Shabandar café — Restaurant in Baghdad

Shabandar Café, one of the oldest and most iconic coffeehouses in Baghdad, Iraq. Located in the heart of the city's historic district, Shabandar Café has been a popular gathering place for locals and visitors alike for over 60 years.

As you enter the café, you will immediately notice the cozy and inviting atmosphere. The interior is decorated with traditional Iraqi furnishings and artwork, creating a warm and welcoming ambiance. The walls are adorned with vintage photographs and memorabilia that offer a glimpse into Baghdad's rich history.

But the real star of the show here is the coffee. Shabandar Café is known for serving some of the best coffee in the city, made from high-quality beans sourced from around the world. Whether you prefer a rich and bold espresso or a creamy cappuccino, you'll find it here, expertly brewed and served in traditional Iraqi cups.

In addition to coffee, the café also offers a variety of traditional Iraqi sweets and pastries, including baklava and qatayef, as well as savory snacks like falafel and hummus. Be sure to try the famous Shabandar breakfast, which includes a selection of traditional Iraqi dishes like fava beans, eggs, and pita bread.

But it's not just the coffee and food that make Shabandar Café special – it's the sense of community and history that you'll experience here. As you sip your coffee and take in the surroundings, you'll be reminded of the rich cultural heritage of Baghdad and the resilient spirit...

Al-Shabandar Heritage Café Al-Shabandar Café is one of the most famous old cafés in Baghdad. It is located at the end of Mutanabbi Street near the Qishla building (formerly Al-Muwaffaqiya School). The café building was previously the “Al-Shabandar Printing Press” which was established in 1907 and owned by Musa Al-Shabandar, who became the Minister of Foreign Affairs during the monarchy in 1941 in the Rashid Ali Al-Gaylani government. It has now become one of the important social clubs in Baghdad and is considered one of the important cultural landmarks in Iraq. It is a place where people talk about culture, art, poetry and politics. It is frequented by the general public, merchants, employees and writers, and was a gathering place for Iraqi politicians and intellectuals. The current manager of the café is Hajj Muhammad Al-Khashali, who spent more than 55 years of his life in this place after taking over its management in 1963.

70% of the building was destroyed in a terrorist bombing in 2007, but it was restored and reopened again, and was later nicknamed the Martyrs' Café as a result of the terrorist incident that claimed the lives of all five of Muhammad...

Shabandar Café, nestled in the heart of Baghdad's historic Al-Mutanabbi Street, offers a unique blend of charm and history. This beloved café serves as a cultural sanctuary, where the aroma of strong Iraqi coffee mingles with the worn pages of books and newspapers. Its walls are adorned with black-and-white photographs and portraits, capturing Baghdad's rich past. The wooden furniture and vintage decor offer a cozy and nostalgic escape from modern hustle.

Patrons of Shabandar Café are often writers, poets, and intellectuals who engage in lively discussions, reflecting the café's longstanding tradition as a cradle for cultural and intellectual exchange. The constant hum of conversation and the clinking of cups create a harmonious symphony.

Being part of Baghdad's story for decades, Shabandar has witnessed both joyful gatherings and the resilience against challenges. It's not just a café; it's a testament to Baghdad's enduring spirit and the vibrant culture that continues to thrive amid change. This rich atmosphere, combined with the genuine warmth of its patrons, is what makes Shabandar Café and...