FYI, funny you used Chai instead of Shai, the actual spelling. It's common in Baghdad, but there is no "ch" sound in Arabic.

Forget the bland hummus and meshwi, you want real Baghdadi food like t'beit, grilled bass, or kufta. And try the local variant umba, much different from the Indian variety you get in the US.
 UCF Journalism Student | 4:08 PM

Thanks for the correction. It'll be Shai from now on. My unsophisticated ear couldn't tell the difference when I was being offered the tea.

And you're right, I do want all the food you're talking about. I had grilled bass in Kurdistan last year and it was outstanding -- crispy, salty skin and moist meat within. But I'm just not going to get that during my embeds, unfortunately.

(Note to CPIC: Not that what you're serving me, free of charge, isn't appreciated!)
 Spencer Ackerman | 10:54 PM

Spencer, no, keep using CHai, it's the common Baghdadi pronunciation. I was intrigued that you picked it up. Shai is the proper spelling and pronunciation, but like most phrases in Arabic, it all depends on where you are.

Use eshlonuck for how are you, m'lieh for I'm okay, Ock'lu for I ate.

If you need anything others, e-mail me at
ucfjouststudent at gmail dot com
 UCF Journalism Student | 5:38 PM