Foodie Pundit

The Simple Iraqi Sweet That Has The Internet Talking

A viral video of a simple, sesame-based confection from Iraq called Abu Harir has captured the internet's attention. Learn about the 'sweet of the working class

By Foodie Pundit Newsroom - Published - Updated - Section: Social Virality

A close up shot of a large, opaque block of pulled sesame candy, showing its fibrous, layered texture before it is cut.

Key points

  • The viral success of a video showing the making of Abu Harir, an Iraqi sesame candy, highlights a growing online appetite for authentic, traditional foodcraft.
  • Known as 'the sweet of the working class', Abu Harir's simple ingredients and affordability make it a cultural touchstone and a symbol of resilience in Iraq.
  • The mesmerizing, labor-intensive process of pulling the candy is a key part of its appeal, fitting into the popular ASMR and process-video trend.
  • The global conversation sparked by the video demonstrates the power of food as a tool for cross-cultural communication and understanding, bypassing language and borders.

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