In 2015, we had our first taste of Mazgoof, Iraq's special dish. It was September and we were in Sätra, south of Stockholm. Excited to try it, we headed to a Mazgoof restaurant. Watching the whole fish cook on the open grill was amazing but the heat inside made it uncomfortable, so we didn't return.
However, I couldn't forget the wonderful taste of Mazgoof. I longed for it and when I discovered a nature reserve near our home where we could enjoy it, I felt overjoyed and thrilled!
This year, when I was searching on Google, I stumbled upon BiBi House nestled in the Hansta Nature Reserve near our home. Mazgoof was their specialty, and instantly, memories of its delicious taste flooded back. Despite coming across a few bad reviews about BiBi House's food and service, my craving for Mazgoof was so strong that I decided to take a chance on them. The excitement of tasting that delightful flavour once more outweighed the negative comments, reigniting my eagerness to give it another try.
Excited and hopeful, we dialled BiBi House and placed an order for two types of fish: Roho and Mirgal, knowing they would be patiently grilled for about an hour. Surprisingly, despite being in a crowded place like Kista, BiBi House seemed like a serene escape from the city's chaos. It was a beautiful reminder that sometimes, we don't need to venture far to find ourselves close to nature's tranquillity.
As we arrived at the BiBi House parking lot, wisps of smoke spiralled from a cosy cabin, infusing the air with the delightful aroma of wood grilling. Welcomed warmly, the restaurant owner noticed our three children and remarked, "This grilled fish is quite substantial; perhaps the kids won't be able to finish it all." We smiled, knowing whether we'd need more or less fish would be decided after our meal.
Amidst this serene scene, a man skillfully chopped wood nearby, and inside a quaint cabin, a large round grill crackled with burning wood, cooking fish to perfection. The simplicity of seasoning – just salt and pepper – let the natural flavours of the grilled fish take centre stage. Paired with BiBi House's freshly baked bread, crisp salad, and tangy pickled vegetables, each bite was a revelation, a harmonious blend of flavours that danced on our taste buds, creating an unforgettable summer evening feast.
We cast a quick look inside the BiBi House building, the interior exuded an old world charm reminiscent of a historic castle. Lavish decorations adorned the walls, showcasing paintings and antique frames that added a touch of elegance to the ambiance. The cosy furnishings, reminiscent of a regal era, invited us to dine in comfort and style. However, the slight downside was the maintenance, as the carpets appeared somewhat soiled, detracting slightly from the otherwise captivating atmosphere.
Despite this minor setback, the essence of Bibi House transcended its culinary delights. Nestled within the embrace of nature, the restaurant provided a serene retreat from the bustling city life, offering a tranquil setting to enjoy a sumptuous meal on a balmy summer's eve.