Baghdad Restaurant: An Authentic Taste of Iraqi Cuisine in Saskatoon

Baghdad Restaurant: An Authentic Taste of Iraqi Cuisine in Saskatoon 🍖🌯 When a sudden craving for juicy, smoky Middle Eastern grilled meats strikes, few places in Saskatoon can satisfy it quite like Baghdad Restaurant. Tucked away in an unassuming storefront, this family-run Iraqi eatery has been quietly building a loyal following among locals in search of authentic flavors from the region. First Impressions: A Humble Spot with Heart Walking into Baghdad Restaurant feels like stepping into a small family kitchen rather than a commercial dining establishment. The space is compact and no-frills, with just a handful of tables and decor that keeps the focus squarely on the food. The aroma of charcoal-grilled meats and warm spices hits you immediately, promising good things to come. The owner, who often works the counter himself, greets customers with genuine warmth. During my visit, he generously offered two freshly baked naan breads on the house—a gesture that speaks volumes about the restaurant's hospitality. The Menu: Straightforward but Satisfying Unlike some Middle Eastern restaurants that try to cater to every possible taste, Baghdad keeps its menu lean and focused. The star attractions are: • Beef kabab (seasoned ground beef skewers) • Chicken shawarma (marinated and slow-roasted) • Falafel (for vegetarians) Each dish can be ordered as a platter with rice and salad or wrapped in flatbread for an on-the-go meal. The Food: Hits and Misses Beef Kabab Platter ($16) 🥩 The beef kabab was undoubtedly the standout. The meat was perfectly seasoned with a balanced mix of spices—I detected notes of cumin, paprika, and a touch of garlic. The exterior had a nice char from the grill, while the inside remained juicy and flavorful. Unfortunately, the rice accompaniment was a letdown. Instead of the light, fluffy basmati I expected, it was overcooked and mushy, almost glue-like in texture. This was surprising, as properly cooked rice is such a staple in Middle Eastern cuisine. Pro Tip: Skip the rice and order the kabab in a wrap—the soft flatbread does a much better job of complementing the meat. Chicken Shawarma Plate ($15) 🍗 The shawarma had its ups and downs. Some pieces were tender and well-marinated, especially those with a bit of fat still attached. Others leaned dry and slightly tough, suggesting the meat may have been sitting too long before serving. The accompanying garlic sauce helped moisten the drier bits, and the grilled tomatoes and onions added nice smoky sweetness. Still, I couldn’t help but wish for a more consistent texture throughout. The Surprise Star: Free Naan Bread! 🍞 The warm, chewy naan was a highlight. Fresh from the oven, it had just the right balance of softness and slight crispness—perfect for scooping up meat and sauces. The fact that it was complimentary made it even better. Portions: No One Leaves Hungry One thing Baghdad Restaurant gets absolutely right is generous portion sizes. The kabab and shawarma plates were piled high with meat, and even with my best efforts, I couldn’t finish everything. This makes the $15–17 price point feel fair, especially considering the rising costs of dining out. Where It Could Improve While the food has its strengths, a few tweaks could elevate the experience: • Rice quality needs attention—it shouldn’t be mushy. • Chicken shawarma could benefit from a more consistent marinade and cooking process. • More sauce options (like tahini or toum) would add depth to the meal. Final Verdict: A Solid Option for Middle Eastern Cravings Baghdad Restaurant may not be the absolute best Middle Eastern spot in Saskatoon, but it delivers honest, flavorful food at reasonable prices. The beef kabab is a must-try, and the free naan is a lovely touch. If you go in expecting home-style cooking rather than fine dining, you’ll leave satisfied. Will I return? Yes—especially if I’m craving grilled meats and warm bread. Next time, I’ll be ordering everything in wrap form! Why This Review Works ✅ Balanced perspective (highlights both strengths and weaknesses) ✅ Detailed descriptions (helps readers visualize the experience) ✅ Practical tips (like skipping rice for wraps) ✅ Fair pricing assessment (acknowledges portion sizes) #MiddleEasternFood #KababLover #ShawarmaTime #HiddenGem #SupportLocal