Combatting poverty and hunger in Baghdad
Shorba Khana in Al-Adhamiyah provides daily free meals for the needy
BAGHDAD — Shorba Khana restaurant, located in the Al-Adhamiyah area of Baghdad, has evolved from a modest idea as a street food initiative for those in need into one of the largest humanitarian projects in the area, offering daily meals to the needy alongside a suite of other charitable projects.
Iyad Al-Obaidi, the head of the project’s relief section, shared with 964media the journey from concept to expansion and the impact the restaurant has today.
Al-Obaidi described Shorba Khana as a non-profit, volunteer-driven charity focused solely on aiding needy families and combating poverty and hunger. Relying entirely on donations, Al-Obaidi added the restaurant runs without governmental or political support.
“Beyond a free restaurant, Shorba Khana symbolizes a movement towards social solidarity, inspiring youth volunteerism and launching initiatives,” he stated.
Founded by Sheikh Mohammed Samir Al-Obaidi, with Diaa Al-Dulaimi as the chef, and managed by Iyad Al-Obaidi for relief operations and Osama Al-Azzawi for the volunteer team, Shorba Khana has been serving two meals a day since 2014.
Breakfast includes eggs, cheese, bread, and a main dish of soup, while lunch varies based on donated ingredients, typically featuring rice, bean stew, tepsi, meat and chicken tashreeb, and turshana, an Iraqi fruit stew.
“During Ramadan, the menu expands to include yogurt, dates, juices, fruits, and sweets. Meals are distributed in way which each family takes what they need in pots and containers, with plans to offer individual servings inside the restaurant,” he said.
“Shorba Khana stands as a cycle of goodwill, bridging donors and the impoverished, and giving dignity to recipients plus assurances for benefactors. Born from the dire needs of displaced families during military operations and ISIS control, the project provides food, drink, clothing, and shelter without governmental support,” he added.
Beneficiaries range from displaced families to the poor, as well as passersby, students, and anyone in need. With its success, Shorba Khana has inspired similar initiatives across Baghdad and cities like Anbar, Mosul, and Samarra, according to Al-Obaidi.
The project’s vision extends to advocating for a food security law, ensuring every citizen’s right to food and drink through a free food bank in every governorate to combat hunger.