Expanding nationwide
Baghdad café offers Japan-inspired menu with an Iraqi twist
BAGHDAD — Following its success in Zayouna, Uncle Otaki Café House has opened a second branch in the Al-Yarmouk district, introducing a Japanese-inspired menu while adding a local Iraqi touch. The café, launched by Mustafa Saadoun, who traveled to Japan to study its cuisine, has quickly gained popularity among Baghdadis, prompting plans to expand across Iraq.
“We traveled from Baghdad to Tokyo to bring the culture and traditions of Uncle Otaki to life here,” Saadoun said, highlighting the café’s authentic Japanese offerings. The menu includes items like Japanese cheesecake, sold for 5,500 dinars (approximately $3.60 USD), which is known for being fluffy and soft.
One standout dessert is Mini Taiyaki, a seven-piece waffle shaped like fish, made following traditional Japanese methods. Another popular item is Mochi, an ice cream wrapped in rice dough, priced at 2,500 dinars (about $1.63 USD). “It’s unlike the classic ice cream people are used to,” Saadoun added.
Abdullah Abdul Sattar, owner of the Uncle Otaki project, explained the inspiration behind the concept: “We wanted something different from typical Baghdad cafés, and that’s how Uncle Otaki was born. After our first success in Zayouna, we opened this second branch in Al-Yarmouk, and we’re planning more branches across Iraq.”
The café has been particularly well received by younger customers, many of whom are fans of Japanese anime and culture. Artistic illustrations by Noor Namir, inspired by Japanese elements, add to the café’s unique identity. “I wanted to reflect Japanese culture through my designs,” Namir said, emphasizing her research into Japanese fashion and traditions.