IRAQIS GET A TASTE FOR US FAST FOOD CHAINS
▶ Arrival of franchises such as KFC and Burger King reflects recovery and stability in Iraqi capital, say residents
The vibrant culinary landscape in Iraq is set to change as American fast food chains come on the scene.
A city rich in history, Baghdad has long been a centre of gastronomic delights – going back to its days as the capital of the Abbasid Caliphate between the eighth and 13th centuries.
Now American brands have ventured into this ancient metropolis, with the stage set for an infusion of new flavours.
From fast-food franchises including Kentucky Fried Chicken, Hardee’s, Burger King and Pizza Hut to indulgent dessert chains such as Cinnabon, these American pioneers are poised to reshape Baghdad’s culinary landscape.
Twenty years after the US-led invasion that toppled Saddam
Hussein’s regime, Baghdad finds itself embracing a new era of international fare.
The presence of multinational chains and foreign companies in Iraq serves as a symbol of “recovery, security improvement and stability”, scientist Zaid Al Badri, 68, tells The National as he shares a table with his family outside KFC and Pizza Hut, in the vibrant neighbourhood of Jadiriyah.
The smell of fried chicken and spices fills the air as eager customers queue to place their orders. Inside KFC, servers make their way through halls bustling with families and groups of teenagers.
There is a lively and welcoming atmosphere, with conversations blending with the sounds of sizzling fryers and clinking cutlery.
Mohammed Ayad, an oil engineer, enjoyed eating at fast-food restaurants such as KFC while studying for six years in Moscow. He is excited to indulge in familiar flavours in Baghdad. “I’m happy they have opened a place here,” Mr Ayad, 25, tells The National.
But the prices – ranging from 6,500 Iraqi dinars ($5) for a kids’ meal to 59,500 dinars for a family meal – are expensive, he says.
Mr Ayad paid 29,500 dinars for the eight-piece bucket meal. That is nearly double what he used to pay in Moscow.
“But the taste is unparalleled and I’m happy,” he says.
Food businesses have flourished in Iraq recently.
Local and foreign businesses have spent millions of dollars to bring international food chains to the country, with the majority coming from Turkey and Gulf states.
New local brands have also been established with the help of foreign chefs and staff.
A short walk from KFC, the scent of freshly baked cinnamon rolls attracts customers to Cinnabon. The venue offers a variety of baked goods that Iraqis seem to enjoy.
“It’s really amazing to have the original brand here and that will be highly appreciated among Iraqis, as they love food,” says businessman Saif Ali, 44.
Mr Ali also believes the prices are too expensive, compared with the Cinnabon outlets in other countries.
Omar Al Jabouri, managing director of Al Salail for General Trading and Food Services, the franchisee of Cinnabon, said the prices were higher due to import costs.
“For sure, the prices will be higher than its peers, but this is a foreign brand, so the ingredients and equipment are not bought from local markets, they are imported exclusively for the chain,” he said.
“There are many obstacles in Iraq for projects, including corruption, energy issues, transportation and [a fluctuating] exchange rate. All of that impacts prices.”
Mr Al Jabouri was pleased with the number of customers who had been served, days after the venue opened.
“Iraqi people are eager to try foreign brands as they offer high-quality products, which can’t be compared to other brands,” he said.
Al Salail is looking to expand further with new chains.
“We bring successful brands to Iraq and we spare no effort to make it a success,” Mr Al Jabouri said. “We are optimistic that we will succeed.”