Japanese restaurant in Baquba moves from novelty to neighborhood staple

BAQUBA — A Japanese restaurant in Baquba is winning over local diners who have moved past initial curiosity to make dishes like sushi and bao buns a regular part of their dining choices, the restaurant’s manager says.

SOL Japanese Restaurant, located on Diyala Boulevard, opened in Baghdad three years ago under Dar al-Qahwaji Company before expanding to Baquba, where manager Junayd al-Suri said demand exceeded expectations within the first month and a half. “Customers are no longer driven by curiosity alone,” he told 964media.

The restaurant’s menu includes Japanese sushi, Chinese bao buns and seaweed dishes. Al-Suri said the concept centers on the in-person dining experience, with delivery postponed so staff can guide customers through unfamiliar dishes. Chef Haider al-Basri demonstrated sushi preparation using steamed Japanese rice, salmon, tuna or shrimp and nori seaweed rolled with a bamboo mat, noting that customers tend to prefer cooked or smoked options over raw fish. “Raw food is still not familiar to Iraqis in general,” he said.

Regular customer Shahad Ahmed described the experience as distinctive and said she hopes to see more initiatives bringing Japanese culture and cuisine to Iraq.