Spartans enjoy Iraqi breakfast in Kirkuk

Courtesy Photo | The staff at Snunu Bakery roll sheets of dough while preparing a breakfast for “Battle Boar” soldiers of 1st Plt., Co. B, 1/30 Inf., 2nd HBCT, 3rd ID, out of Fort Stewart, Ga., in Kirkuk, Iraq, July 12.  

KIRKUK, IRAQ

07.12.2010

Story by Spc. Dustin Gautney 

2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division Public Affairs

FORWARD OPERATING BASE WARRIOR, Iraq – “Battle Boar” soldiers of 1st Platoon, Company B, 1st Battalion, 30th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, out of Fort Stewart, Ga., have been enjoying this decadent breakfast, known as kahi, made by the owner, Shokat, at Snunu Bakery and Sweets, in Kirkuk, Iraq, since February and had the opportunity to do so again, July 12.

Shokat attributes their top-quality cuisine to several factors.

“We have the cleanest working environment, best ingredients and a unique baking technique that must stay inside the restaurant,” Shokat said. “Our sheera also comes from a secret recipe.”

Snunu Bakery also serves their gaymer in a distinctive fashion.

“We place our trays of gaymer on beds of ice,” Shokat added. “You rarely see this. I have seen that chilled gaymer provides a nice contrast to the warm syrup.”

“It’s the syrup that puts them over the top,” stated a local customer, Mahmud.

Being the culinary experts of Kirkuk, it was inevitable that 1st Platoon, Company B, would find the bakery.

One of the platoon’s interpreters introduced the Soldiers to Snunu on an early morning patrol in February prior to national elections. They have made several visits since, grabbing both take-out and dining in.

Patrols at dawn usually mean the platoon has to make other accommodations for chow outside the dining facility. Some Soldiers don’t mind the alternative at all.
“Eating kahi reminds me of home cooking,” stated Spc. Fadi Tami, a medic for 1st Plt. “I am glad that we are getting the opportunity to experience different Middle Eastern dishes.”

“The pastry is unlike any other I have tasted before,” said Sgt. Joe Muentes, a team leader in 1st Plt. “The syrup is strong, definitely waking you up in the morning. Can you say sugar high?”

“There is no debate,” added satisfied customer Sgt. Robert Moorman, another team leader in 1st Plt. “Pancakes or waffles from the DFAC, even french toast sticks, kahi beats them all hands down. I wish they sold this stuff at IHOP. I would order it every time.”

Many of the soldiers were also surprised by how light the meal feels afterwards. Since there is no grease used in the preparation, patrons can leave energetic and ready to begin a day’s work.

“We give people something light, sweet, warm, but not heavy,” added Shokat. “I think that’s why they keep coming back.”

Add 1st Plt. to the list. They will be coming back.

• Date Taken: 07.12.2010
• Date Posted: 08.09.2010 03:21
• Story ID: 54169
• Location: KIRKUK, IQ