Haji Zbala Refreshments

On Al-Rasheed Street, where the scent of history mingles with the aroma of raisin syrup, stands Haj Zbala one of the oldest and most renowned traditional juice shops in Iraq.

A living heritage landmark, it has witnessed the passage of time and the succession of rulers.

This iconic shop was first established in 1900 in the Karkh district, before moving to its current location in 1912. Since then, it has become a cultural and spiritual symbol of Baghdad maintaining its simple character and traditional method of preparing sharbat al zabeeb (raisin syrup), which has become a hallmark of the Baghdadi palate and a favorite among locals and visitors alike.

Over more than a century, the shop has gained fame for serving natural raisin syrup, made from premium-quality raisins specially sourced from northern Iraq, particularly from regions such as Khushnaw, Dukan, and Duhok.

The raisins are soaked, pressed, and fermented using a traditional, inherited manual process without any artificial flavors giving the drink its authentic taste, rich texture, and refreshing character. It has come to represent the generosity of Baghdad and the spirit of its traditional craftsmanship.

Throughout its long history, the shop has welcomed customers from all walks of life from humble passersby to kings and heads of state.

Among the notable figures who have visited or tasted its famous drink are: King Faisal I, King Ghazi, King Faisal II, Nuri al-Said, Abd al-Karim Qasim, Abd al-Salam Arif, Saddam Hussein, King Hussein of Jordan, Hosni Mubarak, and Yasser Arafat.

This has made the shop a rare place where the everyday meets the historic, and where popular taste intersects with political presence a unique image that cannot be replicated.

As for the man behind the name that became associated with Baghdadi popular taste his real name was Haj Abd Al Ghafoor.

But people know him by the nickname “Zbala” (meaning “trash”), a name his mother gave him according to an old folk tradition.

This practice was based on the belief that children who had lost siblings were given odd or undesirable names such as "Zbala" to ward off envy or bad luck, in hopes that the child would survive. The name grew to become a symbol, tied to a unique popular product. Many Iraqis even believe that “Zbala” is a brand name rather than a real person.

But the story carries within it a deep cultural narrative that blends folklore, belief, and family memory.

Thus, Haj Zbala’s shop was never just a place to serve raisin syrup. It became a meeting point of classes, eras, and symbols a place that, in its simplicity, embodies the deep-rooted identity of Baghdad. Here, a humble name can become a legend told at a street corner, its taste engraved in the memory of an entire city.