Erbil authorities shut down restaurant over $87,000 dish controversy

ERBIL – Authorities in Erbil have shut down Aland Steakhouse, a high-profile restaurant that sparked controversy for offering an $87,000 dish called “Kurdistan,” citing ‘regulatory violations’.

The Erbil District Office announced the closure following a viral social media video showcasing the extravagant dish, which featured gold, diamonds, and exotic ingredients. Officials stated that the restaurant failed to comply with local laws and guidelines, leading to its closure.

The ostentatious dish required three months to prepare.

The meal was presented in gold-encrusted containers adorned with diamonds and included rare elements such as gold-infused caviar, whale liver oil, and premium chicken.

The presentation extended to custom-made diamond-studded hookah and coffee served in diamond-studded cups. Customers were given a personalized certificate and allowed to keep the gold and diamond elements used during the meal. Their profiles were also displayed on the restaurant’s website.

The closure has drawn mixed reactions, with some applauding the decision as necessary oversight and others questioning the circumstances leading to the restaurant’s high-profile shutdown. Local authorities have not disclosed specific details about the violations but emphasized that all establishments must adhere to legal and regulatory standards.