5 Favourites of an Assyrian Foodaholic

Hey there! I’m just here to express my deepest love and gratitude for some of my favourite Assyrian foods. I can’t help but almost drool at the thought of Assyrian food because of how delicious it is, and I'll bet your mouth will definitely be watering by the time you’re done reading this....

1. Riza ou’ Shorba

Via assyrianrecipes.com

Ah...the classic riza ou’ shorba (rice and stew) is definitely something you can’t miss out on eating as it is a common food of our culture. Whether it be white rice, red rice, brown rice, any rice served with stew filled with a variation of foods like chicken, chick peas, beans, potatoes, it is definitely a food I love eating (although we have rice as if it’s necessary for survival, but that’s okay!)

2. Kubbeh

Via pinterest.com

Kubbeh is beef filling inside a patty that you can eat dry or in a stew. My favourite Kubbeh is Kubbeh khamouth (lemon kubbeh)…the hot kubbeh in the delicious tomato sauce sprinkled with some mint flakes is definitely one of the best. But we can’t forget kubbeh yakhnee...the fancier type of kubbeh as I’d like to think of it. This Kubbeh is also filled with meat but is served with chickpeas and beef in a stew. Kubbeh is always a meal I enjoy eating and just thinking of it now is getting me very, very, VERY hungry!

3. Dolma

Via blog.worldvision.org

Dolma, probably the most famously known Assyrian food is something I can never pass up. Dolma is when rice, meat and other vegetables and spices are grinded together and stuffed in various vegetables and rolled in grape leaves then cooked. Personally, I prefer dolma without meat but it can be good either way. Some hot, juicy, spicy dolma is always one of the best ways to go if you are looking for a delicious meal, and we definitely can’t forget the doweh (yogurt drink) to go along with it!

4. Pacha

Via imgrum.org

Finally, PACHA! The meal that is sure to sound very gross to your ears but delicious in your stomach. Because really, when does eating sheep intestines (sometimes cow or lamb) ever sound delicious? Yuck! Surprisingly, it’s an Assyrian favourite of many. When eating Pacha, it’s normal to come across cooked tongue, stomach, feet, and intestines. Rice is sewn shut into the stomach and stuffed into the intestines before cooking. You wouldn’t think that it would be delicious but you will definitely grow to love it after a couple tries! It’s definitely not as bad as it sounds.

5. Dokhwa

Via google.ca

Last but not least, the one and only…the famous Dokhwa. Yes, I am talking about the one you see at the table during every single Easter and Christmas dinner, but it’s just that good it HAS to be there! Dokhwa, usually made in the biggest pot imaginable in the house, is a thick, creamy stew filled with meat and other ingredients. I personally always look forward to eating it because it’s not made that often (I guess because it might be trickier to make than other foods) and because of that I have to savour every bite. It’s served hot from the pot (yes I have good rhyming skills) and is a delicious meal that will definitely fill you up.

The list of delicious, mouth-watering Assyrian foods can go on and on but I hope you enjoyed reading about some of my favourites!