Mustafa Tuman’s restaurant in Basra, where breakfast is a personal touch

BASRA, September 6 — Mustafa, the owner of Tuman Restaurant located on Algeria Street in the heart of Basra, serves breakfast without relying on a traditional menu. He prepares these meals according to his own taste and serves them to his customers, whom he considers his friends.

The name of the restaurant, Tuman, is a tribute to a beloved local figure from the past. Tuman, a dark-skinned Basrawi musician, became famous in the 1970s for playing the flute with his nose and dancing comically in the streets. Cinema owners would even enlist his help to promote the movies being screened for the week.

Mustafa Tuman, the restaurant owner, told 964: “The restaurant is a part of my personality, and I don’t consider it just a business for making money. In fact, everyone calls me Mustafa Tuman after the restaurant.”

He chose the name Tuman to honor the memory of this lively Basrawi character who was beloved by the city’s residents.

Mustafa offers breakfast according to his own preferences, and customers trust his taste and enjoy what he serves. The restaurant is open from 7 AM to 1 PM.

“A single breakfast meal costs 10,000 Iraqi dinars and is sufficient for two people. It typically includes fried eggs with tomatoes, a plate of falafel, and samosas as the main components. Additionally, the meal includes various cheeses, cream, fruits, vegetables, and different types of jams,” he said.

Delivery options at Tuman Restaurant include the Siyab Box priced at 15,000 dinars, suitable for two people, and the Tuman Box, priced at 25,000 dinars, serves between 3 to 4 people.