Abu Fareed’s restaurant: a culinary icon in Basra’s Faw district

BASRA — At the heart of Faw’s bustling market, nestled along Iraq’s southernmost coastal edge in Basra, stands “Abu Fareed’s Restaurant.” Known for its blunt yet honest signage — “Payment upfront, if you’re in a hurry, don’t wait, and don’t linger after eating” — the eatery remains one of the most beloved establishments in this city.

Despite the straightforward demeanor these signs suggest, Abu Fareed has earned the loyalty and respect of the locals by offering consistently delicious food at inflation-busting prices, regardless of market fluctuations.

Abdul Fadhel Abbas, better known as Abu Fareed, opened his restaurant after the end of the Iran-Iraq War when the government allowed residents to return to Faw in the early 1990s.

With no staff, Abu Fareed prefers to manage every aspect of his restaurant himself, from preparing ingredients to serving customers. He takes a midday break before returning in the afternoon, working tirelessly until nightfall.

“My food is always ready, and I haven’t changed anything about it. I prepare all the traditional dishes, such as falafel, kibbeh, shawarma, and samosas. I open the restaurant early in the morning, then take a short break at home, and resume work from 3 PM until 10 PM,” he told 964media.

The restaurant offers classic Iraqi street food staples, including falafel, chicken shawarma, kibbeh, hamburgers, and the renowned Indian samosa, which holds a special place in Basra’s culinary tradition.

“I sell all the dishes at a fixed price that does not change, whether the market prices rise or fall. Everything I make sells out on the same day, and nothing is left for the next day.”

Regular customers, like Sabah Hassan, view Abu Fareed’s Restaurant as more than just an eatery; it’s a symbol of Faw’s post-war revival. Hassan praised the restaurant’s cleanliness, high-quality meals, and commitment to fairness in pricing.

“Abu Fareed’s Fast-Food Restaurant is the oldest restaurant in the Fao district, opened in the 1990s after the reconstruction campaign in the area. Abu Fareed is known for his famous saying, ‘If you’re in a hurry, don’t wait, and payment is upfront.’”

He continued, “The restaurant is distinguished by its cleanliness, delicious food, and the finest wraps. He has maintained his loyal customer base since long ago and remains famous for his unmatched shawarma and kibbeh.”