Iraqi keto guide
Navigable
262 dishes145 keto as served105 with a photo
Keto friendliness
Adapting Iraqi cuisine to keto requires constant vigilance against pervasive carb staples, making an authentic full meal challenging without significant modifications.
Top ingredients
Excellent options include grilled lamb, beef, chicken, and fish (like Masgouf), along with full-fat yogurt, olive oil, and non-starchy vegetables such as eggplant, okra, and tomatoes.
Danger zones
The biggest carb traps are ubiquitous rice (biryani, timman), bulgur (kibbeh, tabouleh), all forms of bread (khubz, pita), and hidden sugars in sauces or desserts.
Best for
This cuisine works best for strict keto dieters who are confident requesting modifications, comfortable focusing solely on grilled meats and select vegetables, and willing to forgo traditional starchy accompaniments.
14 matching dishes
Araq
Grilled Lamb Ribs
Succulent lamb ribs, often simply marinated with salt, pepper, and sometimes lemon juice, then expertly grille…
4 net5 total1 fibre90 protein85 fat1100 kcal
Riyash
Grilled Lamb Chops with Keto Sides
Succulent grilled lamb chops, marinated with traditional Iraqi spices and cooked to perfection. Served with a …
5 net8 total3 fibre70 protein65 fat900 kcal
Araq O Rouq
Slow-Cooked Lamb Stew (without rice)
A traditional Iraqi slow-cooked lamb stew, featuring tender chunks of lamb (often bone-in), rich in fat and co…
6 net8 total2 fibre60 protein75 fat900 kcal
Quzi
Slow-Cooked Lamb
A celebratory dish featuring a large cut of lamb (often a shoulder or leg), slow-cooked until exceptionally te…
6 net8 total2 fibre100 protein90 fat1200 kcal
Baba Ghanoush
Roasted Eggplant Dip (without bread)
A creamy and smoky dip made from fire-roasted eggplant, blended with tahini (sesame paste), fresh lemon juice,…
7 net15 total8 fibre8 protein40 fat450 kcal
Kibda
Fried Lamb Liver with Onions (No Bread)
Deliciously pan-fried lamb liver, typically sautéed with onions, bell peppers, and a blend of savory Iraqi spi…
7 net10 total3 fibre50 protein55 fat720 kcal
Shorbat Feter
Creamy Mushroom Soup
A rich and savory Iraqi-style mushroom soup, prepared with fresh mushrooms, a generous amount of cream, and a …
7 net10 total3 fibre10 protein50 fat550 kcal
Masgouf
Grilled Carp
A traditional Iraqi dish of slow-grilled carp, often seasoned with salt, lemon, and sometimes tamarind or othe…
8 net10 total2 fibre80 protein75 fat1000 kcal
Shorbat Kusa
Creamy Zucchini Soup
A soothing and creamy soup made with fresh zucchini, typically blended smooth with a rich broth and heavy crea…
8 net12 total4 fibre8 protein45 fat480 kcal
Lahm Bil Forn
Iraqi Baked Lamb with Vegetables
Succulent chunks of lamb, slow-baked until wonderfully tender, often prepared with onions, tomatoes, and bell …
9 net15 total6 fibre55 protein70 fat880 kcal
Lisan Ma' Lahm (Keto Modified)
Braised Beef Tongue with Keto Vegetables
Tender beef tongue, slow-braised to perfection in a savory, spiced broth, typically served with a selection of…
9 net15 total6 fibre70 protein75 fat920 kcal
Sujuk Maqli
Pan-fried Iraqi Sausage
Iraqi Sujuk, a spicy, often garlic-infused sausage, pan-fried to perfection. Served as is, without bread or ri…
9 net10 total1 fibre35 protein55 fat650 kcal
Samak Harra
Baked Spicy Fish with Tomato & Walnut Sauce (No Rice)
A whole baked fish (often sea bass or similar white fish) coated in a rich, spicy tomato-based sauce, traditio…
10 net14 total4 fibre70 protein60 fat880 kcal
KAsoon
Muhammara (Keto Modified, no breadcrumbs)
Roasted Red Pepper and Walnut Dip (Keto)
A rich, smoky, and savory keto-friendly dip made from char-roasted red bell peppers, ground walnuts, fresh gar…
10 net15 total5 fibre8 protein42 fat450 kcal