My Day Restaurant - Iraqi cuisine — Restaurant in Brussels

Nestled in the heart of Brussels, My Day Restaurant is more than just a dining experience—it’s a cultural and emotional bridge that brings the soul of Iraq to life. Walking through its doors, we were greeted by the gentle strains of traditional Iraqi music, instantly transporting my father back to the streets and alleys of Iraq, a place he had called home for two unforgettable years during his time as a labor export worker.

The ambiance of the restaurant is warm and authentic, adorned with intricate Middle Eastern patterns and soft, ambient lighting. The staff, friendly and attentive, made us feel at home immediately. My father couldn’t help but exclaim, “This music—it’s exactly what I used to hear on the streets and in my dormitory back then.”

We began with a pot of Iraqi tea, served in small, elegantly crafted glasses. As my father sipped the tea, he smiled nostalgically, saying, “This is it—this is the tea I had every day in Iraq. The flavor, the warmth, the comfort—it’s all the same.”

For our meal, we ordered an array of dishes that captured the essence of Iraqi cuisine. The shawarma was tender and perfectly seasoned, wrapped in soft, fresh bread. The hummus was creamy and rich, paired beautifully with warm, fluffy flatbreads. The eggplant salad offered a smoky depth of flavor, with a delightful blend of spices. The crispy potatoes were golden and seasoned to perfection. The highlight for my father was the rice with lamb and okra (秋葵), a hearty and flavorful dish where the lamb was tender, the rice fragrant, and the okra added a delightful texture and earthy flavor. Each dish was a testament to the richness and complexity of Iraqi flavors.

Adding a special touch to the experience was the restaurant’s owner, a true gentleman who spoke perfect English. He not only introduced us to the dishes with pride but also took the time to share stories and recommendations. When we mentioned my father’s time in Iraq 40 years ago, he enthusiastically pointed out places we could visit. His warmth and genuine passion for Iraqi culture made the meal even more meaningful. Inspired by his suggestions, my father and I are now planning to visit the very place where he worked all those years ago—a journey we hope will reconnect him with his...

Our family recently visited this restaurant yesterday, and we had an incredible experience. The food was absolutely delicious—everything we ordered was packed with rich, authentic flavours.

The service was exceptional, despite a slight language barrier. One small challenge we encountered was when we requested plain yogurt, which the staff initially found hard to understand. However, with the help of a translation app, we were able to communicate our request, and the staff went above and beyond to accommodate us. They were very patient and worked with us to make sure we had exactly what we needed, and this truly enhanced our dining experience.

The warm hospitality of the staff, combined with the authentic and flavorful dishes, made this meal one to remember. Thank you for having us! It was a fantastic family meal, and we left feeling very well taken care of. Highly recommend this restaurant for anyone looking for a genuine Iraqi dining experience!

Next time we visit Brussels, we’ll definitely return to...

This restaurant is a gem. The taste of rice with safran or fume is unbelievable and far from the way we europeans experience the rice. The taste of batata hara with that spicy and traditional sauce is also unknown to us but my taste buds were so pleasantly surprised. The artisanal tea ...wow. It is really a different experience and I am sure I will come back to try all the recipes they have. The service is great, the lady is so nice and open. Later edit: I tried okra (which I love and I myself cook once per year) and indeed was good. This time I bought artisanal tea for my...