Families in Diyala embrace suhur trend with late night dining options

DIYALA — With Ramadan in full swing, families in Diyala are opting for an open-buffet suhur experience at restaurants where chefs bring a fresh take on traditional dishes. One popular spot, Al‑Nakhla Restaurant on Fursan Street in central Baqubah, offers a fusion menu of Iraqi, Levantine, and Mediterranean flavors for 15,000 dinars ($10.15) per person.

Lebanese chef Mohammed Khazal told 964media, “The buffet includes grilled fish, appetizers, Greek salads, Lebanese pastries, and Italian pizza. Customers enjoy the variety, and we update the buffet regularly to keep it fresh.”

He added, “We also serve Yemeni mandi and Iraqi quzi, all kept warm with open flames beneath the serving dishes.”

Typically, suhur—the pre‑dawn meal before the fast—is completed about 30 minutes before sunrise. This Ramadan, it generally ends at Fajr prayer around 4:30 a.m., marking the start of the day’s fast.

The restaurant is bustling with diners. “As you can see, the place is full. Diners choose their food from the buffet, and our staff assists them in serving their selections,” Khazal said. “Women often find it exhausting to prepare meals at home, so many families prefer to eat out for suhur.”

For some, the experience is a break from routine. Customer Youssef Ahmed remarked, “We came for a change of atmosphere. Eating suhur at home every day gets boring. The dishes here are delicious, the presentation is appealing, the staff is respectful, and the food is great.”

He added, “We eat, chat with family and friends, and enjoy the time together. I don’t mind having grilled fish with red rice for suhur, but some people prefer lighter meals.”

Another diner, Mustafa Nazem, praised the restaurant’s unique ambiance. “Most nights during Ramadan, I eat the same meals, but tonight is different. There’s red rice, grilled fish, appetizers, and fresh fruit. I loved the Iraqi dolma—it’s a dish like no other.”

He continued, “The gathering with friends is full of fun, unlike at home. We talk, we laugh, and the ambiance is just great.”

Nazem also highlighted the affordability, noting, “The price is reasonable—15,000 dinars ($10.15) per person.”