Vanilly
There is evidence that ice cream has been enjoyed in the Iraqi region since 500 BC, when people poured syrups over snow to make fruit ice to the 15th century when the first creamy, frozen milk dessert was enjoyed in the Levant region.
Iraqis have been making fermented foods and beverages since 7500 BC, and are familiar with yogurt. In fact, Iraq could be the birthplace of yogurt. Salted yogurt beverages called shanina are particularly popular. Yogurt is often consumed for breakfast along with bread.
However, froyo is relatively new to Iraq. The first froyo shop appears to have been Tutti Frutti, a US-based chain, that opened in Baghdad in 2015. Things were quiet for a few years during the global pandemic, but there’s a new froyo resurgence.
We found seven froyo shops that are currently open and they all opened after the pandemic. They are all counter-serve. We also found six froyo shops that closed, and four of these were from Europe. Some of the local ice cream shops and other non-froyo-shops may also carry froyo. Another Pinkberry is set to open in Basrah, soon.
Iraq, a country in the Middle East, has a population of over 46 million, and is currently the 35th-most populous country in the world. The economy is heavily dependent on oil. The GDP ranks 52nd in the world and the poverty rate is 30%. The country is enjoying a time of political stability and rebuilding.
The largest cities by population are the capital, Baghdad (7.216 million), Basrah (2.6 million), Al Mawsil al Jadidah (2.065 million), Al Basrah al Qadimah (2.015 million), and Mosul (1.739 million).
Current Froyo Shops
Pinkberry
- 14 Ramadan St, Baghdad
- Al-Krada 42nd Street, Baghdad
- Basrah
- Basrah (coming soon to Al-Tawisa)
The first Pinkberry in Iraq opened in Baghdad in 2021 at the site of the former Llaollao at 14 Ramadan St. The menu includes froyo, smoothies, bubble waffles, and fresh fruit parfaits. Pinkberry’s Al-Krada 42nd Street outlet in Baghdad opened on September 12, 2024. Pinkberry opened in Basra in October 2024.
Vanilly
- Al-Karada 62 St., Baghdad
- Al-Saadi St., Basrah
- Al-Jadriyah, Baghdad
- Four Sts., Baghdad
Vanilly, which was founded nine years ago in Iraq, has four locations that are relatively new (established in 2022, now franchising). The shops are counter-serve and the menu includes froyo, coffee, bubble waffles, waffle cones, fruit coolers, frozen yogurt pops, and shakes. The frozen yogurt is low calorie, non-fat, and with no sugar-added. Five more branches are in the works. Some locations are open 24 hours a day!
Closed Froyo Shops
Llaollao, 14 Ramadan St, Baghdad
Llaollao, the number #1 yogurt brand in Europe and Asia, opened in 2019 with plans to sign nine licensees in Iraq. The shop seems to have closed in 2019. Interestingly, Pinkberry took over the space. The product was positioned as healthy Spanish ice cream.
Llaollao, Mansour Mall, Baghdad
This branch of Llaollao was located at the Mansour Mall in Baghdad. The shop seems to have opened and closed in 2019.
Shakeaway, Erbil, Dream City, Airport Entrance, Building 38
Shakeaway opened in Iraq on April 1, 2021. Shakeaway, a UK-based company, was the world’s largest milkshake bar company. The menu included fat-free frozen yogurt.
Tutti Frutti FrozenYogurt, Baghdad
Tutti Frutti Frozen Yogurt opened in July 13, 2015 in Jadriyah, an affluent neighborhood in Baghdad. This was the first American frozen yogurt shop in Iraq. The last Instagram post was in 2017.
Wonderpots Frozen Yogurt, H9CR+V28, Sarchinar Road, Sulaymaniyah, Sulaymaniyah Governorate
Wonderpots was the first German frozen yogurt brand in Kurdistan and Iraq. The counter-serve shop opened in 2016, serving froyo, shakes, juices, tea, and muffins. It may have closed in 2019.
Yoggi Café, زيونة بغداد 8CCV+C3Q،، بغداد،،، 00964,
Yoggi Cafe in Baghdad specialized in froyo with fruit. It also served waffles, crepes, cakes, and drinks. The last Instagram and Facebook posts were in 2022. The last Google review was written a year ago. It might still be open but it’s hard to tell.
See the froyo shops of Iraq by checking out our Pinterest board, Froyo Shops in Iraq.
Did we miss any froyo shops in Iraq? Let us know.
