflict environment. However, they still find time to enjoy traditional Iraqi cuisine and drinks with their family and friends, which is an essential part of their social life.
The traditional cuisine of An-Nasiriyah is heavily influenced by the geography of the region, which is dominated by the Tigris and Euphrates rivers. One of the most popular dishes is "Masgouf," a grilled fish dish made with freshwater fish, usually from the Tigris river. The fish is marinated with salt, pepper, and tamarind sauce and then grilled over an open flame. The dish is often served with tannour bread and chopped onions.
Another popular dish is "Kebab," which is made from seasoned ground lamb or beef. The meat is mixed with onions, garlic, parsley, and spices and then grilled on skewers over an open flame. It is often served with rice, salad, and hummus.
"Quzi" is a traditional Iraqi dish that is popular in An-Nasiriyah. It is a slow-cooked lamb dish that is usually served during special occasions such as weddings and religious festivals. The lamb is marinated with a mix of spices, including cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves, and then slow-cooked with rice, almonds, and raisins.
"Timman Bagilla" is a vegetarian dish made with rice, fava beans, and dill. The dish is seasoned with turmeric and cumin and is often served with a tomato and cucumber salad.
Tea is the most popular drink in An-Nasiriyah, and it is usually served with every meal. It is often made with black tea leaves and is sweetened with sugar. Arabic coffee is also a popular drink and is made by boiling ground coffee beans with water.
"Sharbat" is a popular sweet drink that is made with sugar syrup, water, and various flavors such as rose, orange blossom, or mint. It is often served cold and is a refreshing drink during the hot summer months.
The people of An-Nasiriyah usually have their main meal of the day in the early afternoon, around 1-2 pm. This meal is often the largest and most important meal of the day and is usually a family affair. Dinner is usually a lighter meal, often consisting of leftovers from lunch or simple dishes such as sandwiches or soups.
The cuisine of An-Nasiriyah is a reflection of the region's history and geography. The people of An-Nasiriyah enjoy traditional dishes such as Masgouf, Kebab, Quzi, and Timman Bagilla, which are often served with tannour bread and salad. Tea, Arabic coffee, and Sharbat are popular drinks. The people of An-Nasiriyah usually have their main meal of the day in the early afternoon and enjoy their food in a relaxed and social atmosphere, often with family and friends.