Kurdish rice is a favorite among locals for Eid feasts

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - In preparation for Eid al-Adha, demand for Kurdish rice among locals surges as they begin to cook their favorite traditional dishes to gather with loved ones.

Despite the variety of rice available on shelves in supermarkets across the Kurdistan Region, locals insist that the Kurdish-produced one is tastier and far healthier than the alternatives. 

Shler, a housewife from Erbil, told Rudaw’s Lamia Rasul on Sunday, “Kurdish rice tastes better and people have a demand for it. “It is healthier because it has less starch than other rice.”

“Kurdish rice is a healthier rice compared to the others because it is known in what country it comes from or what kind of rice it is,” Abdulstar Mahmood, a resident, said. 

Along with Kurdish rice, Indian, Pakistani, and Thai produce are also among the ones with the highest demand in the Region’s market. 

“Kurdish rice is popular among the old generation of Erbil residents,” Shamsadin Karim, a local shopkeeper, told Rudaw while he was talking about the types of rice and their origin. 

“There is Indian, Pakistani, and Thai rice and demand for Indian rice is huge,” Karim added. 

Eid al-Adha, which lasts four days, dhas many different traditions. After finishing the Eid feast, family, friends and neighbors then visit each other's homes. Men and women wear traditional Kurdish clothing, while children dress in brand new outfits specifically bought for the special holiday..