Jalal Talabani International Airport

Sulaymaniyah's airport may be compact, but don't let its modest size fool you — the dining options airside punch well above their weight. The main terminal has a handful of cafés and casual sit-down spots clustered near the departure gates, and the atmosphere feels genuinely local rather than the soulless chain-food experience you'd dread elsewhere. Grab a window seat, order a strong Kurdish chai, and you'll feel the warmth of Kurdish hospitality before you've even boarded.

The standout dish to seek out is definitely the slow-braised lamb, served with fragrant saffron rice and a side of fresh herb salads that Kurdish kitchens do so beautifully. A few eateries offer grilled kebabs with warm flatbread straight from the tandoor, and the smoky aroma alone is worth arriving early for. Mezze platters loaded with hummus, mast-u-khiar (yogurt with cucumber and mint), and pickled vegetables make for a satisfying light meal if you're watching your time before a flight.

For something sweet before departure, look for baklava and the local halva, which tend to appear in small glass display cases near the coffee counters — easy to miss, impossible to regret. Turkish-style coffee sits alongside Kurdish herbal teas on most menus, and the service is unhurried and genuine in the best possible way. Honestly, if your layover allows it, linger over a second cup; the food here is a lovely last taste of Sulaymaniyah before the runway calls.